Latest reviews by AARON BLANKENSHIP

(2016)
"Smooth course"
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This race starts outside of the minor league Rome Brave's stadium and finishes on home plate. This year there were a lot less runners because of that they change the normal five year age groups were 10 years, so it was a lot harder to actually place this year. The course remained the same as last year, but the decided to not have the additional 10K option. This course is an all paved course except for the way end from third base to home plate. It was a little crowded for the last mile as they start a 1mile walk during the 5K which covers the last mile of the 5K. It wasn't too bad this time, but could be a problem if there are a lot of 1mile walkers.

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(2016)
"New course for 2016"
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This is great race for beginners and there seemed to be a lot of beginners this year and many of the people from last year did not return. The course itself is fairly flat with a few moderate inclines around mile 2 and ends with a zig zag course into the stadium to the finish line. The end of the course was much better last year as it went in through the side gate of the stadium as opposed through the ticketing area and under the bleachers this year.
There were no aid stations and I had to ask where the water was at the end since it was at the far end of the stadium. They did have a computer available to input your bib number and get a print out of your stats, which was definitely needed as their main computer could not pull the information during the delayed award ceremony so you had to turn in your print out for your place medal. Overall it was a fun race but needs to be better organized and promoted better. Last year had a lot more runners participating.

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(2016)
"Good race for beginners"
Overall
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In order of events:

The Hot Chocolate expo was more of a packet pickup. As this is the first year for the event I did not expect it to be much more since it takes time for sponsors to join in and help expand the expo. All the volunteers and people there were very helpful and extremely friendly. They got you checked in and your bag very quickly. The cost itself is very nice, the sleeves are a little long and the weather for the race was too warm to wear a coat to anyway. I plan on using this jacket for pre and post practice runs during winter and fall. I may even use it after my late night jiu jitsu classes. They sold dry fit shirts and nice fleeces at great prices at the actual race that were all very nice but I didn't bring my wallet with me to the race. That is something they could have setup at the expo. If you are looking for a lot of swag and sponsors at a race in Las Vegas, I'd recommend the Las Vegas Rock n Roll marathon/half marathon instead. Personally i prefer smaller races, so I really enjoyed this one.

RaceDay: staying at Ballys was a great choice, very close and very easy to get to the race. If you took the strip itself to the race, they could have had more or some signage up to direct you where to go. Once there it all the volunteers were very helpful some I recognized from helping at the Rock n Roll Marathon. There were less people in the A group for the 5k than I thought, but I figured most people signed up for the 15K anyway. I've done long races before but I enjoy and train for 5K more. The starting line inflatable caught a leak so they had to remove it, it didn't have to do with the race being delayed though. Since they had to get the go ahead from the LVPolice the race started a little late. It wasn't a big deal but some people were complaining that they had to wait. I usually get to races early so waiting isn't really a big deal. The MC was great and did his best to keep things moving while waiting for the all clear to start.

The course itself took you up to the strip and then into an area you don't see much in Vegas if you just stay in the tourist parts. Nice flat course, great weather, and it is always good to run in a new area and not something you are used to. I haven't ran in a month so I was excited that I got 4th place but a little disappointed because I think I could have placed if I was able to run last month.

The aid stations and the post race chocolate volunteers were all well prepared and enthusiastic! They really helped with the great atmosphere without a ton of sponsors trying to push their products.

This is a great race for those that don't run much or just a flat 5K course to see how your training has helped you. I run all my races to a specific race day playlist I made so the lack of DJs and music on the course didn't bother me at all. Since it was an early race there were not a lot of spectators which lets you focus on the race and your personal best instead of what is going on around you. I past one aid station but since it was a 5K I avoid those but I believe they had chocolate chips and water there.

I can see this race growing and the expo getting larger each year. If you want to run a race that has a lot more people and music, do the Rock n Roll Vegas race. Personally I preferred this race as it wasn't as large and felt like a normal local race. This was my second race in Vegas and I may come back if CM Punk does a 5K in Vegas for UFC200 like he did last year.

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(2016)
"2nd place win!"
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A new year means another chance to participate in this medium difficulty race. The course consists primarily of rolling hills and steady up hills towards the end before finishing in a downhill bending finish. If you can keep a steady pace you can make up a lot of time in the last quarter to a strong finish.

After the race there is a raffle for everyone involved, a full breakfast and chili, and each medal is a hand painted flower pot with bulbs that the children paint.

This year was milder and only a thin mist of rain at the beginning that was gone a little after the start. The turn out grows and grows each year but I actually did better than last year to get a second place finish.

All the people at the church and the children that help are always very friendly and great to be around.

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(2015)
"Uphill Battle"
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An almost entire winding uphill race. I was expect some downhill or level ground but you won't find that until the very end. It is actually 3.3miles so it is a little longer than a normal. Very narrow trails so don't try to pass unless you are sure and let them know you are passing. Couldn't wear headphones this time for safety reasons. I really like the people that run this event and the medal is great! Third place this time!

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