Latest reviews by Kristen O'Connell
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I wanted to do Chicago to get a PR but ended up with a hip injury and did it to finish. It is not like the other world marathon majors were it starts super late. Chicago’s public transportation system is easy to use. I had so much fun the crowds were amazing, so so so many people to run with. I will definitely do it again when I can actually race. This would be an amazing first marathon because the energy is unreal!
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I have done the Philly 10k 3 times now and every year it gets better! It's an amazing hometown race that is worth the drive, and money. The Philly 10k always blows me away every year with the local hometown feel but with lots of people and spectators. I always love the race expos at Headhouse Square or Cherry Street Pier with amazing apparel and merchandise. Its such a fast and fun race!!!
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The Run Fest was formerly the ODDyssey Half Marathon in which people dressed up in costumes and run! I couldn't imagine running in costume in a June Half Marathon but this race was just as fun without a costume!! If you aren't ready for a half marathon just yet, there is a 5k race or half marathon relay. The courses are amazing- the 5k is nice and flat and finishes on MLK Drive. The half marathon is not your typical Philly Half race going throughout the city, this is basically all in Fairmount Park, there is sections on Kelly Drive and MLK drive some sections are hillier than others which adds to the fun. There was so much course support with the aid stations run by one of my favorite local non profits, Students Run Philly Style giving out fluids and gels! The expo was held at a local brewery, Yards and sponsored by On shoes. The after party was awesome with a photo booth, Yards beer and lots of games. Though I am not a summer runner, it wasn't too hot the morning off and there was plenty of shade and I would absolutely run it again!
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I always wanted to run this race but was afraid to because of the big giant hill that used to be in it. So I thought it wouldn't be a flat enough course to get a PR but I decided to go for it. I was lucky enough to have a co worker pace me for the first half and so much crowd support. The hill was no object for my motivation because I was on pace to PR! There was so many people out on MLK drive and though I was cold and took a while to warm up, it was worth it I had gotten a 5 minute half PR!! As with most Philly races, the parking and getting to the start is the most difficult part. if you can get someone to drop you off in the morning that is the best way because streets are closed and parking is hard to find. If you're able to public transportation and walk to the start that its a good options as well. There was about 3 decent size hills but the first half is basically all flat and in the city, (watch for potholes) and your GPS might not work and be all wonky and throwing off your mile spilts I wasn't sure what pace I was running! Even if you think hilly course are good for you, I would highly suggest you to just try Love Run Philly- you won't regret it!
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This was my first Broad Street run and I loved it! Really fast and all down hill so its an EZ course. It is pretty hott running on Broad St. and i felt towards the end my feet were burning. It is a very crowded race even with the lottery, but its more people to run with! You are never by yourself, there are either people running with you or the crowds down Broad Street are so awesome.