Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay

IF IT DOESN’T CHALLENGE YOU…IT WON’T CHANGE YOU

YES, THE COURSE IS CHALLENGING, THE WEATHER IS HOT, BUT WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU EXPECT AT THE HELL OF A HALF MARATHON?!! OH, AND DON'T WORRY, THERE WILL BE A LOT OF OTHER CRAZIES WHO WILL JOIN YOU DURING YOUR 13.1 JOURNEY, ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED....

IT'S ONE THING TO FINISH A HALF MARATHON, BUT TO SAY YOU COMPLETED THE HELL OF A HALF MARATHON, IS BIG TIME BRAGGING RIGHTS!

RACE START TIME: 7:00 AM

WHAT MAKES THIS RACE STAND OUT:

2nd Race - Run The Valley Half Marathon Series

• 11 AID STATIONS - Loaded with Ice, Water, Sponges, Gatorade, GU's, AND A LOT OF FUN!
• We also encourage you to carry your own hydration
• Relay Shuttle Transportation
• Music DJ'S on the course
• Post-Race Party! Party Vibe at the Finish Venue
• Tulare County Fire Department Hoisting their US Garrison Flag at the Start/Finish Venue
• FREE Breakfast w/Rushbowl & Rocio’s Catering 
• FREE Race Photos
• FREE Race Tracking with RACEJOY
• FREE Live Results on Phone
• Michelob Ultra Beer Garden. Yes, that's FREE too!  
• Michelob Ultra Stage "It's a Party in the Park"
• Top 3 Age Group & Relay Awards
• Overall Male/Female Awards 
• Top Relay Awards (3 Divisions)
• Women's Tech Tank Top
• Men's (Unisex) Short-Sleeve Tech Shirt
• PRO~PT at the Finish Line for your Post Race 
• Awesome Finishers Medal
  

PACKET PICK UP DATES/TIME:

We recommend that you pick up your packet during Packet Pick Up to avoid any delays on race morning. You will receive your race bib, timing chip, event shirt, race swag, and and additional race information.

FRIDAY - August 7th - EXETER: Veterans Memorial Park (324 N. Kaweah Avenue)

Time: 3:00pm to 6:00pm

RACE DAY: OPENS AT 6AM

Virtual Runners - If you can not attend Packet Pick Up, we will mail your race swag and medal following the event.  However, it will be more timely for you to attend packet pick up, especially if you reside in our immediate area.

We do not store any unclaimed race packets after the race. If you do not pick up your packet prior to the race, then it considered forfeited. Normally leftover supplies are donated to the volunteers and local charities.

1st Relay Runner (344' Ascent / 170' Descent)

2nd Relay Runner (380' Ascent / 551' Descent)

Put your brand in front of hundreds of people participating, watching, and enjoying the Hell of a Half Marathon and utilizing our website, social media and event marketing. For more information about how to become a Sponsor, contact us on this page.

The Hell of a Half Marathon is a paved looped course that starts at the Exeter Veteran's Memorial Park on Kaweah Avenue and Sequoia Drive. The route will take you through downtown and then proceed south to Myers Avenue. Once on Myers Avenue you will proceed to begin your first climb of Rocky Hill. You descend and continue from Myers Avenue for a brief run on Yokohl Valley Road until you reach Rocky Hill Drive. Rocky Hill Drive will take you to your second hill climb before you return back to the city and your finish line, where you can make full use of your bragging rights!

Start and Finish Line

This is a looped course and the start and finish are in one location. The start/finish is located on south side of the Exeter Veterans Memorial Building. It is located at:

324 N Kaweah Ave, Exeter, CA 93221

Race-day packet pick-up, porta potties, and water are also in the park area.

Aid Stations
There will be aid stations with fully stocked tables of water (chilled), electrolyte drink (starting at mile 4), and first aid supplies at (approximate) miles 2.5, 3.4, 4.2, 5.8, 7, 7.8, 8.4, 9.5, 10.25, 11.25, 12.25. We strongly suggest you carry additional fluids due to the risk of high temperatures.

Energy GU’s will be available.

Restrooms will be available at mile 3.4, 4.2, 6.7, and 8.5.

Time Limit
To enter this half marathon you must be able to complete it in 3 1/2 hours and keep a 16:00 min./mile pace or better. Casual walkers are not permitted in the race due to this time limit. If you cannot keep the required pace you will not be guaranteed course supervision. 

In the event you cannot finish the race, or fall behind the 16 min/mile pace, please make your way to the nearest aid station and ask for assistance. We will also have a vehicle following the final runner/walker and pick up at each aid station.

Saturday August 8, 2023:

6:00 am    Race Day Packet Pick-up Opens

6:45 am    Race Day Packet Pick-up Closes

7:00 am    Race Starts

9:15 am    Overall Race Awards

10:30 am  Age Group Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed on the course?
No. Pets, wagons, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, strollers or bicycles of any kind are NOT allowed on the course for safety concerns.

Will there be race day registration?
We highly anticipate that this event will sell out. Race day will only be available if there are any remaining spots .

Are there any refunds or bib exchanges allowed?
We do not offer any refunds. If you have purchased a race entry and cannot run it, you may do a transfer for a $20 fee at least 7 days prior to race day. The original registrant can transfer their registration by logging on to the Race Website > Profile > My Registered Races > Manage Registration > Transfer to Another Runner.

Where can I view maps of the course?
See The Course page for details.

Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes, you may authorize a friend, teammate or family member to pick up your race packet for you. They must bring a copy of your photo ID to packet pickup.

Can I run with an iPod/headphones?
We recommend not using them at this event. If worn, it is HIGHLY recommended that you keep only one ear bud in to be able to hear directions from race officials or emergency vehicles.

When will the results be posted?
Typically, all race results are posted within a few hours after the race and will be posted on this website.

What happens if I cannot finish the race or keep the minimum required pace?
Due to road closures you must complete the event within 3 1/2 hours (16 minute per mile average). Transportation to the finish area for stranded or slow walkers without medical problems is provided via the SAG vehicle. In the event you cannot finish the race, please make your way to the nearest aid station and ask for SAG assistance. The SAG vehicle will be following the final runner/walker and will pick up as they pass aid stations.

Do you need volunteers?
Races like this are only possible due to the generous support of people like you. Please use the Volunteer button on the left hand navigation to learn more.

What is a Virtual Race?
A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anytime and anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill. 

How does the Virtual Race work?
Simply register for the race and complete the distance anytime and anywhere you desire. We Encourage you, if you live local, to attend our Packet Pick Up dates; however, we will mail you a finisher’s medal and all race swag if you can’t.

Can I switch from the Virtual Race to the actual race?
No. Once you are registered for the Virtual Race, you can not change to the actual race. Those that sign up for the actual race can change to the Virtual Race as long as it is done ten days prior to the race.

How do I track my distance and time my run?
We accept results on the honor system, so you can track your distance and time however you like. The most accurate way to do this is by using a Running GPS watch, but there are also several free smartphone apps available for iPhones and Android devices

Will the Virtual Race count towards the Run The Valley Half Marathon Series?
Yes. While we would love to have you attend our traditional races, we understand thatp sometimes life happens and makes it impossible. The Virtual Race option was developed to encourage you to keep going and earn your Run The Valley Series Medal & other perks.

RELAY EXCHANGE ZONE: Located near 22160 on E. Myer Drive, Exeter, CA. 93221 (THERE IS NO PARKING THERE - NO PARKING ALLOWED)

RACE SHUTTLE IS PROVIDED: Runner #2 will be shuttled to the Exchange Zone before the Start of the Race. Runner #1 will be shuttled back to the Finish Area. We are using 15 Passenger Vans.

TIMING TAG: Runner #1 will Start with the Timing Tag, and MUST transfer it to Runner #2 at the Exchange Zone, for official result "chipped" time. The Timing Tags must be returned at the Finish Line.

We are extermely proud to support the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF). They are dedicated to preventing burns and providing services to those affected by a burn injury. Our goal is to fundraise, reaching new fundraising goals. Your donations, and a percentage of our race proceeds go to "Champ Camp" for child burn survivors. 

The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation needs your support.

1st Race: Visalia Half Marathon, April 12th

2nd Race: Hell of a Half Marathon, August 8th

3rd Race: Judgment Day Half Marathon, October 4th

Male & Female Runner Of The Year: You Must run in all 3 live races, and your results will be added together, to create our overall Fastest Series Runner - Earning the honor as The Run The Valley Half Marathon Series Runner of the Year! As the RTV Runner of the Year, you will receive FREE RACE ENTRIES for the 2027 RTV SERIES, and get fitted for your RTV - Runner Of The Year Running Swag. You Do Not need to be on, or affiliated with a team to qualify, but we bet any team would love to have you join them if you are not on one.

Largest Participating Team Award: Bring Your Team, Get Free Entries for our 2027 Races!! We are counting how many members are attached to your team. We will add them up, and then name our Largest Participating Team Award. The Winning Team will also receive a total of 6 Free Race Entries for our 2027 Series (2 at each race).