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Latest reviews by Christine
Christine recommends this race
(2015)
"It's a hot one but it's a blast"
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T-Shirts/SWAG
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Happening over labor day weekend each year, the Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon is a fun race albeit very hot. I've run this race 3 years and it's always quite hot and humid. The atmosphere is very party-esque for both the runners and spectators. It's definitely a fun race for capping off the summer!
The race course: The race starts at the Virginia Beach Convention Center and spends the first few miles winding down the beach-front streets. Here, you can expect lots of spectators and a few bands. Once you go over the Rudee Inlet Bridge (the only hill on the course and you'll experience it twice), you're in a more residential section of town. Along this stretch, there are plenty of local residents out with their own cheer stations. Around the mile 6 mark, you'll turn into a military base which is honestly, a bit boring. This is the part of the race where it's best to find a groove and get comfortable. When you exit the military base around mile 10, you'll be back on the main road headed back to the beach. This is the time to enjoy the spectators. I was able to grab an otter pop which was perfect on a hot day! You'll go over the bridge one last time and then will turn to finish on the Boardwalk. Don't sprint right away though because the finish line is a little ways away!
Organization: Since this race has been happening for 15+ years now, it runs like a well-oiled machine. They have parking offsite and bus runners to the starting line which makes traffic and race morning much simpler. The expo is great and easy to navigate. The finish line festival is fairly orderly and there are plenty of great places to reunite with family and friends after the race.
Swag and Eats: I love that the shirts have a bit of a local flair to them. the 2015 shirt had an image of King Neptune, which is a notable statue at the beach. There are tons of awesome post-race food options. From popsicles to chocolate milk to bananas to granola bars and many more options, there's something for everyone. My favorite is a popsicle to cool off!
If you're looking for a fun end of summer running getaway, this would be a great choice!
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(2015)
"Not a stereotypical scenic DC course"
Overall
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If you are looking for a picturesque DC race, Rock 'n' Roll DC half marathon is not your race! This race course starts on the mall but quickly moves out into some more residential sections of DC. That's not to say that these residential sections aren't interesting or attractive but they may not hold your attention, like running past some of the big DC monuments and memorials.
In terms of elevation, there is one major hill at about mile 6 and then quite a few rolling hills on the back half of the course. I had heard rumors of this hill and it was no joke! The one great part of it was the spectators and Wear Blue to Remember group that lined the entire hill, providing some motivation to make it up.
Like all Rock 'n' Roll races, this race offers fun bands along the course and great aid stations. There are more than enough aid stations and plenty of medical tents along the course. Since 2015 was a very rainy race, the spectators were pretty thin throughout but I can't really hold that against them.
My biggest concern for this race was the timing. I was at the front of my corral and we were moved across one of the starting mats before we were released to start. Apparently that mat started our chips and my final chip time was about 2 minutes off of my Garmin time. I contacted the proper authorities and after many weeks of emailing back and forth, they finally stopped responding. I was disappointed that while I presented Garmin data, the Rock 'n' Roll personnel were rude and questioned my motives about my race time.
In terms of swag, Rock 'n' Roll always has great gear. The medal was cute and nicely themed for the DC race. The Brooks race shirts rarely disappoint. And I was very pleased that runners were offered mylar blankets at the finish, both for keeping warm and dry on that cold and rainy race day!
While Rock 'n' Roll DC was not my favorite race experience due to the course and the timing issue, it was a learning experience for me...I'll never cross another timing mat before a race officially begins!
Christine recommends this race
(2014)
"A nighttime race under the Boardwalk holiday lights "
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The J&A race organization puts on incredible race experiences and the Surf-n-Santa 5 miler is no exception. 2014 was the first year that this race was shifted from a 10 mile morning race to a 5 mile evening race. The evening race format is fun and unique. My now husband and I turned this into a holiday date night!
The race course: The race starts and finishes at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The first few miles take you down the resort area of Virginia beach where there are plenty of spectators and groups cheering for you. Next, you turn onto the Boardwalk where you will run among the holiday lights, which is truly the highlight of this race! For those who live in the area, you know that typically you can only drive through the lights so this is a neat experience. Once you finish up on the Boardwalk, you head back the final mile or so to finish inside the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Yes, you read that right - indoor finish line!
Post-race party: The J&A races are legendary for their post-race parties and this one did not disappoint. Bread bowls with soup, Sam Adams beer, and a great band were the high points of the party. Plus there's a "beach cottage" for photos with Santa. What more could you want?
Logistics: Being the first year for the nighttime race, I wasn't sure what to expect but the race was well-run. We picked up our race packets just before the race and didn't spend much time in the expo. It was easy to find parking at the convention center, adding to the ease of this race experience.
To get the most value for this race, register early since the J&A races aren't a budget experience. This race is a really great way to enjoy the holiday season!