Latest reviews by Jennifer

(2017)
"Don't fall for the elevation gain! It's a trick!"
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I really enjoyed this race, however I was shocked to see the elevation gains were so low but didn't really think anything of it as I lined up to run the race. Everything was organized well, the portapotties were very numerous, the parking garage wasn't far from the race. The volunteers were great! The main thing I didn't like about this race was around mile 11 it climbed UP and then it was a LONG downhill. So this downhill made the elevation gains not look so bad in comparison to Atlanta's courses. The scenery was nice but I was expecting to see more history and more of Raleigh's city then to see a lot of neighborhoods. The crowd support was nice for the 13.1 but from what I understand the 26.2 not so much. I also had to go to the medic tent afterwards because the hills were pretty rough along with the downhills. I had to get ice to be put on my knee (never had a knee problem) and I noticed about 4-5 people behind me were also going to get ice put on their knee too. The medic tents had tons of ice on the tables outside which told me they expected this to happen and they knew how brutal of a course this was. I won't go back but I did have a good time at the race and the expo. The expo was well organized and the people were knowledgeable with the things they had to sell. This was also my first Rock N Roll Race. They have discontinued the marathon, I assume, because it's not as popular and I'm sure people also complained about how rough that course was. I hope you run Raleigh and if you do, please be prepared for hills, long uphills along with long downhills.

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(2016)
"Fun Grassy Race with Nuns"
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This race is put on by the Mount Assisi Convent in Lemont, IL. This race was so much fun. We got to see numerous nuns out there walking with the walkers and they seemed to be having a good time. The nun that shot off the gun for everyone to go was also funny too. They even just yell on your mark, get set, and GO. You rip off the tag of your bib and hand it to them. There is no chip timing on this but you will see your results and photos posted online. This was a very small race, less than 150 registered. My friends who went with me to this race also had a great time. My friend, Eric, won 2nd place overall. This race has 2.5 laps. We ran through grass, asphalt and up and down a few hills. We also had some mud because it rained the night before. Our times were no different than on a regular road race. It was a few minutes more but nothing ridiculous and nothing we couldn't handle. I recommend this race highly, if you want a small race outside of Chicago and for it to go to a great cause. They even hand out great finisher's medals as well as awesome shirts. Great race for the community and just to have a great time out there! If I'm in the area next year, I will do this race again.

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(2016)
"Great Organized Race!"
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This was probably the hilliest race I've ever done. I loved the scenery and the booths at this race. The goodie bag is full of candy, chips, popcorn, bars, gum, etc. The shirt looks cute and the energy was great. The only part I didn't like was the elevation. The start line was at the Galleria office park, you run around a circle and run UP a hill then run down a hill and lose elevation for a bit. You run one direction, turn around and go straight down another hill and complete that side. Once you've completed that side, you go back up a hill and it's murder on the quads, once you've completed that hill, you turn right to go back to the finish line and guess what? It's another hill! I rarely walk in 5ks, this one was an exception to that rule. I got up that hill and started running down to the finish line. Even though this was a hilly race, I would do it again! I actually got in this race for free using a friends and family discount. This race is well worth the trouble on the hills. The only other thing I didn't like was getting to the location where you are supposed to park. I didn't PR this race but it definitely was a lesson learned about how important hill training is.

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