Latest reviews by Kelly

(2014)
"The best marathon you will ever run"
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The New York City Marathon doesn't compare to any of the dozen races I've run. It blows everything out of the water. This marathon is a production. There are so many people running and spectating. PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR SHIRT! The weather can be hit or miss but the event itself outweighs any cold weather, wind, or rain. I've heard people talk about the inclines but I would say there the bridges are a very gradual incline and if you train on some hills, you will be ok. This is a bucket list race that you seriously have to do. The expo is huge, the start village is huge, and the finish line is wonderful. A perfect event. I didn't get in via the lottery so I joined Team for Kids, the NYRR's charity, and I am so glad I did. Besides all the perks of a training plan and team you have heated tents on race day! (Our tent wasn't heated before the race due to winds but we still had a tent, food, warm tea and coffee, and a sheltered place to hang out, mix, and mingle. I would absolutely recommend doing Team for Kids if this is your first marathon.

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(2014)
"A Magical Kind of Heat"
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This is a great first time race. There are almost to many water/powerade stations and when else do you get to run through Disneyland, California Adventure, and Angel stadium? You start the first mile outside the parks then head into DCA. From DCA you wind through Downtown Disney into Disneyland. The only bummer is that you don't spend much time in the parks though the time you do is extremely magical. If you're a front runner there aren't many characters in the parks but as the waves progress more and more characters are out in the parks for photo opportunities. The course is extremely flat with practically no hills. EXPECT HEAT! I've done the race in 2013 and 2014 and both races were hot. (2013 was incredibly hot.)

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(2014)
"Great course, amazing event, but some MAJOR hills"
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My very first marathon and Rock n Roll is a perfect first. There were spectators all along the beautiful course. You get to run through Petco Park, downtown, fiesta Island, but holy moly running up the 163 towards the end of the race was KILLER. A definite must do race. Very fun and great weather.

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(2014)
"A fun but hilly half marathon"
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I ran this half in 2013 and though it was a smaller half marathon (a growing race) it was well run. The fluid stations were every 2-3 miles and there were some MAJOR hills. The fun part is finishing in the park and being able to enjoy a day at the zoo. The T-shirt was awesome, pre-race was organized, but there were almost no animals on the course! I expected animals! Because the race is in May the weather is still cool in the morning so a major plus. Still a new-er race so hopefully it will grow over the years. I'd do it again.

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(2014)
"A giant half marathon that ends at coney island"
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NYRR races are always well run and this was no exception. The Brooklyn half marathon is a HUGE race with thousands upon thousands of runners. You start in front of the Brooklyn Museum and work your way towards Prospect Park. The second half of the marathon is a little dull but there are spectators the entire way to pump you up. Ending at Coney Island was a really fun finish line. They threw a post race party in the stadium and everyone stayed to party. The weather is perfect and the course is almost completely flat. A great must do race if you are in the area.

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