Ok, so I ran the Scottsdale Giant Race Virtual 10K and that's the primary reason I checked off that I wouldn't recommend this race because I would not recommend a virtual race ever if there is a live in-person version available. So that is that explanation; hope it makes sense. This review will focus mainly on the race management and the swag that was provided from the race.

The race management was just ok. Now, everything leading up to the race was good. Plenty of emails about price increases, updates to information about the race, and the opportunities to complete the partner race to this one, in San Francisco later this year. They were only so-so in social media interaction. I believe they interacted with my posts three times, which is nice, but for the amount of posts that I had and stories posted, I thought they would engage more often. And finally, running the virtual race obviously isn't as fun as being at the location in person, but it can be IF certain things are done. The race management's decision to not send out the virtual race packets until AFTER the date of the race (I received mine exactly one week post actual race) is one I will not understand. I ran my virtual race on the race date (February 24) and fully expected to have the materials before that date. It wasn't until earlier in that week (2/19, maybe?) that an email was sent out from race management saying they would be sent out after the race date. Why? I appreciate the swag but what am I going to go with a race bib for a virtual race I already ran? Save the money and don't print one. Just didn't make sense. And the free ticket to the game was sent to my email account as well. Again, why? I'm running the race virtually because I can't be there so why would you still send my a ticket to the Giants' spring opener?

Now onto the swag. Really nice stuff. A very nice and airy race t-shirt with the race logo across it. Some may feel it's too see-through but I feel it's appropriate for a race in Arizona considering how hot it gets there. The race medal is huge! Really large and you get your money's worth with it, for sure! It has the race logo on it along with the location on it while the ribbon part lists the distance and location for the race. Nice quality. in the medal. I've mentioned the other items above (the bib and the game ticket) but I will add that I wish I had had the bib for my virtual run because it's very colorful and just pops out compared to some of the race bibs I've donned over the years.

So, run this race in person if you can. The virtual version just leaves you wanting a bit.

As always, happy running!