Latest reviews by Mary

(2014)
"Kilometers for Cancer"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

See my full race review here: http://www.runningthroughit.com/2014/10/02/race-recap-kilometers-for-cancer/

Kilometers for Cancer is a relatively new race - this was just its second year. Proceeds from the race benefit the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

T-Shirt - everyone is provided with a bright orange, tech t-shirt and a race swag bag filled with a water bottle, lanyard and shoe laces.

Parking - there was plenty of free parking at the race which took place at Log Boom Park.

Aid Stations - there were only two water stations, one at the half mile mark and another at the one mile mark. I'm not sure if they set it up this way because they thought they would have more 5k runners than 10 runners? As a 10k runner, I would have loved to have some water at mile 3 or mile 4 :)

Elevation/Scenary: This course was flat and fast - a great race to PR! The course was an out-and-back course that took place on the Burke-Gilman Trail. The course was not closed off during the race but there were not too many other runners/walker/bicyclists out on a Sunday morning and the trail was relatively empty. Lovely views of the bay and a very tree-lined path to keep you cool and comfortable during your run.

Race Management: Volunteers were super friendly and the dj played awesome 80s music! My only complaint was that the race was suppose to start at 9AM, but didn't start until 9:30AM due to photos and announcements. Also, there was no mention of an awards ceremony after the race so even though I placed in my age group, I left after the race because I didn't know about the award ceremony.

Overall: This was a nicely managed race for only being in their second year. I think it would help to post an event timeline on their website regarding start times, award ceremony, etc. Also, for such a fun, small race, they should really utilize the benefits of social media to get the word out about the race - I think they would have a much bigger turnout. Overall, I think this was a wonderful race benefiting a great organization and I am sure I will run it again next year!

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(2014)
"http://www.runforchildrens.org/"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This race was hosted by the Columbia Winery in Woodinville, WA. There was a 5k, 10k and children's run.

The 5k course was mostly flat and an out-and-back course run on the road for most of the race. The race starts at the Columbia Winery and heads out on a bike path for a quarter of a mile and then onto a sectioned off part of road (with traffic on the other side). There wasn't a lot of scenery and traffic was driving by you on the opposite side of the road, but traffic was moving slowly and most people were cheering us on as they drove by.

Parking - I biked to the race and there was ample bike parking right at the winery. I literally parked my bike at the start line. I did not hear anyone complain about vehicle parking either. You had the option of parking at Columbia or Chateau Winery or at the brewery next door.

Swag - Nice technical t-shirt along with a bag. The race fee was fairly cheap ($30 if you registered early). We were also given coupons to Columbia Winery with 25% off select wines. I was kind of hoping there would be a wine themed medal, but no medals where given at the finish line (except for the kids run). Maybe next year?

Aid Station - there was one water station half-way through the 5k course. Lots of food/drinks at the end of the race.

Race Management - The race announcer was very funny and each of the events ran smoothly. Tents were clearly marked and it was easy to find what you needed (registration, gear check, etc).

Overall - this was my first run in Washington and it was a easy race to get to and well organized. They had prizes for top age group winners as well as random draw where any one who participated in the 5k or 10k could win. The prizes were nice too! They also had a kids run and the kids each received a medal and stuff animal (so cute!). Very family oriented race and lovely band playing at the finish line where you could enjoy your wine and relax.

My full race review: http://www.runningthroughit.com/2014/08/17/race-recap-columbia-winery-charity-runwalk/

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(2014)
"Half Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I actually reviewed the wrong race! How do I remove a review?

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(2014)
"Stillwater Half Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

The Stillwater Half Marathon takes place in the historic city of Stillwater, MN. There was no expo for this race.

Parking: Parking was easy as there was plenty of free parking in downtown Stillwater. We ended up parking several feet from the packet pickup.

T-shirts/SWAG: There was a nice technical t-shirt along with a super cute finishers medal!

Course/Elevation: We were bused to the start of the race, which took place on a shared bike/running paved path. The path was tight at first, but after a mile or two, runners started to separate more and there was more room to get around others. Be careful though! The path was still active with bikers! Most of the bikers on the path were very courteous and pull aside and cheered us on as we ran. The course wove through gentle slopes in a nature preserve settings. The last few miles were run on the road and if you have ever been to Stillwater, you know they are famous for their hills! The hills were challenging, especially at the end of the race.

Aid Stations - Plenty of aid station along the race. Lots of cheer zones and others that were out biking/running/rollerblading stopped to cheer the runners on. At the end of the race, there was plenty of cold water, Gatorade, and lots of snacks.

Race Management: This race was very well organized for a small town race. I loved that everyone was so friendly and the race route was clearly marked with plenty of volunteers along the way.

Overall: I would definitely run this race again if I get the chance. If you registered early, the race fee was $45. I love the Stillwater area and after the race, we spent time walking through the downtown area shops and having a lovely lunch.

Read my full review here:
http://www.runningthroughit.com/2014/05/26/race-recap-stillwater-half-marathon/

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(2014)
"Goldy's 10 Miler"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I've always wanted to run the Goldy's 10 miler race and this year I had the chance to do it!

Expo: There wasn't an expo but there was a packet pickup the night before - no race day pickup. I opted to have my packet mailed (for an extra fee) just to avoid driving downtown on a Friday night.

Parking: Parking was pretty easy as there are a lot of parking ramps in the area. The only downer was that you had to pay for parking.

Course: The course starts out on the UMN campus and weaves through the campus, along the Mississippi River and back to the campus with a finish inside the TCF Bank Stadium. The fun part about the course is when you enter the stadium and cross the finish, you see yourself on the second largest scoreboard in college football. I LOVED the course! It was a nice mix of downtown city scenery, followed by the peaceful run along the Mississippi River. There were also pacer groups available to the 10 mile race.

Elevation: The course starts out pretty flat, but then has some decent hills. The course has a total ascent of 162ft. with the most challenging hills during the second half of the race. Some of the hills are very small, but very steep. Others were long with a gradual ascent. The last mile of the race was pretty flat and made running into the stadium more enjoyable!

T-Shirts/SWAG- Both the t-shirt and medal had the Goldy Gopher logo on them. The medal is large and super cute! The t-shirt is also a technical t-shirt and one of the nicer ones that I've received at races.

Race Management: The race started on time (even with the rain) and continued without any issues. Plenty of volunteers throughout the course, cheering you on and making sure you knew where you needed to go (they also had a relay option and 5k). Gear drop was also available (bring your own bag).

Overall: Loved this race! Challenging course, awesome swag and super neat to see yourself finish on the "big screen". Friends and family are encouraged to watch your finish in the stadium as well. The race was a little bit on the expensive side ($60 for 10 miler and $65 if you registered late), but I enjoyed it regardless.

Read my full review here:
http://www.runningthroughit.com/2014/04/12/race-recap-goldys-run/

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