Latest reviews by Jenna Kinzie

(2016)
"Great view of Dallas!"
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Picked up my packet at my local RunOn! and was in and out. Could NOT believe ALL the swag we got! Awesome Tech-Tee, headband, Dallas skyline socks, and cool medal at the end.
When I arrived to the location of the race (Dallas near the Trinity River) I had to try a few different parking lots before finally parking in some grass - was a little nervous I wouldn't make it in time since it took so long to park - BUT this is to be expected and why I give myself 2x the amount of time to get there than I think I'll need. Once parked, I was just right near the finish line and got in line to start.
We started just about right at 8:00am (for the 10K) and the crowd thinned out really quickly - I liked the fact that this was a big race, yet not HUGE (2,500 total for the 5K, 10K, AND half). So, after the first minute or so, I had plenty of room (not dodging in and out of people the whole way). That was nice so that I could soak in the beautiful scenery. It was just gorgeous. Went over the Trinity and everything was so green this time of year.
Aid stations were great - lots of friendly faces ready to get you fueled up... One thing to note is that this is a pretty hilly race (in my opinion) - it starts at a slight incline, ends in a slight incline, and going over the bridge is running up/down a hill. I, personally, don't mind this and enjoyed the challenge but if you have an injury or don't like hills that may be noteworthy.
The finish line was great - great announcer and post-race treats - bananas, pop-tarts, granola bars, and some other goodies/prizes. I walked along the river to cool down and it was just lovely. I will ABSOLUTELY be doing this race again next year, and 100% recommend it to others.
As a rule of thumb, ALL Race Project races seem to be really well organized and thought out. Thanks for another great race!

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(2016)
"Back for more!"
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This 5K was so fun the last time I did it, I came back for more! This year was even better because they had post-race medals! 5 stars for "Swag" - nice medals, soft T-shirts, other goodies, and even an option to have your packet mailed to your doorstep!
I took the DART station to the race (many participants do) - and it was very easy. Got off at MLK Blvd and we were basically at the start line at Fair Park.
The volunteers and sponsors were great as usual. Everyone is SO happy to be there, it's impossible not to be full of joy and excitement at the Color Run ("Happiest 5K on the Planet!"). Before the race this year, there were so many awesome photo ops! I loved the fact that we could take some great pics while also having something to do while waiting for the race to start. Brilliant. (See attached photo as an example of pre-race photo ops).
The post-race party was AWESOME. SO much color and excitement! There was even a flash mob!
The race was flat (one tiny incline at the end) and the weather was PERFECT. Not hot at all, just a wee bit chilly (perfect running weather).

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(2016)
"St. Paddy's Day Fun!"
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This is a really fun 5K! It's all about having fun on St. Paddy's day. This happens the morning before the St. Paddy's Day Parade on Lower Greenville (Dallas), which is a HUGE crazy street party with various block parties happening in the area. If you like to run, then get your party on then this one's for you.
I always take the DART (Dallas' public transportation) to Lower Greenville. I am honestly not even sure where you would park. I'm sure there's somewhere, though. I think DART is encourages, though, as parking is likely limited. Also, the DART will drop you off very close to the start line (MLK). You know you're on the right train when you see tons of green, happy people!
The morning was chilly, once running it was perfect. The start line was pretty crowded and took a few minutes to get past the cluster of people as expected at the start of a 5K. The course was pretty, ran though neighborhoods - some small, slight hills - nothing dramatic. There are lots of people cheering you on, especially towards the end of the race when people are already arriving for party shenanigans. They love cheering on the runners!
The volunteers were great, there were a few water stations along the way and various snacks and drinks available at the end of the race. You got a beer (big PBR) at the end as well!
As far as swag, it was great! Super soft shirt, some mardi-gras/St. Pats beads, and a DDG bottle opener. A finisher's medal would be cool, but no huge deal.
The race is REALLY fun due to it's location, the really happy people involved, and just the whole vibe of excitement from everyone that day. The DDG and St. Pat's Parade are a HUGE deal here, so everyone is just really happy that day! What better way to start the party than a little run! I definitely would recommend this to a friend and will do it again myself.

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(2013)
"Great Race!"
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This was my first time participating in any sort of Color Run. I absolutely LOVED it. My friend asked if I'd join her since I love running - I had no idea how much fun I was in for! First of all, the people that participate in the Color Run must literally be the all the happiest people in the planet (they do call it the Happiest 5K, after all). You get there and just immediately feel a surge of joy and happiness seeing everyone as happy and colorful as they could possibly be. It's as if everyone who does the color run waits ALL year for this very moment.
The run was very well organized and planned - packet pickup was easy and close by and came with everything you need (bib #, pins). The swag consisted of a T-shirt, sweatband, and temporary tattoos (no medal at the end, which is the only reason for one star off for "Swag").
The color stations were truly fun! The volunteers were great, friendly, helpful and HAPPY! The best part was the post-race party by the stage where everyone got more color packets and threw them in the air after a countdown - I'm talking color EVERYWHERE! It's so so much more fun that you'd even expect. The post-run party is what will have me participating in the 5K again. So fun!

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