Latest reviews by Chad

(2015)
"Get your Redneck on."
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This years race was in Glendale at the Westgate Shopping center. This event is hosted by the same folks that host the Kiss me I'm Irish and the 12k's of Xmas. The 5k course was a single lap around Westgate and the AZ Cardinals stadium, while the 10k and the Plunger relay was 2 laps. The event had a local country radio station, a live band at the start line, and benefits 'Dogs on Deployment' an organization dedicated to assisting our soldiers while on deployment.

Pros: Fun festive atmosphere, easy parking (and freeway access), the course was well marked with live bands playing at several spots, ample water stations, plenty of encouraging volunteers and great job of traffic control. Also, huge improvement (over the Irish 8k) not having to run over walkers on the last mile.

Cons: 9:00AM race start -this is Phoenix and it is April, would have liked to see an earlier (and cooler) start time.

Neutral: The shirts (a redneck tank) are a huge improvement (over the Irish 8k) shirts, as these are the soft technical type, but still seemed to rub.

I would run this again and would invite others.

A huge thanks to the police working this event, they did an awesome job with traffic control, always making eye contact with the runners, gauging our approach/timing and getting us through traffic/intersections.

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(2015)
"No mud, No Blood...No Good."
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This year's Warrior Dash was held at Camelback Ranch in Glendale (One of the many Spring Training facilities in the Valley)
The first task is always getting to and parking at the event. I would have given this a 0 stars because I hate having to pay for parking (it was $10) after already paying the race fees (this is like paying bag fees when flying- something we gripe about but do when we have to), however the location was easily accessed just minutes west of the freeway and just off of Camelback Rd, and there was ample parking and volunteers directing traffic, so it was a smooth process.
The management had tents/booths on either side of a main walkway leading down to the beer garden, stage and viewing area. In the middle of the walkway was also a few tents for everyone (shaded areas get bonus points for events in Phoenix) and merchandise. Most of the tents on the west side of the walkway were dedicated for bag check, changing, ID check (for the beer garden), packet pick up, etc. On the east side was the free swag vendors and a few photo ops (signs, etc.) as well as the start and finish lines. Check in (packet pick up, bag check, etc.) was smooth and efficient. We headed to the start line for our heat. I am not sure why the start line was split in two lanes, but no big as the mc was getting everyone excited up to run. With a blast of the flames we were off. The first portion was a run through the stadium and them some basic obstacles (no sweat- just warming up). Then we hit pure fun, with an obstacle called "mud mounds". Getting through this meant team work and mud everywhere. Then it was off to the 14ft "Warrior Wall". OK, this is really sucked when you just got out the mud. Getting a grip on the rope and footing on the wall when you are 100% wet mud is no easy task. From there it is several more obstacles and more running. Towards the end there were several final obstacles including the giant slide (into a mud/water pit) and a crawl under wire in mud and a final dash to the finish.

Pros: Well organized and event ran smooth. This is an exciting and fun event, with a few good/great obstacles (I actually wish there were a few more). Free race photos (bonus, since most phones/comers won't make through the mud).

Cons: Running through landscape rocks (1/4 to 1/2 mile) is no obstacle, paying for parking sucks, and the merchandise was cash only (they did have ATM's onsite) but who the heck is cash only these days, warrior up and get square or another cc system (and while you are at it, sell clean dry TOWELS, you will sell a few- you can thank me later when you send my royalty check).

Neutral: Showers- need twice as many and locate near the changing rooms/bag pick up, maybe just right after the showers not halfway back to the beer garden (to the staffs credit they were trying as they did put the showers on the paved surface so your weren't showering in the mud/dirt). Super long line for the warrior helmet/sign- be a warrior have 2 or 3 for events.

Conclusion: Would I do this again, absolutely. One of the better "fun" run events I have gone to (not as intense as some, not as weak as others)- a good event for various levels of participants.

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(2015)
"Big Disappointment."
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Pros: The after party was lively with a concert and zip line. They did provide ample bottled water to participants.
Cons: Parking management was horrible, with traffic backed up for several miles just trying to get in (and they charged $10 for the privilege). Once there, there was a huge wait to pick up items that had been pre-purchased (no shirts were included with the event entry fee). There was still a line of cars (as far as we could see) waiting to get into the venue when the event started. The course was probably one of the lamest, it was back and forth (the length of one side of the parking lot) several times with a few color stations mixed in, then back and forth several more times. Each segment was barely divided by small cones, so those that wanted to cut could do so with ease. Then the course crossed over the other side (the starting parking lot side) and repeated the back and forth until you crossed the finish line.

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(2014)
"12ks of Christmas"
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Pros: Dog and family friendly event. Held at Gilbert's Freestone Park. Easy access to the park and parking. Well organized, with Christmas carolers every few k's. Kudo's to the staff for pulling this off after the rain we had the night before.
Cons: The course parallels the east-west power lines along the south edge of the park- which means the route doubles back on itself, so you have runners going in both directions along (at places) a narrow trail. Add to that the walkers and the dogs, and it was a bit of a challenge. The congestion due to the mud (from the rain we had) was understandable- so I wouldn't fault anyone for that.
I will most probably run this again, but I would love to see the route altered, maybe the walkers can run the trail to the west to Lindsay and back around, while the others take the trail east. Or loop up to Elliot Rd and around.

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(2014)
"My Favorite Race."
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
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Pros: Awesome to have so many out to support Pat and the finish is one of the most amazing of any race I have run. There is ample parking around the north side of ASU's campus. You can also take the Metro Light Rail (which has a stop close bye)- just keep in mind that the trains are VERY full before the race. There are also plenty of hydration/aid stations along the course as well.

Cons: There are lots of people (typically between 20-40k), so expect people who do not regularly run on the course and get there early.

Course: This is a 4.2 mile course that starts in Lot 59 (ASU Sun Devil Stadium) parking lot. This area now has lots of shade do to the new solar panels in the parking lot. The course heads west on Rio Salado (between A mountain and Tempe Town Lake), turns north on Mill Ave, crosses the Temp Town lake and under the 202 Red Mountain, then turn and heads east up Curry (this is a pretty decent hill for those who are not conditioned). Then its back downhill before taking a right and cutting around the backside of an apartment complex and over to Rural/Scottsdale Rd. Then its south up and back over Tempe Town Lake, once over the bridge its a long fast flat past the baseball and practice fields. Runners then turn west on 6th and head back into lot 59. For the homestretch runners turn north (very near the starting corrals), but then things get amazing. Runners are directed to the northwest, and the north tunnel entrance of Sun Devil Stadium, and at this point turn back south and into Sun Devil. Upon emerging inside the stadium, runners are treated to a fantastic support crowd and cross the finish at the 42 yard line (Pats football number was 42).

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