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!

Another year running the Samson Stomp n Romp 5K at the Milwaukee County Zoo after taking last year (2023) off due to injury. Another year of enjoying myself on a course that I love (who doesn't love running next to wild animals) and braving the quite frigid temps that existed this year. Of course, you know what cold as heck temperatures mean: I run faster and with more energy, ha ha! And the led to a second place age finish!! Woo hoo!!

Expo Quality: No expo or early packet pickup this year due to a snow storm that struck on Saturday morning during the time that had been allocated for it. So that meant packet pickup the morning of, something I typically despise but the volunteers were great at keeping the line moving along on race morning.

Parking/Access: The entirety of the zoo parking lot was available for parking and there were plenty of spaces and none of them too far from the front entrance.

Aid Stations: Two water stations but I didn't stop because it was too cold to even think about it, lol

Course Scenery: I alluded to this above but how can you not enjoy running near some wild animals? Granted, it was so cold that there weren't as many out as usual but the ones that were out were cool to see.

Elevation Difficulty: Only one real hill near the start point otherwise it's a relatively smooth course throughout. There is a downhill section you run twice so you do need to be mindful of that. Lastly, there is an uphill moment just prior to crossing the finish line where you get to slap a high five or fist bump to a gorilla.

Race Management: Perfect! Of course, there was constant emails as the race day got closer and then real overdrive in communication when the bad weather hit. I can't give enough credit to the zoo's maintenance staff for clearing the course from a nasty snow storm that hit the area the day before AND then also clearing everything before the temperatures dropped; the start of the race had a temperature of -4 with a wind chill of -25. Yes, you read that right. The fact the course was as clear as it was was simply amazing effort on their part!

T-shirts/Swag: Another year with a fun long-sleeved t-shirt. The rest of the entry fee goes to zoo conservation. At the post race gathering, you have the options of having granola bars, bananas, water, gatorade, and chocolate milk. Also, if you're fortunate enough to earn an age place award, you take home a nifty gorilla trophy!

Even though it was colder than cold, I enjoyed myself and I love running this race each year (when not injured, of course) and highly recommend you do it if you're ever in the Milwaukee area in the month of June. And you get admission to the zoo for free if you run which is pretty cool if you don't live in the area.

I came back!!!

I ran the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon in 2018 and have always meant to come back and run it again. Why? Well, the race is one of the best run races in the country and the post race party is second to none! But, also, the city of Louisville is a great place to visit and has so many places to visit.

But back to the race. The race management is one of the best from the get go. Constant communication on everything from price increases to the medal reveal to the excitement about the post race party details! The packet pickup was easy access and was very seamless in the amount of time it took to get my bib. There was a nice race merchandise stand and some Evan Williams bourbon to sample, plus a company that provided several food options with bourbon infused into them. Also, there was a Fleet Feet merchandise pop-up for any last minute race needs. The expo was held inside the Louisville Slugger Field atrium area.

One of the reasons I wanted to return was to improve on my time back in 2018. Unfortunately, that didn't happen but I still had a great time. I will admit, I forgot about the hills and elevation throughout Cherokee Park and some of those got to me along the race. I paid more attention to the views and my surroundings this time as well so I could fully enjoy the beauty of the park as we all ran through it. The support from the aid stations and cheer stations was incredible and so uplifting as the miles went on. Many of the trees leaves were starting to change color so that was also very pleasant to run past.

The finish line atmosphere was AMAZING! All the cheers like a major marathon followed by a great post race party with The Crashers playing fabulous music while all the race finishers chowed down on burgoo (Kentucky stew), pizza, Falls City beer and sample upon sample of various bourbons! Yum!

I'm telling you, THIS is the best half marathon race in the country and you would do yourself a favor by going to Louisville and taking part in it. You will not regret it!

Happy running!

I was fortunate enough to have the ability to participate in the At-Home Falmouth Road Race, a virtual seven mile race that I was able to complete at home. I wish I could have had the opportunity to run the race on location in Massachusetts since it looked like a lot of fun (and there possibly would have been the chance to meet Olympic runner, Molly Seidel) but the at-home version was fun for its own reasons. The race organization was great with communication about the event as it neared and not just a few weeks out but for several months leading up to it. They were also very keen to provide lots of hype to us virtual runners with frequent emails and responses to social media posts. I applaud them for keeping up the spirits of individuals who would not be able to attend in person.

The at-home race kit they provided was one of the best swag bags (literally) I've ever received for a virtual race. It included a personalized bib with race specific Bibboards (replaces safety pins for your running bib) with the race image on them. There was also a nice travel type bag that included a coffee mug with the race logo, Martha's Vineyard Sea Salt blueberry honey sea salts, Gatorade thirst quencher powder, and a Dana-Farber sponsored SPF wipe for protecting your skin on the run. AND they provided chalk for you and/or your family to create a homemade finish line. What a touch to add!! I like to think mine came out pretty damn nice.

A special finish line for a fun At-Home Falmouth Road Race finish! And you know they had a nice medal too! It was great to finish this run with this finish line and have a sweet medal and a cup of coffee all ready for me after. :)

I would definitely recommend the At-Home Falmouth Road Race version if you cannot attend the in-person race; they treat you great with the swag and the communication!

Happy running!

When the opportunity to run a virtual race that was connected to the lovable Minions, I just couldn't pass it up! I saw it as a great way to spend some time with one of my sons who doesn't enjoy running that much but always is up for fun runs like this one here. I have to disclose that the real selling point for my son was the AMAZING swag that came with his registration. He loves the t-shirt and the medal is obviously a winner for him but it was the winter pom hat that was the clincher! Loves the pom hat and, for that matter, so do I! The race being virtual made it easy to find a time for both of us to take on the 5K and we were able to do at a leisurely pace. I loved that we were able to run, jog, walk and talk the whole time. It made for a great bonding experience. The virtual support was positive as well. I was emailed about the registration confirmation and delivery of my son's swag packet. I was also informed of my medal being delayed and that it would be coming soon as well (I had registered much earlier than my son hence the difference there) and they were supportive on social media channels as well. I only give the race management section 3 stars since I'm still waiting for my medal after being told it wouldn't be long until it arrived. Otherwise, this was a very fun virtual race to participate in and I would certainly do it again, whether it be Minions or some other fun option.