Swag: the only "complaint" I have is that the shirts say finisher on them, and we picked them up with our numbers. So there were people running IN the race, wearing finisher shirts. (Maybe I'm too old school, but I think you should wear a finisher shirt AFTER you have finished the race.) The shirts are a cute design and while some people didn't like the bright orange color, I am in favor of being highly visible when I run. The medal is also adorable, and not identical to last year's (I did the virtual last year). Other swag included bumper stickers and a magnet. There were Blerchandise for sale at the starting/finishing area, including mugs, hats, shirts, Oatmeal graphic novels/comic books, etc.

Packet Pick-up: I think there was early packet pick-up for the locals, but I flew in the night before the race and picked mine up before the race. My race buddy and I had planned to arrive early so that we wouldn't have to wait in line, and we didn't wait in line at all.

Start/finish area: aside from Blerchandise, there were a few booths of typical runner stuff (Clif Bar, etc.) Zappos, the title sponsor, also had a lounge with a junkfoodapalooza, inflatable couches and bad TV. It was hilarious! I loved the grilled cheese truck.

Aid stations: well stocked with Nutella sandwiches, cake, and fizzy grape stuff (Nuun). There might have been regular aid station stuff (like oranges) but I wasn't looking for it. Aid stations also featured costumed Blerches, couches, and photo ops.

Course: almost entirely flat trail run through a local park. Most of the course was shaded and forest-like. Since I live in a state with a five year drought, it was nice to see greenery. The course was not technical.

Parking: we didn't pre-pay for close-in parking, but the parking area was nearby, just a short walk to the start area. We walked back and forth a few times (to drop layers, etc.)

Other: the volunteers were really into it--the Blerches and other characters were having a ball! They did a great job keeping the cake flowing steadily, refilling water jugs at the end, etc. One nice perk: free photo downloads! Prints were also available at a reasonable price. In addition to course photos, there was a Blerch background and prop buckets of Nutella for pre- or post- race photos. After the race Mr. Inman (aka the Oatmeal) was at the Blerchandise booth to sign books, bibs, etc.

This was a really fun, chill race for me. (I wasn't gunning for a PR, and did the half, not the full.) Everyone there, even if there to PR, seemed to mainly be there to have a good time. The weather cooperated--it went from overcast to sunny by the end of the race--and I'm looking forward to next year.

For more photos and details:
http://www.trainwithbain.com/beat-the-blerch/

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