I have been wanting to run Pints to Pasta for a long time; its actually been one of my bucket list races. I have not been training on the 10K distance for a long time so I was not expecting much. But I actually beat my goal on a really tough course.

Pros-
Packet Pick Up/Packets: I did the early packet pick up and was in and out quite quickly. The T-Shirts had been nice, and you got a small backpack filled with sponsor goodies including beef jerky (my personal favorite)

Scenic Course: This course is quite tough, (will address this in a second) but it gives you some really great views of what makes Portland so special

Post race pasta: I love a good meal right after the race, and this lived up to its expectations. You had your choice of pasta, salad and two drinks.

Cons-
Shuttles: The race directors had been ill prepared for the long advertised I-5 Shutdown. They delayed the start of the 10K over 15 mins and then even as we started they still had shuttles dropping off people. There also had been a large handful of runners who got held back from running the event because of the shuttle issues.

Parking: I didn't catch this because I am a mass transit rider, but many friends had issues finding decent parking.

Lack of course marking: There had been two mile markers on the course, one at mile 1 and another at mile 5. And there did not seem to be any mile markers for the half.

Course toughness: This has to be the toughest 10K course in Portland. The first three miles are gradual and have a couple steep hills, but once you get around mile 4.5 you are in for a rude wake up call. There is one constant climb with two huge steep downhills after.

10K Start Line: You could not hear any announcement from the 10K start. We ended up playing the game of telephone to get word back and forth about the delay.
Lack of course support: There was very little support in terms of course marshaling and the water stations tended to be really lacking in support. What we had as great, but if you compare it to the other races in town. There also didn't seem to be an electrolyte, which for those who did the half would be bad.

Post Race Party- The post race party was congested. I ended up taking my meal and eating it (pasta and salad) while I was walking. They tried to squish too many people in a very small space.

It was great to get a bucket list race off my list, but I had hoped for so much more with this race. It had some great moments but I highly doubt I will return to this race or any of the Better Race Series events.

Since I ran a good chunk of the series last year. I became a big fan of the City of Portland's $5 5K Series. They are always budget, family, all-abilites friendly series and bring you racing on a small scale. They also give you a chance to run some of the best in Portland parks.

Now lets be blunt, this is a no frills race; you do not get a t-shirt, but you can purchase one for a resonable cost, you dont get a goodie bag. Your 5.00 gets you a time chip and a finishers ribbon and a chance to win some great prizes from sponsors and vendors. They also have a very limited supply of fruit, water and coffee. Enough to go around but not the extra you see at some races.

But all that being said; these are my faviorte 5K's every year by far. And the one at Laurelhurst Park is a close tie to my faviorte. The scenic loop at the park takes you by the ponds, through some great paves trails, but it does present some slightly challenging hills before you climb up a side street to complete lap 1.

The one thing, is most of the series, you are running a loop in lap form, but you notice something EVERY time you take the loop.

The best thing about this; is how well organized and well supported it is. The staff and volunteers make sure that it is an amazing expereince for everyone involved, from cheering on the kids to the finish of the kids dash to making sure the walkers are feeling like they are champions on the 5K. Its all about supporting the athletes and for that matter each other. Runners and walkers had been cheering one each other as they finshed and cheering on each other through the raffle.

In an era of expensive races, The City of Portland breaks the mold and brings racing to everyone. I can't encourage people enough to get invovled, if you cant run volunteer and make a race in these series. You wont regret them.

The second half always seems to be treated like the evil step child of its more scenic counter part, the 1st half.

It is under rated in big ways.

The second half starts in Golden Gate Park and starts off very challenging. The big chunk of the hills is within the first 5 miles and it will test your ability to pace and push early. The second halfers start off at Speckles Lake and then they get to run by the Buffalo paddock before joining the full course. The start is smooth and has everyone out no matter what wave within 15 mins of the start of the race.

The course is challenging and very scenic, you get the more urban sides of SF, but it is still a spectacular scene. Once you get out of the park, you have a few small up hills and some great downhills. The park is gorgeous, then you get to go through Ashbury Heights, and then down through SOMA, it gives you a true idea of the idea that SF has something for everyone. Each area has its own feel. Once you hit the waterfront, the course is a straight shot to AT&T Park (which was crowded due to a poorly scheduled Giants game).

The second half is also really well supported as you are joining right around the mid pack of the marathoners. There are people out on almost every block cheering you on and all of the water stations have amazing energy.

The expo is a smooth process, but if you can go early, its worth it. You can go in, get your shirt and bib without having to fight too much for a crowd.

This should be on everyone's bucket list to enjoy. Its one of the most professional, scenic and truly enjoyable running friendly events you can be involved with.