That is interesting that they have all of those scarecrows. I kind of think it is cool when little towns and communities do that sort of thing. I can't give you any advice on a half marathon. My body is sore pretty much every morning when I get up and I am lucky to do a couple of miles of walking!
Scrarecrow festivals seem to be a popular event these days. People get quite creative with it. I'll be sore tomorrow. Done some cycling too.