Latest reviews by Katherine

(2016)
"Great race and good course for PRs"
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After doing a couple other NFECS races, I was really excited to try this one out. The race is well organized and managed with easy race kit pick up at a number of North Face stores or at the start line.

The course is flatter than I thought it would be with no major climbs but small rolling hills throughout. The trails are not technical making it a great place to run a fast trail race. There is some nice single track on the Ice Age Trail in the middle of the race and the rest of the trails are pretty wide. The whole thing is very runnable, unlike many trail races. There are a number of road crossings and a lot of time spent running through fields, which means no shade if it's hot out. It was hot out this year!

Like all North Face races, the aid stations are well stocked and the volunteers are great. The aid stations are also nicely spaced out every 7-8km.

The race conveniently starts at Ottawa Lake Recreation Area so you can camp within walking distance of the start line, a definite perk on race day! There's also a lake to go swimming in after the race is over which is always a nice treat.

Overall, this was a great race! It's a great place to run a fast trail race because it's relatively flat and has really nicely groomed trails for much of it. I'll definitely be back to run this race again.

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(2016)
"Great concept, needs better organization"
Overall
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The whole idea of this race is very cool, everyone is given headlamps and glowing shoelaces which you run down a dark road at night with. The race starts at around 8:30pm with packet pickup the day before at a local running room. Besides a t-shirt, headlamp and protein bar, there is no swag or medal for finishing. The race start seemed a little unorganized. After a 1km kids race, the 10km race started. The races are not very well timed with the end of the 5km finishing at the same time as the 10km so the fastest 10km runners are dodging the 5km walkers.

Overall, it's a lot of fun but not very well organized. If you're looking for a fun run then I'd recommend it.

You can read my full review here - https://katherineyager.com/2016/08/14/race-recap-ottawa-night-race-10k/

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(2016)
"Great race!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Overall, it's a great race. It's in late July in Toronto, which is a very hot and humid time of year. The race doesn't start early enough to be done before the heat gets bad. The race management is great as is the swag. Instead of t-shirts, hats are given out. The hats are cotton instead of technical so I'd prefer a t-shirt or tank.
Read my full review here - https://katherineyager.com/2016/07/25/race-recap-beaches-jazz-run-10km/

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(2016)
"Well organized muddy race"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
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Elevation Difficulty
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Race Management

The race is really well organized and the website is full of information. This year, there had been a lot of rain before so it was a mud slide for 30 of the 50km. I had originally signed up for the 50 mile race and when I went to change my distance a couple weeks before they charged me $20 to change the distance! I agree with charging for transfers or upping your distance but not a downgrade! Besides this hiccup, I highly recommend the race.

There is no expo, you pick up your bib at the North Face store. There is also no swag beside the shirt.
You can read more about it here - https://katherineyager.com/2016/04/13/race-recap-north-face-endurance-challenge-series-dc-50k/

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(2016)
"Great race!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This race is a 12.5km loop that can be done one, two or four times. I did the 50k. Bib pickup was easy on the morning of the race. You get a jar of honey and a soft cotton shirt when you pick up your bib. The course is on a ski hill so there's lots of going up and down. The aid stations are well stocked and the volunteers are great. The looped course was great because you got to go back to your stuff every loop. At the end of the race, you get a pair of socks instead of a medal which was a great touch. I highly recommend the race.

Here is my full race report - https://katherineyager.com/2016/05/03/race-recap-pick-your-poison-50k/

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