The packet pick up was waaay up in Scottsdale (Athleta at Kierland Commons). Pick up was quick and easy, but hopefully they'll have packet pick up at the Chandler Store next year.

Parking was really easy and readily available near the baseball stadiums. I got to the race venue about 45 min before the 10k start and there was still plenty of parking on site. There were a lot of port a potties, so the lines moved really quickly. There was a fun and festive atmosphere from the start!

I did this race last year when it was at Tempe Town lake, and while parking is better in Mesa, the route was more scenic in 2013. The 5k route takes you around and through the baseball fields in the Mesa Riverview park, the Cubs spring training area. It's an evening race, so it's not well lit in some places. There was a section towards the 2 mile mark that was through grass. It was hard to see because the lights were a little blinding, so most people slowed down for fear of running into holes. I know that I did!

There were a few switchbacks, so it was fun to see the 10k gazelles racing and it was great to cheer them on! I liked that the 10k runners started before the 5k. It helped with the congestion. The course felt and measured short (2.8 mi), so that was a little disappointing but the best part of the race is the ladies night afterwards!!

I loved being able to hang out with friends and cheer on the 5k and 10k finishers. The post race bubbly was great, and the other food offered was pretty good (yogurt, veggie sandwiches, fruit); although I didn't care much for the chili (too spicy for my tastes). You could take home a plant, which I thought was a cool touch. I loved the Athleta bag, the finishers' tank and photo booth. Great swag!

Overall, I had a great race and fun times with old and new friends! It's one of my favorite ladies' night races and I'll be back for more.

** I was a 2014 Esprit de She Ambassador, but I paid for my race entry and all opinions are my own. http://balancingmommy.com/2014/10/23/esprit-de-she-mesa-5k-10214/