Latest reviews by Jenn LE

(2017)
"March to Get Screened 5K Run/Walk"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This is my third time running the March to Get Screened 5K Run/Walk. While I don't love beach runs, the cause of colon cancer awareness is way too important to ignore, and this year, that cause hits just a little closer to home so I didn't want to miss it. Even though I had run 15K's worth of races the day before, this had a nice, late 9AM start, so I figured it would all work out.

Things changed a little this year - the run was mostly an out and back, but the start and finish line were in two different locations. Everything was clearly marked and easy to navigate.

T-SHIRTS/SWAG
Registrants received a really soft cotton t-shirt, a MTGS string bag, and for the first time, a medal (which was really beautifully done). I don't think that medals are necessary for these kinds of charity runs, but the quality was great and it was a nice touch.

AID STATIONS
There was a water stop at the halfway point and another water table set up after the finish line. There were also extra garbage cans set up at the midpoint stop, just because of the wind. They asked for runners to please make every effort to get the cups in the garbage so as not to litter on the beach.

COURSE SCENERY
I mean, you really can't beat running alongside the Atlantic Ocean in early spring.

EXPO QUALITY
No expo, really. Packet pickup was at select 1st Place Sports stores on Thursday and Friday, or on site on Sunday. Pickup was a little hectic, but we got everything quickly and moved on. There were a few vendors tables out, and then people handing out blue beads, sunglasses, leis and bubbles. They had blue hair spray and tattoos. There was also a face painter and a balloon artist for the kids.

ELEVATION DIFFICULTY
The run/walk is at low tide, and the packed and actually felt really good on the way out. Coming back, there was a little bit on unevenness, which was intensified because we were running into the wind. At the finish line, the sand was really churned up, which meant you just had to stay alert and watch your footing.

PARKING/ACCESS
Public lots are located around the SeaWalk Pavilion area. The earlier you arrive, the closer your parking spot. It's a small event, so I don't think anyone really had any difficulties.

RACE MANAGEMENT
Everything was great. Sufficient portapotties, nice course, wonderful volunteers. There was an after party with live music at the Irish pub across the street from the pavilion, although we didn't partake this year. In the past it's been a very nice vibe.

Love this event and was glad we could wear blue for colon cancer awareness this year. It's always such an inspiring field, and I was so touched by the teams who were out there running for their loved ones and friends.

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(2017)
"40th Anniversary Gate River Run"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I would have to say that this is Jacksonville's premier race. Hosting more than 20,000 between the USA Championship 15K, the 5K, the Junior River Run mile and the Brooks Rehabilitation Mile, this is a huge race, and definitely one for the bucket list.

2017 marks the 40th anniversary of the event, and my 4th attempt at it. As always, it's one of my favorite races of the year.

T-SHIRTS/SWAG
The registration fee provides a customized bib (up to a certain date), a gender-specific t-shirt, logo string bag and a logo pint glass. The swag bags are also usually full of coupons, samples and other goodies. The medals have been absolutely gorgeous since I started running the event, and this year was no exception.

AID STATIONS
There are official water stations at almost every mile on the course, which is nice considering that this race has a late (8:30 AM) start, and is generally hot. There are also two first aid/med tents on the course, as well. Plenty of portapotties are stationed throughout the course, as well.

COURSE SCENERY
This is, perhaps, one of the best courses I have ever run. The race starts between Metropolitan Park and Everbank Stadium, and travels down the streets of the city until the runners cross over the Main Street Bridge and into San Marco and Riverside. From there, they weave through some beautiful little retail and residential areas, until popping out on Atlantic (the worst part of the whole thing), and beginning the climb to the top of the Hart Bridge (the Green Monster). The view of the river and the city is phenomenal, and then it's a straight downhill shot to the finish line in the parking lot of the stadium.

In addition, support is on point. There are tons of spectators, cheering on the runners, for almost the entire 9.3 miles. The spectators also spray water hoses, hand out water, mimosas, beer and bloody mary's, ring cow bells, and pass out orange slices, bananas, popsicles, donuts and other treats. It's like a giant running tailgate and it's amazing. Several bands play along the course, as well.

EXPO QUALITY
The GRR expo is perhaps the best one in Jax. It's huge with tons of booths, vendors and giveaways. First Place Sports has a huge installation with tons of shoes and merchandise on sale. It's pretty easy to spend a few hours there, checking out the deals and offers.

ELEVATION DIFFICULTY
While 9.3 miles isn't a particularly tough distance, the addition of two bridges (at mile 1 and mile 8) presents a challenge. The Main Street Bridge isn't too high or steep, but it is slippery and treacherous with its grated surface (and looking down and seeing water can mess with those who are afraid of heights). The Green Monster is another story. It's high, steep, and can be quite windy. It's always quite humbling.

PARKING/ACCESS
If you arrive early, there are no issues with parking. Runner have access to the lots at Everbank Field, the Fairgrounds, the baseball stadium, and everything else in the area. Problems arise for those that don't want to get there in advance - then spots become more limited and traffic restricts access into the area. There are also several groups that offer reserved parking passes for a fee or sponsorship, which allows access to some of the private lots in the area.

RACE MANAGEMENT
For such a massive event, I am always incredibly impressed with how smoothly it runs. From the seeding and starting of the corrals and waves, to the finisher's chute and the afterparty, it's always so well done. Plenty of beer, refreshments and live music post-race. The after-party is almost as much fun as the race itself.

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(2017)
"BDR Orlando 10K + 5K Challenge"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I had to skip BDR Orlando last year due to injury, so I was chomping at the bit to be back in 2017. My friend and I got crazy and decided that we would register for the 10K + 5K challenge (where runners would run both distances back to back). We had plenty of time to get through one race, take a break (get a drink, go to the restroom and drop off our medals) before starting the next. It was a great way to get some distance without committing to 13.1.

T-SHIRTS/SWAG
This t-shirt is my favorite of all the BDR shirts to date. It is soft, fits well, and is nicely designed. The medals were gorgeous. I earned three - a 5K, 10K and Challenge medal. Bib was really beautiful, too, with the skyline of Orlando on it.

AID STATIONS
Volunteers were handing out water and Nuun along the course. I counted four aid stations, one of which was offering Honey Stinger gels. During the 10K, I didn't need any hydration, but it seemed like everything was moving smoothly and was well stocked.

COURSE SCENERY
For me, it was a nice change of scenery. I loved the little Orlando neighborhoods, and the last mile spent in downtown Orlando. There are some pretty parks and little hills. It's probably one of the more scenic races.
The 5K was a little less so, just because we had already run through the course while on the 10K. But it was still pretty.

EXPO QUALITY
We opted to pick up our packets on race morning, but the expo vendors were all present on race day. The expo is set up in Lake Eola Park, which is so pretty and lends itself to a ring of tents, set up in the shade. Everything was clearly marked and well placed (gear check, beer garden, packet pickup, etc).

ELEVATION DIFFICULTY
There were small hills and and lots of bricks along the course. It wasn't unmanageable, but it did add an extra layer of challenge to the run.

PARKING/ACCESS
There are pay lots and street parking around the race site. Obviously, the earlier the better, and we have been parking at a nearby middle school that charges $5 per car and is maybe 1/2 mile from the start line.

RACE MANAGEMENT
Amazing. From the courses, to the medals, to the food tent, to the free photos, every detail is totally on point. Plenty of food (pizza, brownies, chips, oranges, bananas) and drinks (beer, cider, coke & diet coke, sprite and water). Great music and a beautiful waterfront setting. Morning of packet pickup was smooth, even with some lines. Runners had to get a wristband to enter the beer garden, and that process was also quite seamless. We didn't check any bags this year, but the station seemed organized and well run. Lots of portapotties and plenty of amenities for everyone. A must-do in Orlando.

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(2017)
"26.2 with DONNA Relay Team"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This is the first time I participated in 26.2 with DONNA on the big race day (I had done the 5K a few years ago, which was on Saturday in a different location, so didn't get the full benefit of the magnitude of the event). I really fell in love with the energy, the cause and the vibe. This was the 10th Anniversary of the race, and it felt really right to be there, with a team of four other wonderful women, running the marathon relay-style.

My review covers Leg 1 (start - mile 6), and the vibe of the expo/event.

T-SHIRTS/SWAG - With your registration, you receive a gender-specific, long-sleeve T-shirt. I loved the design. Each of the team members got a really nice DONNA-branded string backpack, a run DONNA car magnet, a copy of Donna Deegan's book "Through Rose-Colored Glasses", a sample of energy gel, a branded buff/headband and some other coupons and magazines. The finisher medals were STUNNING: large, stained glass, beautiful ribbons, etc. Probably one of my favorite pieces of bling.

AID STATIONS - Official aid stations seemed to be every 1.5 miles, with both water and electrolyte drink. Gels were available at stations further along the course. Unofficial stations were set up by spectators with all kinds of goodies - adult beverages, brownies, treats, etc. There was no shortage of fuel, drink or high-fives on the course.

COURSE SCENERY - A++++ The first 6 miles were through some gorgeous, beachfront neighborhoods in Ponte Vedra. Even better than looking at the architecture was all the people (and dogs) who came out to cheer us on. Neighborhoods got together to hang balloons and streamers, create pink archways and set up bubble machines... all for the runners. It was amazing and so kind. Based on pictures and what the rest of my team said, the rest of the run was pretty much the same.

EXPO QUALITY - Really nice expo with great vendors. The convention center offered free parking for people picking up packets which was a nice touch. The expo did seem a little smaller than the last time I was there, but it was well organized and put together.

ELEVATION DIFFICULTY - For my part of the course, it was fine. I upped the difficulty because there are bridges and an overpass, which are pretty brutal, especially for the last mile.

PARKING/ACCESS - The race is point to point, so runners are asked to park in the TPC lot to start, and then shuttle back from the finish at Mayo Clinic. Honestly, the last thing I wanted to do after a long day outside was sit on a school bus for 30 minutes to get back to the car, but it's a small annoyance that doesn't mar a great cause. There were some issues with the relay shuttles. We ended waiting an hour in freezing cold wind for a shuttle back to the finish line from transition one, which was pretty awful. Things happen, but the bus coordinator had no radio and didn't seem very interested in calling anyone for assistance. We finally got a bus when a volunteer coordinator started making calls because it was "inexcusable" that runners were left stranded that long. It was much appreciated to have someone step up to help.

RACE MANAGEMENT - Wonderful. Unfortunately, the weather started out cold, overcast and windy and ended up hot and humid, which was tough for the runners. The complimentary runner refreshment was soup, which was nice, but not necessarily the greatest thing for an 80+ degree day. Fortunately, Rita's was there, selling Italian ice. The Finisher's Village was beautiful with great energy. Crowd support was on point. I loved all the pink everywhere. Course was well marked and executed.

I am definitely in for this again, both for the event and the cause.

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(2017)
"Daytona Beach Lap the Track 3.1"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This was my first year at the Daytona Beach Lap the Track 3.1 event and I was absolutely blown away. I want to participate in the Relay Challenge next year and get a taste of the half marathon course!

T-SHIRTS/SWAG - We each got a really nice, cotton shirt (I prefer them to the tech/wicking shirts). They were out of Adult Small for my son, so we had the option of a cotton Adult Medium or a small Challenge Shirt. It was nice to offer the option. Medals were gorgeous - heavy, colorful, glitter with a beautiful checkerboard ribbon. Nice, custom bibs, too.

AID STATIONS - One station on the 5K course, offering water and Gatorade. Still plenty to offer when we passed.

COURSE SCENERY - Pretty cool to run on the Daytona International Speedway track. Yes, it's just pavement, but it's rather fabulous to know that you're running where all the racecars will be racing.

EXPO QUALITY - We did not attend the expo due to distance (we live an hour away and didn't want to make two trips in as many days, nor did we want to spend the night). The little area set up at the track for packet pick up on race day was very nice, though. A few relevant vendors was a nice touch - really nice to be able to purchase Gu on race day if needed.

ELEVATION DIFFICULTY - The 5K course was pretty flat and fast.

PARKING/ACCESS - Easy peasy. We arrived with about 90 minutes to spare as we weren't sure if there would be enough parking or traffic, and we had to collect our packets on race morning. Parking signs were clear and plentiful, and we had no problem being directed to our spot on the infield of the speedway. Easy walking distance to packet pickup and the start line, too.

RACE MANAGEMENT - Flawless. Course was accurate and well marked. Plenty of volunteers helping to direct. Great music. Free, unlimited beer for runners at the finish line, as well as food trucks and food for sale. Everyone was friendly and helpful.

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