FFigawi
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2009
I've only done the full marathon. However, time constraints are one difference - perhaps the main difference? - for the half marathons. Both HMs follow the marathon course for most of their distances. The north HM follows the first half of the marathon course, and the south HM follows the second half of the marathon course. So, there is a time limit (4.5 hours, I think) for the north HM, because they expect marathoners to have cleared the first half of the marathon course by then. The south HM has the full marathon time limit (some 7 hours), so it's essentially unlimited time.
I felt like the north half was a little shadier (it was very hot and sunny this past year), but that may just be because it was earlier in the morning.
The south course is also the party course. The homeowners along the road hand out booze, brats, bacon, and all kinds of other goodies to keep you well fueled and well hydrated.