Latest reviews by Jes

(2015)
"A Classic Ohio Race"
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Race Management will give you a map for everything! Which is nice. The course has some decent elevation changes, and for not knowing the city I thought I got a nice 13+ mile tour.
Bag drop was easy (although I had difficulty finding it). There were plenty of open businesses at the start for a warm bathroom. The course felt congested at the start but I feel like after the first relay exchange point, it thinned out some. The finish line party was pretty cool and the swag was a nice touch!

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(2015)
"Not Walker Friendly"
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Never again.
I walked this "walking classic" with my mom. She was so excited to finish her first half marathon.
The jacket looked very cheaply made.
The course scenery was great. There was no day of race packet pickup and no willingness to provide any assistance for out of towners, they really wanted you to book a room so they could get some money back if you used their code.
There seemed to be enough water stations and the course was decently marked. It did not match the course map however.
The race was more focused to the 10k. After we split, fans became barren.
We finished and all of the post-race swag (a 31 cross body bag and a scarf) were gone. They had been handed out to non runners. When we asked questions we were told that they can not control who gets the runners finishing gifts. Which is a lie because in the other 17 half marathons I've completed its never been an issue.

I was so happy to be with my mom for her first half. But besides spending the time with her this race was awful.
For spending over $100 to participate in this half marathon, you definitely don't get your money's worth.

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(2015)
"All of the Miles are Magical!"
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After running WDW twice (well 5 times technically), I fell in love with the Disneyland course. You spend a decent amount of the course in the parks and then when you run through the city, the course is lined well with supporters and entertainment. Just wait til you run through Angels Stadium! The expo is your standard runDisney expo in terms of expectations. Bag drop is easy and there weren't that long of lines for the porta pots before the start. There was issues in Corral A with people walking at the start which caused a few traffic jams but after the first mile the pack scattered. Photos are hit or miss with it being before sunrise as you're running through the parks, so while there are cool lighting effects and all, don't bank on having memorable pics (at least I didn't, so people did!). And don't forget to dress up. That's the fun of runDisney. It's truly a magical race.

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(2015)
"Fast and Flat--A Must Race for a Spring PR"
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Pricing: Very reasonable registration fees.

Expo and Packet Pick-up: The expo is only one day, but there is race day packet pick-up available. If you're used to 15,000+ participant races, this expo will seem small. But it has the bare necessities (ie shopping!). Dave's Running will have tons of gear and energy sources on sale. Packet Pick-up is always fast and smooth. Free parking makes it a very quick and painless experience. But you really should show up and hang out for the kids races. They're the best part of the Expo!

Start Area: Plenty of Porta Potties, Bag Drop right next to the start, and easy identifiable corrals. Really simple! The pacers are also easy to find as well. Free parking around campus on race day as well.

Course: Flat! It is crowded in the first 2 miles and then thins out a bit. Proposed course changes for 2016 look to eliminate this issue, while still keeping the course super flat. There are plenty of spectators, even when it's cold and rainy. The cities along the course show up well, but if you're used to racing in large metropolitan areas, you might want to limit your expectations. There's plenty of scenery (especially along the full marathon course). There are plenty of fluid stations and restroom stops, although I don't frequent them often during this race.

Finish: You finish in the Glass Bowl at the University of Toledo. The crowds really turn out here! After you exit the stadium, you'll receive your finishers mug. A great tradition! Then it's on to a really decent post-race meal. I don't hang around long for the after party because I'm normally cold and tired, but from what I hear the live bands are awesome and so is the atmosphere.

Overall: It's a fast flat course. You can't control the weather, but despite the weather, it's still a great race. Besides it's a spring race, the weather isn't supposed to be perfect! Every year the RD and Team make small tweaks to the race that help make it better and better.

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(2015)
"Magical Memories in these Miles."
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I ran Dopey. So first the expo is your standard runDisney expo.
The 5K is a fun run, so unless you're running Dopey, don't expect an official time. It's probably the best course of the bunch because it's mainly in Epcot. And remember when I say fun run...don't expect a PR. The 10K was my first of the distance so I'm not a great judge on this one. These start lines are right next to the runner's area.
The half marathon was a good course. You spend a little bit in the parks but mostly running to and from. What threw me through a loop was the unexpected 1+mile walk from bag drop to my starting corral. And once you're in there say goodbye to the porta pots (although there are plenty before you get in). The course seemed to go by pretty fast.
The marathon seemed to be the busiest event. And although it wasn't my best race. I still enjoyed it. There is plenty of entertainment even though sometimes you're lacking "scenery." Lots of support too. Hollywood studios was my favorite park to run through!
I didn't think there was any aspect of the course that was too crowded.
If you plan on running Dopey, if you want a "finisher's photo" with all of your medals, you'll have to carry them with you since bag drop is after you leave the finishing area. I saw plenty of people do this!
I rode the buses from the resorts. It was a quick ride for the most part. But sometimes a wait after the race. Some runners when right to the parks after finishing (I did not).
Since it was a colder race weekend, I'm happy my parents did chEAR squad, since it was in a "climate controlled" tent and had food!

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