This review was originally posted on my blog. Read the full review and see pictures here: http://www.pathtotri.com/race-review-no-label-sprint-triathlon/

Pre-Race Organization

The No Label Triathlon is organized by i Tri Event Productions, a local company that organizes about 10 races each year in the Houston area. Tina Whiteford, the Race Director, provides a very personal touch to the races as she is involved every step of the way. Tina sent out a note to everyone the Monday before the event with a reminder of packet pick-up times and some helpful information about the race. She sent out another email the day before the Tri with a reminder of the last packet pick-up opportunity and some helpful race day logistics. This was very nice as the day before was also when I had a thousand questions running through my head about how everything was going to work. Overall, the pre-race organization from a racer perspective was very well done. If I had one suggestion, it would be to extend the packet pick-up hours until 7:00pm one day so that folks can go after work.

Race Day!

The No Label Tri starts at the local High School and ends at No Label Brewery. As the two transition areas are in different locations, you need to drop your bike and T-1 bag at the High School, drive to the Brewery to park your car and drop off your T-2 bag and then take a quick and easy shuttle back to the High School. The set-up was easy to follow and helpful volunteers were at both transition areas to answer questions (we still had lots) and guide us. The T-1 area was large enough for everyone to get the space they needed and set-up their towels and equipment for a fast transition. The second transition area was an assigned rack transition so volunteers would guide us to our spot as we ride in. All in all, the pre-race set-up was fantastic. As I saw how everything was laid out, the questions I had previously vanished and I became more confident in the logistics.

The Swim

The Triathlon starts in the Katy High School Natatorium. Racers are instructed to line up in order of their expected finish time for the 300 meter swim. Of course, you get folks that overestimate and underestimate their times, but people generally follow this rule pretty well. The first swimmer hit the water right on time at 7:00am and a new swimmer was in the water every five seconds after that. Swimmers “snaked” through the lanes, crossing over to the next lane after every lap, before finishing on the other side of the natatorium and exiting to the transition area.

Prior to the race, some people had informed me of their dislike for triathlon pool swims. Ultimately, I think this comes down to personal preference. I enjoyed watching everyone else swim and didn’t mind at all waiting for my turn to start. The chip timer doesn’t start until I jump into the pool anyway. It’s nice because it spaces out the racers so the transition area isn’t too chaotic when you got out of the pool. The downside is it does get a little backed up in the lanes at points until you are able to pass people, however, everyone is super friendly and it wasn’t hard to get around someone if needed. All in all, the swim was a lot of fun and I liked the format.

The Bike

When you exit the natatorium, you run out to the first transition area and get ready for the bike. Upon exiting the transition area, you make a 14 mile loop around the countryside of Katy, Texas. Katy is known for being windy but it wasn’t too bad during the ride. All major intersections were monitored by police officers and all of the turns were staffed and well-marked so you didn’t lose your way. The ride along the country roads was pretty and there were a lot of birds out. Because the swimmers were spaced out 5 seconds apart, the bike ride didn’t get crowded. As you enter the final hundred meters of the bike, directions point you to the bike dismount area. Volunteers call out your number and then other volunteers staffing the rack area direct you to your transition bag and spot to leave the bike.

The Run

Upon exiting the second transition area, you take off away from No Label Brewery on a 5 kilometer out and back run through the small town streets of Katy. Again, police officers are at every major intersection and the route is well marked and protected for racers. A water station was staffed near the turnaround point with friendly volunteers. The entire route is paved until you get back to No Label Brewery where the final stretch turns into packed gravel. The finish line is set-up by the old rice silos on the property and a good group of friends and family where gathered along the home stretch to cheer runners in.

Post-Race Party

As soon as you finish you are greeted with a medal, water bottle and cold towel. Once you’ve had a chance to gather yourself, the Brewery was set-up with a taco truck, Whole Foods Market, a massage tent, and of course, beer. Oh, and LOTS of sunshine. The weather was gorgeous and the tacos and beer were a great way to relax and celebrate. Everyone was enjoying themselves and a large amount of people stuck around until the very end (the end being dictated by when the trophies were presented and the bar closed).

The organization and execution of the event was flawless. The weather was perfect. The racers and volunteers were friendly. The course was fun. I can’t recommend this event enough. It’s EXCELLENT for first time triathletes and a great race for experienced racers too.

This was the 2nd year that I've ran the Rhythm and Blues Half Marathon. The race itself is in its 4th year in Houston (they're doing their first Dallas race this year as well). The race organizers do a great job with the race and I was able to PR by 2 minutes with a 1:35. Here's a summary of my experience:

Pros: 5 live bands along the race course, good route (double loop that takes you past each band 4 times), great SWAG, perfect sized race (~2,000 participants), short port-o-toilet lines

Cons: Anticlimactic start (no national anthem or even a gun, just one person counting down from 10 that we couldn't hear), so-so post-race food and 1 beer limit

Overall, I'd recommend the race as a fun, local option. If you'd like to hear more about the 2015 race, I have a full review on my blog: http://www.pathtotri.com/2015-rhythm-and-blues-half-marathon-race-review/

The Memorial Hermann USA Fit Marathon started 7 years ago with the mission of providing a race for everyone to enjoy. They accomplish this with a generous 8 hour time limit, lots of course support, and fellow enthusiastic runners. In addition to the marathon, there is a half-marathon and 5k. Runners (and walkers) of all abilities were out in full force, ranging from sub 3-hour marathoners to those walking the entire course.
Falling just 2 weeks after the Chevron Houston Marathon, the USA Fit Marathon was a nice change of pace with a much smaller entrant pool and a more local feel. Despite being a smaller event, the organizers did a fantastic job putting together a race with enthusiastic, friendly volunteers, a well-marked course and efficient organization.
For the rest of this review, please visit my blog: http://www.pathtotri.com/memorial-hermann-usa-fit-marathon/