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Latest reviews by Mark Davidhizar
Mark Davidhizar recommends this race
(2015)
"Watch Oeut For The Trains!"
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The Parade 5000 is held along with the Elkhart County Fair in Goshen, IN. The fair itself is one of the top 3 largest county fairs in the nation, so it's a big deal in the area. The race run in front of the county fair parade in front of the crowds lining the streets. The race starts in down town Goshen and makes its way towards the fair grounds, along the outside of the fair grounds and a lap around the half mile horse track before finishing in front of the grand stands. Sounds like a great idea until you consider a couple of things.
1. The heat. The race starts in the afternoon and it was in the kids 80s and very sunny
2. The race started 15-20 minutes later because of local traffic not being cleared from the roads fast enough (this has been common over the years).
3. The course crosses 2 train crossings. There were 3 trains that crossed during the running of the race and everyone got stopped by at least one train. They have tried working this issue out over the years but the train companies will not work around the race.
This is the 34th year of the race and not the first time it was stopes by trains, very slow moving trains.
The competition is very good at this race, the shirts are ok, 50%cotton 50% polyester this year, air stations at miles 1 and 2. No food after the race however.
I would recommend this race if you like hot races and the adventure of trying to beat a coming train.
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Mark Davidhizar recommends this race
(2015)
"An improved race"
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This was the third time I have done the Sunburst half marathon, and this was probably the best I have seen it as far as the course, weather, and volunteers. Sunburst continues to offer a 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon. Be aware that early June can be very warm in northern Indiana.
The course for the half marathon changed drastically this year, running along the St. Joe River, into Mishawaka, through the IUSB campus, through the neighborhoods of South Bend and finishing on Notre Dames Campus. There are rolling hills throughout the course with a steep incline at mile 12 called Hallelujah Hill. Typically the course ends at Norte Dame Stadiums 50 yard line, but do to construction to the stadium, that was not the case this year.
The race shirts I was not a fan of but the medals were nice this year.
For the money, this an expensive race and you don't get too much in return. For more photos from the race, visit my blog at www.marktoboston2015.wordpress.com
Mark Davidhizar recommends this race
(2015)
"Small town race, great environment "
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This is a small town race but with decent competition. If you like the large crowds cheering you on, this race is not for you. If you like a small town race with random swag, plus a shirt, thus is the race for you. One of the sponsors is a grocery store and every runner received a bag of groceries. The kids one mile run received a bag I'd coloring books, crayons, candy, snacks, and other things. The price is right to. $18 for the 5k and $8 for kids fun run. Kids run also receives a shirt. Shirts are cotton (maybe the only down side but for the price, it's understandable). The race is run very smoothly as well. The course starts at the local county courthouse, runs out into the country and back into town. There are a few rolling hills but nothing major.
Awards run 4 deep in age groups. All kids mile runner receive a medal as well and are recognized at awards.
Highly recommend this race if you live in northeast Indiana and like the small local races.
Mark Davidhizar recommends this race
(2015)
"Hotter than Hot!!!"
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Sunburst races have been going on for 30 years now. The only reason I can think of that they are called Sunburst is because the sun is just beating down on you. They offer race distances of 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon.
The usual drawl to this race is that the race typically finishes on the 50 yard line of Notre Dame stadium. For me, I can do without this part but others love it. The 2014 race as well as the upcoming 2015 race did/will not finish in the stadium due to renovations.
The course starts in down town South Bend. It's hard to give my thoughts on what to expect from the course because it changes every year. In the years I have ran it, I have never run in the same course.
The one thing I wish they would do is use the campus more for the course. It is truly the best place to run in South Bend and yet, they don't use it much for the course (disclaimer: Notre Dame does not operate the race). There are a couple of nice spots along the course but nothing special.
Also, since the start and finish are not at the same point, be ready to walk 2 miles back to your car or stand in a long line for a shuttle bus.
If your a big ND fan, I would say come check it out. If your not, you might want to skip it.
Also, I don't recommend the marathon. It can get in the 80's and 90's on race day.
If you are interested in how my race went, check out my blog.
Sunburst half marathon | Mark to Boston 2015 Blog
https://marktoboston2015.wordpress.com/2014/05/31/sunburst-half-marathon/
Mark Davidhizar recommends this race
(2015)
"Friday Night Racing"
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The Green Day Frolic 5k is held on the first Friday night of every February on the crushed limestone path along the river in downtown Goshen, IN. Typically this is a very cool/windy race. Discouragingly, the course has changed repeatedly over the last few years, so trying to precipict or know what the course will be like before the race is difficult. It used to start in the middle of town, now it starts on the 8 foot wide path which makes the start crowded. The whole race is run on the limestone path which is nice on a drier day, but if it is wet, it an be messy.
The course is mostly flat except for one section where you go through an underpass tunnel. The course is also an out and back course so depending on the wind direction, be ready to find someone to tuck in behind.
I am not sure if it was to keep the race a "green race" or if it was something that was overlooked, but there were no aid stations on the course. I am guessing that since the race ran along a canal, they didn't want cups ending up in the river. Also it is typically cool, so water mid race is not too important.
Awards were nothing too impressive, just generic medals. They did have the race name engraved on the back but don't say your place or age division or even year. Also, tshirt a were cotton and really don't change at all, not even the color, over the years.
Pre registration fee was $18, day of is $25. If you pre register, the price is good for the race. $25 is a bit much for me though. If your a local runner, it's a good local race. But I don't believe it is worth a long trip for unless there are other reasons you are coming to town.