What a fun race! This 10k around the Long Beach Shoreline Marina offered beautiful views, great on-course support, and a festive pre/post-race party atmosphere that you can't miss!

Pre-Run:
My friend and I were originally signed up to run their first-ever half marathon, but a couple of weeks before race day, the organization notified us that the half marathon distance had been cancelled for unknown reasons. We were given the option to switch to the 10k or 5k with a refunded difference or a full refund and cancellation. Still wanting to run, we decided to switch to the 10k. We picked up our bibs on race day, and when we arrived, there was a paid parking lot just steps from the race start. The starting line was a festive and fun atmosphere, complete with a tiki stilt walker and a hyped announcer getting the runners amped up before the race! We arrived just as the 1st 10k wave was taking off, so I THREW my bag in the bag check area and dashed to the start!

The Race:
The course was a beautiful run starting by the Long Beach Aquarium and running through the marina and looped at the peninsula before coming back around and doing another short out-and-back down the beach, returning to the finish line. There were a few tight spots in the first mile (as well as a couple steps to run up/down) but the spaced out waves kept the course neat and sparse. The morning weather provided beautiful views of the marina, the Queen Mary Ship, and the beach -- a great spot to run if you're new to the Long Beach area! The course was full of cheering families and multiple aid stations with cheering volunteers!

Post-Race:
As we crossed the finish line, we received water and Ultima hydration along with a cute medal (complete with swinging hula skirt!). The 5k walking wave was just taking off as we finished, and there was a fun post-race festival in full swing with photo ops, lawn games, live Hawaiian music, merch stands, and food trucks! I'm usually one to head out not long after I finish to get home and clean up, but we stuck around for a bit because it was too fun to pass up!

Tips:
- Watch out for steps and sidewalk curbs in the first and last mile of the race. There is one moment where you will need to run up to steps, so for this reason, I wouldn't try to bring a stroller or pet to run with.
- Prepare to pay for parking! Parking cost about $6 for about 90 minutes.
- As you walk to/from your car, watch for runners and walkers, as the course and the sidewalk join up for a few yards in between the parking garage and the start/finish line.

Final Thoughts:
This fun theme, paired with the beautiful route and awesome post-race festival makes this race a must do and repeat!