You're doing a marathon in the middle of summer in Tennessee. Common sense should tell you it's going to be hot, humid and likely to be a miserable experience. The emails and Facebook postings from the race director (a.k.a. 'The Sadist') do nothing to discourage you from that notion. It's all done though in that crazy mindset of: 'you know youre going to be miserable, but we're going to have a good time anyway!'

Josh has put together a great race in Cookeville. Its a loop that is a little over 5 miles long that takes you through part of Cane Creek Park, around a sports complex, up to a school and back. You will spend a lot of time running on lots of asphalt/pavement. This only adds to the heat/humidity of the race.

There were plenty of stations for water and snacks, and all of the staff that Josh has helping do a great job.

This year had a bunch of rain during the start and finish of the race. The rain just made it more humid during the middle portion, but the really nasty storms came in near the end of the race. It held up some runners (myself included) on the race course. We ran for cover&waited until the storms passed & then finished the race.

Due to the rain, many of the racers did not stick around after they finished, so the crowds were all but gone by the time I finished.

The racing bibs are personalized for every runner, and the medals are unique and different every race as well.

It's a great race that I'll recommend to others. I'm planning on being there myself next year as well.

Well this year was a different experience...it was overcast, cooler, and it rained! A ton of plusses if you were running it I guess, especially if you were a slower runner. But a bummer if you were a slow runner and wanted to party/celebrate your finish. One, the finish was not as great of an accomplishment as it was previously...and two, it was raining and nobody could hang out and celebrate!

The course is multiple figure 8 loops...some is nicely shaded in the trees, most is very exposed to the blazing sun and drenching humidity...well except for this year.

You get very personalized bibs...I mean it is such a small race that your bibs match your personality as they know you personally. Two, you get fun finisher's awards...not stupid medals to throw in your box of junk medals from all the other races.

So if you like a race with personality...that will make you suffer more than any person deserves to suffer...then this race is for you! If you want a sissy race, I think that Rock and Roll still puts on like 32 races all over the country, one probably within a hour of where you live right now!

Ever wonder if there is a difference between 'Dry' heat and 'Humid' heat? Or are you a believer that 'Heat' is just 'Heat' no matter if it's wet or dry?
Here is the race to put your theory to the test! The Blister in the Sun Marathon is run under some of the worst conditions possible. It's run in August so its going to be hot. Temperatures are usually in the 90's by mid-day. It's run on the Cumberland Plateau in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains so you know there are hills. Finally it is run in the Tennessee Summer in the heart of the steamy South so you know there is going to be humidity... a lot of it. Together the three H's (hot, humid and hilly) make this one of the most insane races yet conceived by the twisted mind of man.
The 'Release' you sign before you register bluntly states that only an idiot would run a race like this and that by signing the document you are admitting you are being a total idiot. I signed it so BEWARE.
This is not a race for those who are not used to severe levels of humidity, even if you are well trained for dry heat. Your sweat is useless and will not evaporate. Getting wet will not help and in fact will ultimately insulate the heat your body is trying to radiate away resulting in heat exhaustion or worse. For those not acclimated to high humidity levels this race is very dangerous and you should not even consider it.
The course is made up of 5 'figure 8' loops each a little more than 5 miles long. The first half loop has some trees and occasional shade and is somewhat scenic but filled with hills. The second half loop is run through parking lots and along an unshaded section of road. It is not scenic at all but is a little flatter (there are still hills.)
This is a great race to have a support crew located at the recreation center where the two loops cross and conveniently is also the start and finish of the race. You can change out wet clothes and get a huge boost every 2.7 miles or so from loved ones. There is a lot of mental demons to face here and having someone waiting for you every 1/10th of the race is a big plus. The spectators like it too since they get to see you a whole lot and never have to move an inch.
The 'Bibs' are hand drawn by the RD's wife and reflect a nickname you chose during registration rather than a race number. Very Creative! The Finishers' Medal this year was a real cast- iron Frying Pan. Last year it was an engraved Bick Lighter. You gotta love stuff like that.
This is a crazy race for steamed nuts used to roasting in the sun in the South. If you fit the bill then come test yourself against the Blister. It's amazingly fun and light hearted given the brutal conditions. Misery loves company and I came to really like the company I kept for my 5 laps of Summer Sultry. Just remember, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I promise you'll feel really strong after this race... in a few weeks anyway when you've had time to recover from it.