The Oak Barrel is perhaps the best example of a community
and sponsor being “all in” for an event that I have experienced. It is held in Lynchburg,
TN and named for the oak barrels used by the title sponsor, Jack Daniels, to
age their product. The experience starts with the packet pick up at the distillery
which includes a free tour for everyone. The race starts in the town square and
the entire town turns out to see you off. The course itself rolls through the
country side around town and includes the infamous Whiskey Hill, an eight hundred
foot climb a third of the way through. Along the way you are treated to
numerous water stations, a high school band and people cheering at intersections throughout.
The finish is back in the town square and that’s when the real extent of town’s
hospitality hits you. There is free water, sports
drinks, soft drinks, pizza,
burgers, stew, snacks and fruit not just for the runners but for everyone
there. Throw in the gift shops and horse drawn carriage rides and the magic of
small town America is complete! Maybe the only thing I can say negative is that
the closest place to stay is 20 miles away. Oh, and you get some of the most unique race bling and favors I've ever seen!!!
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