Latest reviews by Missy

(2015)
"Wonderful!"
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This was my first time participating in a Run for God event, and I was very impressed. There was no expo for this race, but packet pickup was available prior to the race, as well as on race morning which is a huge plus. We drove about 2 hours to get to this race, so being able to pickup my bib and shirt the morning of the race was very helpful. The process of picking up was very, very smooth and easy! This is a small race in comparison to other races that I've ran, but it was definitely a very, very well ran race. To start with, there was no time limit for any of the 3 distances that were offered. Not only that, but the awards ceremony did not start until after the last runner crossed the finish.
The course was very rural. Since this was my first time, I wasn't sure what to expect, and while there were hills, they were nothing compared to the hills of Athens and Atlanta, GA. These hills were rolling hills--nothing steep at all. The course was very quiet at times, and I found myself running alone with the closest runners being about a quarter mile behind and in front of me. Since there was no pressure of getting swept, it was a very relaxing race. The support and aid stations were great--lots of cheering and motivation. The finish line was definitely the best part as lots of people stuck around to cheer the back of the packers (like me) on. I HIGHLY recommend this race, and plan to do it again. The finishers medal were also very nice quality with a bible verse being inscribed on the back. I honestly can't say enough good things about this event!

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(2015)
"Challenging, but worth it!"
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This was the 2nd year of the Chick-fil-A Connect half, and also my 2nd time running it. Packet pick-up is very easy and efficient. The tech shirts that were given were nice qualiity, just as they were last year. The only difference is that they were short sleeved this time. As far as the expo, the only real vendor was Fleet Feet Sports, and they had a very good selection of items.
Getting to the race itself is very easy as there is tons of parking available in downtown Athens. The race starts in front of the Classic Center, which is also where the expo/packet pick-up is held. The start line area is very relaxed, and while there are corrals, it's on an honor system. I did notice that the start did seem to be a little more crowded than last year, and I can only imagine that this race will continue to get larger each year.
The course it somewhat challenging. It starts with a good bit of downhill, then levels out for a couple of miles before hitting the challenging stuff. This year the course changed, and runners were able to actually run inside Sanford Stadium, which is a huge plus! The city of Athens has some really beautiful sights as well as homes, so the scenery was great! This year I also noticed that there was a TON of course support--the turns were very well marked as well as having lots of marshals on the course to help direct. The water stops were well placed and well stocked. The finish line is actually inside of the Classic Center, which is unique! Food and drink was abundant with choices of water, Powerade, Pretzels, Bananas and even a Chick-fil-A biscuit!
I do have to say that the finisher's medal was the biggest improvement from last year! I was very happy and impressed with the change.
Overall, this course was very challenging, but I'd definitely do it again, and with the generous time limit, I'd recommend it to runners of all levels!

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(2015)
"Very Smooth Inaugural Event"
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The expo/packet pick-up for the race was held in downtown Savannah at the Hilton DeSoto hotel. There was plenty of parking available (two parking decks, both within a couple blocks) for the expo. While the expo itself was very underwhelming, I attribute that to the fact that this was the inaugural year. Pick up was very easy and fast. This was the first expo that I've ever attended where there was only one vendor who was selling actual running supplies, and it was very minimal. The overall layout of the expo was nice and it was quite beautifully done-I just wish there had been more to it. Registration for this race included a very nice New Balance duffel/sport bag that had the race logo embroidered on it instead of the usual race shirt. They did have race shirts available for purchase for $25, and while the selection was nice, the range of sizes and fit was not. The largest size available was an XL, and it was a very, very fitted style shirt. I was definitely disappointed in this.

The race itself started and ended at Forsyth Park, also in downtown Savannah. Again, there was ample parking available within a few blocks of the park. There were no corral assignments, but instead an honor system. I did not see any race personnel around during the line up for the race at all. The race did start promptly at 7:30, just as the race organizers had stated.

The course was mostly well marked, though I did miss a couple of the mile markers, so I'm not sure if they just didn't exsist, or if I just missed them. There were spots that were barracaded off, but there was no police presence, so motorists still attempted to cross over the course. The major intersections did have police presence though. The entire course was completely flat, and the vast majority was shaded by the beautiful Live Oaks that are native to the area.

Course support was great as far as water stops, but I only saw one medical tent--I very well could have missed any others. There wasn't very much crowd support at all along the course until the finish--only one or two people scattered along the course.

The finish was nice with it ending right before the huge fountain in Forsyth Park. Immediately after crossing the finish, there were several volunteers handing out medals which helped traffic to keep flowing. After receiving the medal a volunteer was also handing out water. Also available was Powerade, bananas, and bagels that I saw.

After passing through the finishers chute, there was lots of lots of space to sit and stretch or recover. There were a couple vendors, one that sold ice cream and the official race merchandise tent. They also had beer available to finishers as well.

I do think that there is a lot of room for improvement for this race, but am also keeping in mind that a lot of the negatives were natural with this being an inaugural event. The positives definitely outweighed the negatives, and based on the course alone, I'll definitely have this one on my schedule for again next year!

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(2015)
"26.2 with Donna HALF"
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Ran the 26.2 with Donna HALF yesterday for the very first time. The expo was like most others I had attended with lots of great vendors. Bib pick up was super simple and easy. I did think the shirts could have been a little better quality--I noticed that they looked pretty thin and when I tried it on, it seemed to be see thru! As far as the race, the parking for the start and accessing the start was as simple as could be. I really liked that spectators had access all the way up to the finish line. The course itself was really, really beautiful and probably the best I've ever ran. The support was absolutely amazing! I've honestly never seen that much cheering before! It was amazing to say the least! The run down Ponte Verda Blvd. was the best...those people really go all out! The last two miles were the hardest with having to cross two bridges--the last one being the steepest, but the view at the top was pretty cool. After that last bridge, it's pretty much all downhill. The finish line was amazing as well...lots and lots of cheering and encouragement. The one thing I didn't like at the finish was that it's not like most races I've ran where you can pick up the food that's offered--all that is in a separate area, almost set up like a festival. The only thing we were given after receiving the medal was a bottle of water. Everything else you had to stand in line for at all the separate tents--this was probably my least favorite part of the entire event. Lastly, since the race finishes in a different area, you have to take a shuttle bus back to the start--it does move pretty quickly though. Overall I would rate this race a 7 out of 10.

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(2014)
"Great race, even with the hills!"
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A great race for sure! Nice big expo with lots of vendors. The race course itself was pretty nice-getting to see some of the landmarks of Atlanta was very cool. Towards the beginning of the race was the best view of all-as you cross over a bridge you get a breathtaking view of the city sky line. The water stations were plentiful and well stocked. Parking for the race was very easy as the start is at Centennial Olympic Park, so there's plenty of decks and lots nearby. The start was the only thing that was tough about this race. There are no corrals and if you don't get to the start early then you have to go to the back. There were tons of spectators that we had to push through to make it to the start, but once we got there it was fine. The finish line area was great. Lots of spectators and cheering. As far as the hills, there were a few that required some extra effort, but nothing that would anyone should be afraid of. Honestly, the views of the city and the great organization are worth it. The only negative that I can think of is the size of the medals--I do wish they were a bit bigger--but they are nice and heavy and the quality is great. This race is definitely worth doing at least once!

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