They didn't give me safety pins in the timing chip/race bib pick up. Normally that is the sign of something horrible, something ominous that makes the heavens quiver. Who gives you your race number and timing chip with no discernible way to attach it the night before?

The ABRaS 10K, despite it's problematic safety pin policy, turned out to be one of the nicer races I've run. The course is 3 loops around the Dubai Marina and Westin Hotel grounds. It is timed perfectly so that you are finishing as the temperature and humidity rise.

PROS

Aid Stations- There were water breaks every 2.2 km and course marshals intermittently with visible med kits. Water was readily available and spaced out beautifully.

Course Scenery: The grounds of the Westin, including the Barasti Bar that you run through are gorgeous. Either you are running through the actual marina and able to see beautiful luxury boats, the bustling downtown, Jumeirah beach or are staring at Burj Al Arab which is a gorgeous site. The least impressive part is the run through the parking lot, but this stretch is quick and albeit forgettable. The buildings seen from the course don't get old throughout the laps and there seems to be more to check out each time around. The Westin hotel's manicured lawn get more interesting during the course of the race, as you start seeing beach goers and families at breakfast.

Race Mangement: The ABRaS running club and it's marshal's handled things well. Instructions were fairly clear at the start and they were well spaced and position keep you moving along the course. Prior to the race start there was clear and open communication about race times, how timing would work and the location. Premier Online who is in charge of the timing has a great system and results are ready as soon as you cross the finish line. They are send directly to your phone at the finish line.

CONS

T-Shirts/Swag: They ran out of men's t-shirts. What I was given was a women's medium, that is essentially a crop top on me. Maybe my wife and I can turn it into a nice arts & crafts project, but I have no delusions of adding this to my rotation of shirts. The protein bar given was fairly disgusting, even by protein bar standards. The saving grace was the medal which is nice and heavy and bears the ABRaS running clubs seal. There are no other goodies of note, coupons for a local liquor store were handed out and on the car was a flyer for the next running event in the area, but this area is definitely lacking.

Cheer stations: This was one of the quietest running events I have ever seen. The lack of community surrounding the event was shocking to say the least. While there were random family members cheering on their loved ones, the general energy that surrounds these events was lacking. As far as an emotional edge, this was flat and it made the run noticeably harder.

Uncontrollable situations: Prior to the race, another event had begun set up in the middle of the start line. Where we were supposed to be funneling through to begin was the beginning of a boxing match, so the start was moved to the parking lot nearest the race course. I don't know if this will be a continual problem.

Trucks/Cars on the course: People trying to go to their boats were a major concern. Runners were forced to dodge vans or trucks of people heading to the marina without instruction or warning from the race officiants. While their overall job was good, this was a safety issue that can't be overlooked. Slower runners, like myself, found themselves pinned at times between the elite runners lapping them and vans moving without regard for the race at hand.

Unclear rules on passing: Since it was a looped course, you expect people to pass others. That expectation is even greater when you see the elite pack that was present at the event from around the world. What you don't expect is such an unclear procedure for passing that there are people nearly running into or running over each other.

While there are things that are obviously lacking, it was a great race. My first real race in over a year and has the benefit of being hosted by a competent group in a lovely place. I'd recommend it to anyone that wants to give it a try.

You can check out another review and the rest of my pictures at: http://www.gowithjordan.com/?p=423