Latest reviews by Maureen
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
My friend and I traveled to MA in order to cross off this state. The expo was easy to find, as it was at the same hotel as the start/finish. The rates for the hotel were INSANE, so we stayed elsewhere. Parking was easy, both at the expo and for the race itself.
My complaint lies in the way that we were treated by some of the expo staff. ZOOMA used to have a "PR" program, where if you ran a PR at their race, you got an extra medal. My friend and I had signed up for the program, thinking that we'd have a good shot at it. But then life happened, and we both felt that we weren't in the shape for it. When we tried to tell the person that no, we didn't wish to get our PR wristbands, as it would make us feel bad, she gave us a long lecture and made us feel even worse. We left the expo not really wanting to get up for the race the next morning.
But, we did. I can't say enough nice things about the course. The scenery was breathtaking. The volunteers were, for the most part, very nice and encouraging. We did have an issue near mile 11 where they were packing up the aid station - our finishing time was very slow, but still within the course limits, and there were several people behind us. Luckily they just poured water from a jug into my friend's bottle, so we were set.
The finish line was still intact when we crossed it. The medal was a piece of jewelry - which was exactly the same as the one I got for Chicago. That was a little disappointing. It didn't have the name of the city on it or anything. The other swag was really high-quality, except for the yoga mat which was gigantic and could not fit in my carry-on. I left it in the parking garage at Logan Airport, so hopefully it found a good home.
Overall, I liked this version of ZOOMA, but I still think that the price tag is way too steep for this kind of race. The 10K people are much better taken care of than those running the longer distance. Tip: look up the ambassadors for the race, link to their blog, and there is usually a discount code posted.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
I've done this race twice, in 2012 and 2013. 2012 I went by myself - big mistake. This race is meant for a group of all of your friends, in your German-themed costumes.
The course is nothing spectacular - just an out-and-back in Lincoln Park, near the zoo. It's pretty congested and very crowded. While the course itself is very flat, the crowds could make it hard to PR, if you were going that route.
As for the amenities, there is one aid station on the course. There are plenty of post-race snacks. You get a (plastic) beer mug at the finish. Polka music is playing when you cross the line. Shirt was a soft cotton-like tech fabric, with the cool race logo on the front. The post-race party was held at a local bar, where they had free Sam Adams Oktoberfest beer and an appetizer buffet. That was worth the entry fee alone.
There is a prize for best costume, so dress accordingly!
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
This was my first time visiting Philly, and I was not disappointed in using this race to cross off Pennsylvania!
Parking was, in short, a nightmare. It was easily the worst part of the whole experience. I left my hotel (near the airport) over an hour before the race. I didn't get into the start corral until the gun went off. Every garage marked on the map provided by RnR was either a) full, or b) ridiculously expensive. I wandered down the streets of Philly until FINALLY I found a lot. If you choose to do this race, definitely don't drive downtown!
The course itself was terrific - the first few miles hit all of the major sites downtown, and then went out-and-back along the Schuylkill River. The finish line is in the park next to the art museum, complete with Rocky statue. Definitely take some time after the race to run up and down the steps!
There were spectators everywhere along the course. Great for beginners and veterans alike! Highly recommended.