Registration- Available online up until 5pm the Friday before race weekend. The prices increased occasionally but the website was very clear on the dates and race management emailed previous participants prior to each bump.

Race communication- Consistent but not too much. Spoke of how the race is a fundraiser for Cuesta College Athletics and has been for 22 years. Some emails would point out fun things to do around SLO if you were staying for the weekend.

Swag- Shirts this year were a dark blue tank for females and a lighter blue shirt for the men. Just like last year, the shirts all ran small but the volunteers were letting runners try all the sizes and pick what worked best for them. I was just stoked to have my first tank top. 😊 You were also supposed to get a silicone ring with the race name but I didn’t see where to get them and no one directed me where to go. The medals were similar to 2016 but way better colors in my opinion. Your bib also came with 2 free beer tickets.

Expo- Packet pick up is held in the parking lot of The Running Warehouse. It’s not an expo. Bibs are assigned on a first come first served basis then you head over to the shirt table. There was also a table for the on course electrolyte drink- Fluid- another local business.

Course- The course starts in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo and heads south towards Avila Beach before meandering though neighborhoods to finish in Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach. I personally enjoy the scenery as I run- from the city streets to the back roads to the Bob Jones Trail to the ocean view. Another thing to note is that the course is not completely closed. You will encounter vehicles on the road.

Elevation-The first 4 miles are slightly downhill and from then on the course is rolling hills. The 2 biggest hills are probably in miles 7 and 10. It’s not super tough but it will make you work for it.

Aid Stations- The course had 5 aid stations all with water, Fluid and port-a-potties. The first one was at mile 2 and the last one at mile 12. The stations were always fully staffed and stocked and ready for the runner to pass them. The station just past mile 7 was handing out Gu’s of some sort too.

Crowd- There was very little crowd support except at the finish and the aid stations. In previous years, the college teams would come out and cheer the runners on at various points but I did not see them this year. I missed that.

Finish line- I swear this race has the longest .1 ever. From mile marker 13 to the finish line takes FOREVER. Every single time. Due to multiple curves in the road you can’t see the finish line or even hear it when you hit mile 13. It kind of messes with your head.
Once crossing the line, they cut your timing chip off your shoe and give you your medal. They are tables with water and a board with all posted times. There is also a recovery tent if it was needed.
It’s also very crowded as the 5K and kids race have finished so it’s party in the park time. 😊 There was live music playing and multiple booths to check out.

Overall- I love this race. I’ve run it 5 times. I chose to run it over a flat course even if I was cursing it during the mile 10 hill. The people are always great, the scenery is good and the finish line can’t be beat. I also somehow had my best race in years so yay!

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