Latest reviews by Meesh

(2018)
"Wet, windy but flat course. "
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Let me get this out of the way: the 2018 Half marathon had terrible weather. It was raining, cold, and we faced 30MPH headwinds on the way back. That was the hardest part about this race.

I live about 2 hours north of AC, so i got up early and drove down - and had no trouble at all parking in the FREE resorts casino deck! Hooray for free parking! I paid for same-day bib pickup and it was a breeze. I was delighted to find that my race tshirt was comfy and soft - glad I sized up to XXL, because it fit perfectly. I will absolutely wear this one again. Then, the best part was waiting fo rthe race to start. It was miserable out - so being able to wait INSIDE a comfy warm casino with a good amount of bathrooms was amazing. Every race would be better with this as an option ;-)

The course was flat and fast, out a few miles on the boards, then onto the road for the middle portion, then back up onto the boards for the last few miles. I like being able to see and cheer for my fellow runners, since i'm usualyl at the back of the pack. It was a tough race because of the wind and rain - not because of the race itself. The water stations were well-equipped. The finish line had popcorn, italian ice, and a free (tiny) beer. Would've loved a free NORMAL sized beer, but what can you do? I was happy to relax for a few in the casino before driving the two hours home. My friend even played a round of roulette and came home with a few hundred dollars - can't beat that!! Overall, a great race. Wish I lived closer, I'd go every year!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2017)
"Course changed since bombing in 2016"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

The original course was bombed in 2016, and thus, for 2017 they changed the course. I'd run it all the years prior on the first course, which was a simple out on the road, back on the boardwalk at the end PAST the sawmill where there were no shops. For 2017, it was changed to the complete opposite direction on the boardwalk, starting at the Beachcomber and running in the direction opposite Sawmill. HOwever, the volume was tough in this direction because starting on the street gave the crowd room to spread out within the first mile. Instead, the first mile was treacherous with those wooden things in the middle of the boardwalk sneaking up on you in a crowd of runners. I saw someone take one on the shin and go down. Lucky it wasn't me. Also, while you get more time on the boards, you then cut down and around by 35 for the middle - pretty boring. Then you come back up on to the boards and finish in front of Beachcomber. 2017 was hot hot hot and by the end, it had spread out, but the beginning was pretty tough with the large crowds on the boards. Hard to see your feet ahead of yourself and not trip on anything! The swag for this race is always great - long sleeve underarmour shirts. Of course, the spirit of the race cannot be beat, even though I wish they'd revamp the changed course back to the first version of it.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2017)
"Flat, lots of turns, no medals"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I've run this race twice, and had a good experience both times. My biggest anxiety with driving into JC was parking - and this race directs you right to a well-located parking deck! Not sure if this changes if you get there much later, but both times I had no problem getting a spot. Then, you walk a couple blocks over to get your shirt/bib. This race is very flat (one tiny on-ramp, thats it) but has lots of turns. The scenery only gets good toward the end - miles 4-6ish. At the beginning it feels very industrial. Good sized crowds for the race, but not overcrowded. You finish right at the waterfront and there are lots of snacks, and if you hang around long enough, really great raffles. However, the tshirts are boring in design/color and there is no medal! I'd take a medal over a t-shirt any day.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2017)
"Newer, not many 10 milers in the area"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Not bad for a new race. I ran this during its first year in 2017, thus expected some kinks. There weren't many. The course itself was listed as flat, but in fact had rolling hills. The aid stations were pretty good - but could've used some electrolyte drink the second half. The course itself wasn't particularly scenic, and as a back of the packer, i was a little bit lonely toward the end. The police did a great job of keeping the course car-free, which was awesome. THis year they also had free pictures which was a sweet perk. In addition, the finisher medal was huge and quite attractive. Not many 10 milers in this area, so it was a nice addition.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2016)
"Flat, fun, good swag and a medal!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This year was the SL5's 40th anniversary, and the shirts were a super cute green to celebrate - along with a pint glass, bag, calendar, and of course - a medal at the finish as always! This is a busy race. Lots of people of all talent levels - you'll never be last here if you're running, tons of walkers. 2016 was particularly hot, unfortunately, but the course is well-supported. It is crowded - there are people at your elbows the entire way - but there are water stops at each mile, and friendly neighbors out on their lawns with hoses, too. This year there were bands and cheerleaders, to boot! There is a reason this race has been going for 40 years - it is well put together and fun. At the finish, you get a cute medal as well as subs, plenty of beverages, and snacks.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.