I loved the idea of running a virtual Christmas race. I love to run a turkey trot in November but there has never a race for Christmas day when we eat just as good, until now!

The race was a great way to inspire some movement during the winter holidays. The swag was generous: a beanie, sweatshirt, and race medal. They even sent us a bib to run in.

The best part about this race was that I got my mom to register and run with me. A virtual race was perfect because I could run with her and enjoy that we can run together. There wasn't the waking up early to drive to a race like and IRL race, and we got to pick a route that she wanted too. Definitely a good choice for a virtual race!

I'll be frank up front, I'm really not a virtual race runner, BUT this was a virtual race that I could really get behind! The Pride Stride is a great race for a great cause. When you register for the race you choose the city nearest to you and the proceeds from your registration get donated to an LGBT+ Organization in that city. Super cool!!

The swag was awesome! We got a long sleeve quarter zip shirt, wrist sweat bands with zipper pockets, sunglasses, rainbow fan, and fanny pack! That's a ton of swag for the price!

The IG account for the race is also fantastic! They share your stories and send encouragement for you during the race window. It's so great for a race to really be that involved with its runners around the US.

Definitely a must do virtual race because if it could change my mind then it's definitely a winner!

Overall: Not your typical race but definitely not one to pass up! This was a great race to explore Grand Exuma and parts of Little Exuma, while running a race that benefits the community that you’re running through.

Swag: I got a ton of swag from this race, a lot more than I was expecting! We got a shirt of bottle from a sponsor, a stuffed pig which is their mascot, a plastic cup, race tech shirt, medal, draw string bag, and a pen.

Aid Stations: There were 13 or 14 aid stations for me as a Full Marathon Runner. Since the race was an out and back, I hit each one twice except the one at the turnaround. The aid stations were stocked with water and gatorade. They were bottled verse in big coolers which was awesome because that meant that I got to take an entire bottle of water. It was 82 degrees at 4AM before the sun rose, so hydration was a necessity.

Course Scenery: The course started in Georgetown and headed down Queen’s Highway to Little Exuma. There was enough light at the race start for me to see that there would be some great views once the sun came up, but I couldn’t see them yet. For example I knew I was running by water because I could see the shoreline but I could see much of the salt lake because it was too dark, or even know that it was just a salt lake and not the ocean. I hope that makes sense. There was lots of foliage long the road which was pretty. Crossing the bridge to Little Exuma was one of the highlight because the bridge went over the salt lake which retains a lot of heat.

Expo: I cannot attest to the quality of the Expo because I have my packet picked up for me as a perk of the trip.

Elevation: There were a few minor hills on the course but nothing crazy. The hills were mostly in Georgetown proper, aka the beginning and end of the race.

Parking: Not much to say about this since I had transportation to and from the race. However there was a big parking lot at the race start/finish line. So those that have a car will have plenty of space to park.

Race Management: This was not a closed race, meaning that cars were still driving next to us. This was a bit nerve-wracking. However signage for the race was posted all up and down Queen’s Highway, so all the cars definitely knew that we were on the road. They gave us a good safety briefing before the race about where to expect the aid stations and turn arounds. They also provided us with glow sticks to put around us so that any cars could see us. The local police also lead the way for the runners and would warn upcoming cars to slow down for the runners.

Overall this was an amazing race that I would recommend to anyone! It was the first time I had visited Philly in years and was just a great race to explore the city and see all the beauty the city has to offer. Rock n Roll (RNR) races are very well organized so everything is fast and easy to coordinate.

Swag: The shirt for this race was just what you would expect from a RNR Race: a tech shirt, fun theme print, and correctly fitting size. A few other pieces of free swag came in the bag with race weekend promos.

Aid Stations: Aid stations were stocked with Gatorade Enduance, every other station, and water at every station. The stations were appropriately spaced out. There was one fuel station which had Science in Sports Gels.

Course Scenery: The first five miles of the course are throughout downtown, including Chinatown, and passing close to Independence Hall. Then the remaining 8 miles are an out and back along the river. The course by the river is so nice and calming, with trees and other country views event though you are still in the city.

Expo: The Expo was very fun. Getting your bib was seamless and easy, clearly marked signs led you towards the shirts, and then there were a good amount of vendors. There were many types of event at the expo like interviews with previous winners of the race, and live broadcasts. A lot more vendors than your typical race vendors too which was nice!

Elevation: The course was pretty flat in the five miles of city, then in the four miles out and fours miles back they were micro-rolling hills which added a bit of challenge to the course. The race also ended on an uphill finish which was unexpected.

Parking: the race advertised several different parking locations for race day. I chose one of the locations listed on the app which was supposed to be close, but ended up being farther away from the race than anticipated due to construction. Walking a mile to and from the race was not what I planned on but not a problem either. I understand it is a city and parking is limited.

Race Management: The race is so well organized. The appropriate amount of port-a-potties, after race fuel (food and drink), beer garden, and bag check. All notifications were sent right from the app to my phone so I was always updated with any race news.

Take advantage of this amazing management to explore this beautiful city!