A local half marathon was recently named one of the best races in the U.S.
The Raccoon Mountain Half Marathon was listed by The BibRave 100, an online site that connects runners with the best races around the country, as one of the 20 best half marathons in the U.S.
"The Raccoon Mountain races are a crazy little running party, focused on fun and accomplishing goals in one of our favorite places in the area to run," race founder and director Courtney Bird wrote in a press release. "We are beyond honored to be listed among some incredible races. Our race is unique within the BibRave 100 because it is a lot smaller than most of the other winners."
The site picked the 20 best marathons and half marathons along with the top 15 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races.
The race was the only Tennessee race to make the list.
"We think we were chosen because we're a race with heart," Bird wrote.
The Raccoon Mountain Half Marathon was also named one of America's top races for beautiful on-course scenery.
The site wrote the following about the race:
The Raccoon Mountain Half combines the best of Chattanooga's running scene with part of the course on roads and part of the race covering trails. There's a morning AND afternoon option for those that like to get their snooze on, (Amen to that!) and all participants in 2018 will receive a glass beer mug and a locally-made handmade wooden medal.
Contact staff writer Mark Pace at mpace@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659. Follow him on Twitter @themarkpace and on Facebook at ChattanoogaOutdoorsTFP.