Latest reviews by Gina Hanzel

(2014)
"The Race to the Capitol is AMAZING!!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

The 10 mile race is the lottery section of the Twin Cities Marathon. It is an extremely popular race and lottery is necessary, which may be the only downside. But so much more rewarding if you get in and finish!
Great scenery... Beautiful fall colors.... Amazing spectators.... And GREAT expo make this race a DO NOT MISS!
This was my first time running it and I can't wait to run it again. Beautiful leaf medals and Brooks tech tee!
The course does have a few longer hills... But the temperature helps because it's usually cool.
The finish line is like no other with 1000's of spectators! This is a must race!!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2014)
"Great small town race"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This local small town race is great for a first time 5K. The first mile of downhill lends itself to a quick PR. Well organized. Not chip timed and currently no medal at the end, but hopefully soon. Inexpensive and fun race that ends in the park just before the town celebration and parade. Great race for families!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2014)
"Nothing to write home about"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I completely agree and will ditto the review ahead of mine. Here are my thoughts for extra:

I ran the 10k and finished in 53:00. I would consider that fairly fast. For me... Because I finished at the front of the pack I didn't have the headache that most other runners did. We were able to enter the post race party... But quickly left.
The concept of the race was cool... Just poorly executed! The lighted lei was given out at the start so we had to run with them. Which was AWFUL!! Hot and scratchy and most of them broke apart. I was able to snag and extra so I do have my lighted lei.
No medals which is always disappointing. Food.. Ok.
The tank top was super adorable. Fit awful. Very heavy spandex material and sizes were extremely small. I normally wear a small tank and had to go large!!
Let's talk about the course. The last mile was gorgeous with the lighted St. Paul skyline. However the course was all slow burn hills so I was so happy to be almost finished I couldn't enjoy my view. A night run at 8:45... Not ideal either.
I MAY do this again with medals at the end and a course change.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2014)
"-27 degrees WITHOUT windchill is MINNESOTA CHILLY!!!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Team Ortho is known for races around the Twin Cities! If you like great swag, these races are for you! If you loathe crowded races.... these are NOT your races. However, in true Minnesota fashion - January 1st is usually COLD.... VERY VERY COLD!!! So the Polar Dash doesn't draw a crowd. The race is fun and you get to look at the few crazy people wearing only speedos!
Overall, I thought that this race was managed well. Buses shuttled runners to and from the finish/start line and they were toasty warm. Hot Chocolate was a post race beverage and there were plenty of "ice-faces" around as well. The ice crystals that form on beards and eyelashes alike is worth the run in my opinion. Besides.... you're not Minnesotan until you can run in -27 degree temps. RIGHT?!?!?!
If you're looking for a fun race and a cold weather run, this is a great one! Not too busy and cute hats and fleece zip-up jackets.
In my opinion, this is a race that Team Ortho does well!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.