Need a little Christmas cheer in your racing life? Interest in claiming a Christmas Medal? Well the Run for a Clause 5k is the perfect race for you. With this race you pay for your registration or raise money for a charity of your choice. Perfect race for the Jolly Holidays. A great race brought to you by the OC Marathon.
The morning of race day begins with driving to UC Irvine. For the race course consists of going through the university campus. Traffic is a bit slow the closer you get to the race. So leave early for enough time to make it to the race on time. Once you get through the traffic parking is enough for everyone in the parking structures. The campus is beautiful and scenic, filled with trees and nice brick walk ways. Packet pick-up is easy to find and bib pick up is easy to claim. Helpful volunteers are their for your assistance. Free hot chocolate and cookies are their for your enjoyment. Free coffee mugs for all and the Great Santa makes an appearance for all the kiddos! Its a lot of fun for the whole family. The start line is located in the center of UC Irvine.
Mile 0-1: the start of the race is nice and wide. all the racers have enough room to run in their own space. Walkers are in the back in this race which is a first in my opinion. You pass by nice school fountains, and class buildings such as the Hall of Science. Trees and nature included.
Mile 1.1-2: This is the most gorgeous mile through the campus. One water stop is included in this mile. Passed the class rooms and dorms you make it to the nature part of the campus. Nature trails, logs, ponds and gorgeous big trees is what you will see on this mile. Yes there are bathrooms during the race. Cool weather during the race as well.
Mile 2.1-3.1 This mile consists of more nature and back on to the second part of the campus. Along with the turnaround to the finish line. I was truly impressed with the beauty of this campus which is what I find most worth of this race. The scenery alone makes the race worth it. At about mile 2.8 this is the part where you want to start sprinting if you are in it for the PR. This race is flat for the most part but there are some tiny hills along the course. Go for that PR athletes!
At the finish line of the race is more race swag such as a new cheerful medal and a santa hat with a beard included. So everyone can be cheerful on this holiday run. This is a great Christmas run for the whole family and even raise money for charity. Remember when you run for a cause, you run for a clause!
Fear No Distance Athletes!