“Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Philadelphia Love Run Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!”
Expo/Packet pickup:
Bib pickup and the expo was at The Philadelphia Convention Center. Usually this is a breeze at Philly races, but this time the expo was at a different Hall that was about 3 blocks down at the other end of the convention center. Other than hiccup, it was smooth sailing! The pickup was by Bib# and if you didn’t remember or know your number there were iPads set up to look it up. Once at the pickup counter you presented your ID off you went! The next stop was for your finishers shirt and LOVE Run Mug. I was a bit late to the expo so many vendors had packed up but there was a nice layout and flow to the aisles and even a live DJ.
RACE DAY:
Port-o-Potties: This was a fairly large race (11K runners). There were a lot of port-o-potties but there was definitely a of people waiting for them as well. Per usual, there was a substantial wait before the race but along the course there seemed to always be enough and I never waited more than a couple minutes.
Aid Stations: There was an adequate amount of aid stations. Maybe I felt this way because I had forgotten my hydration belt and this was my first race without it. There was always enough water and Nuun. They were well staffed and the volunteers were very enthusiastic!
The Course: Flat and fast! The best thing about Philly races is they are meant for speed! The crowd was super enthusiastic and cheered us all on. There was a bit of a surprise hill around Strawberry Mansion, but it was almost a welcomed hill for a change up to use different muscles.
There was a final climb toward the end of course and that was a great opportunity to dig deep and push right over the finish line!
After making it through the runner's lane to food and drink! There was water, and a nice pack of apple slices and chips. And of course Philly Pretzels!
Overall, the LOVE Run Philadelphia was a great experience. They changed up the course a bit to involve more of Center City before heading out the Schuykill. I still have a love/hate relationship with out and back design and seeing folks slugging it back in. It was fun to see the elites come blazing back in! I would definitely recommend this race to others. This would be a great half marathon experience to take in the city of brotherly love!