Latest reviews by Dorothy

(2016)
"Rainy BAA Half Marathon "
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What a race!! The race took place on October 9, 2016. It's put on by the Boston Athletic Association, so you can expect an organized and popular race. I was lucky enough to win a lottery entry into the race.

Pre-Race Communication:
There were many emails sent between registration confirmation and the day of the race. They offered training programs and held a clinic series. There wasn't an expo. Bib pick up was offered Thursday until the morning of the race. You also had the option to get it mailed to you.

Race Day:
Weather conditions were terrible, it was raining and never let up. The course was mainly rolling hills and out and back. (I've ran multiple races in San Francisco, so I was prepared for steeper hills.) It offered lots of scenery of Jamaica Plains/Franklin Park. The field size is about 9000 and mainly fast. There were 7 aid stations and tons of spectators braving the rain. I was really surprised and appreciative of how many spectators there were throughout the course. They definitely provided an extra morale boost.

Tshirt/Swag:
I really liked the long sleeve, dark grey t-shirt that was given. Medal was cool, I officially have a unicorn medal now! There was an additional medal given to the distance medley participants. After the race, they were giving out burger sliders, such a great food giveaway!

Final Thoughts:
It was a great race and I would definitely try and run it again. I wish the weather conditions were better, but that's out of our control. You can see all my excitement about my first-time experience running 13.1 miles in the rain in the attached photo!

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(2016)
"You Can Half It All - 2nd Half Marathon "
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The reason I ran this race was for the Half It All Challenge! The challenge is to run both halves of the full San Francisco marathon course in consecutive years. I ran the first half marathon course in 2015 and finished the second half in 2016. Review for the 1st half marathon: http://www.bibrave.com/races/the-san-francisco-marathon/3662#.V9DsBCMrIy4

Race Course-
Overall, the course was flatter and faster than the first half. However, the views of the city were almost non-existent and it felt like we were running thru Golden Gate Park forever. The park was rolling hills and I kept wondering to myself when we would exit the park. After the park, it was mainly city streets. There were long stretches of time that felt boring and very few spectators. The main exciting course view was when it ended near AT&T park (SF Giants stadium).

Aid Stations-
I felt they were better spaced and stocked for the second half.

Tshirt/Medal -
I liked the color (grey) of the shirt better this year. I also liked the medal this year more too. The half it all challenge medal is even better!

Final thoughts-
I would recommend the first half for the views, especially if you want to run across the Golden Gate bridge. If you're looking for a faster course, then the second half is your answer. If I put the two courses together for the marathon course, I think you'd have to dig deep mentally to get through the long stretches during the end part of the marathon.

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(2016)
"Run hard, Party harder"
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This race was on my radar since I've moved to the Bay. It's definitely a fun race, but they also have a seeded division. The majority of people are in costumes and enjoying themselves as they walk the course. Security is on the course and there are lots of spectators to cheer you on and join the party.

It's a 12K and goes by quick. There is the big Hayes hill and a few rolling hills throughout. It cuts through Golden Gate Park and ends next to the beach.

Bay to Breakers is definitely a bucket list race! Tons of fun. Lots of adults, college students, and families. You may see some naked people and you'll also get some creative costume ideas for Halloween.

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(2015)
"Night Nation Run: San Jose Fun Run"
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This is definitely more of a fun run/big party than a competitive race. DJs and music along the course and a pre-party and after-party on the main stage. It's a fun run to raise money for charity. Over 11,000 participants, but all mixed ages.

The course itself is a mix of dirt and concrete on county fair grounds. Happens at night and course isn't very well lit. It's not timed and felt shorter than a 5k.

Free t-shirts and glow sticks. Definitely more for entertainment. Mainly, if you're looking to have fun, run for a good cause, and party, this is a good one!

Picture: Main stage after party

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(2015)
"Long Beach Half Marathon 2015"
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The race took place on October 11, 2015, and it was HOT, 90-100 degrees. It is Southern California and we're in a drought, so what do you expect? They (race management) handled the heat well though. They sent out e-mail advisories the week leading up to the race and even allowed the half marathoners an earlier start time to start with the marathoners. However, if you were looking to qualify, you weren't allowed to start early due to regulations. They increased water and medical stations. I really appreciated it! While the water stations seemed understaffed with volunteers, it is understandable, as I'm sure they increased the amount of stations last minute. The early start was a little hectic, waves weren't really defined, but again, they weren't prepared for the amount of half marathoners that came out to start early. Course was flat, very little elevation change, probably only to cross over bridges. Majority of the course is next to the ocean, and the views were nice. The expo was okay, various vendors and lots of race booths, but only street parking or parking lots available. One of the biggest disappointments, the water at the aid stations and at the finish line wasn't cold. Overall, good fast race if you're looking to PR or qualify for Boston. If only it wasn't so hot!

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