Latest reviews by Kim Prytherch

(2017)
"Trying Trail Races in the New Year"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

The director offered two chances to pick up your bib, in addition to race day pickup. I got mine early and also received lip balm, stickers, and free passes to a local park system. Score!
Prior to race day I received several emails about packet pickup, weather, and other details. Super well informed.
Race day was a little rainy but we were allowed to hang out indoors or set up a tent if we wanted to. Parking was easy to find. The race started on time.
Course was well marked and super hilly, rocky, gnarly, and fun. It was my first trail 5k, and I loved every minute of it.
There was a water station at mile 2, with great volunteers scattered throughout. I never once cane close to getting lost, all turns were clearly marked.
At the finish, someone took our raffle ticket from our bib and we were directed to beer and food. Crazy amounts of bbq, collard greens, black eyed peas, and corn bread for good luck in the new year. For the non beer drinkers they had sweet tea and unsweetened tea. We ate tons and waited for the raffle. just about everyone who waited won something. I won a beer glass and a Road ID gift card!
I will definitely be coming back in 2018.

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(2017)
"a Wonderful Stroll Through EPCOT "
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
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We were in Disney for the 5k, 10k (my daughter ran it) and the marathon. We went to the expo on day one and lined up early so we counderstand get merchandise without long lines. They opened early and we got in and out with very little problems. They changed up the bib pickups for the shorter races which made for more stops but it was still pretty fast.
Race morning we lined up for the bus in plenty of tice but the dude at our bus stop lectured us on being late to the race. As a marathon repeater we knew that we were fine and ignored him.
We arrived at the starting area and had plenty of time to dance around with the DJ for quite some time before lining up.
I had injured my foot so we walked the whole race, and really got to enjoy the scenery as we ran around and then through EPCOT. The water stops were well manned and they were swept frequently smothered wasn't anything to slip on or trip over.
The course seemed different than the last time I ran it, a little more behind the scenes.
The finish line was well run, medals handed out easily, and after our official photos (included now with photo pass) we were given food boxes, bananas and drinks.
we loved all of the characters on the course, and the buses on the way back to the hotels ran frequently.
we were back and showered before breakfast!
a perfect race!

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(2016)
"Christmasville: A Reindeer Rompingredients Good Time"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This was an amazing experience. The race was open to the public but it was predominantly a Girls on the Run event. The registration process for us took place behind the scenes, and it was very organized. All of our bibs and race info was handed out far in advance of the race. we also received meet up info for race morning.
We parked with ease just outside of the blocked off areas. The meet up area was well organizedone with hand warmers for everyone since it was unseasonably cold. The DJ was playing music to keep the kids excited. He also leaves know when it was time to line up.
The race started a few minutes late, nothing crazy. the course wound through Rock Hill in a giant loop so we finished where we started. the course support was insane, plenty of volunteers, police officers and ambulances. Every mile marker had a volunteer or three to cheer you on. The girls had a blast! the water station at the halfway point was well staffed and super organized.
The final turn was surrounded by huge crowds and a dude dressed as Rudolph was cheering everyone on!
We got our medals and water, aND then we went to a tent to get our swag. We got a tee, cup, lip balm, pens and coupons in a cute reusable bag. There were photo ops as well.
it was all very organized and ran smoothly.
I will definitely be running this race next year!

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(2016)
"Charlotte Turkey Trot or Not?"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Packet pick up was a breeze and I was in and out quickly with my bib and shirt.
The race started on time with the 8k runners starting at 9 and the 5k runners starting at 9:30. this had all runners finish at the same time and made the finish a little hectic.
the race started on time with no anthem or announcement, just a gun going off.
the course was beautiful, and the water stops were mostly organized. one stop, the cups were very small and there was maybe a swallow full of water in each cup.
the finish was chaotic. it was hard to find the water afterwards, and we had to pour our own which was a hot mess. then we had to search for the food, which was orange slices and granola bars. cut in half. yes that's right, a half of a granola bar after running 5 miles.
age group awards were in 5 year increments and the costume contest was by audience votes so if you didn't bring friends with you, you had no chance of winning.
the shirt is super comfy and long sleeved and the bling was substantial for a short race.
I will be looking for a new Turkey Trot next year, however.

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(2016)
"Running Tour of the Big Apple"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I had to wait a week to write this review because I didn't want my emotions to cloud my review.
the expo was amazing. the lines moved quickly and there was good flow throughout. the gear had a good selection and I found my size in almost everything I wanted.
the Pavilion at Central Park was equally perfect. I loved finding my name on the wall and they had some Finisher gear, a sneak preview if you will, but they didn't have my size in the jacket i wanted before the race.
we were staying near Central Park, so I signed up for the bus at the library. the hubs walked me to the bus, and the line was pretty long and it was a little hectic. I was signed up for the 6:30 bus and was seated and on my way at 6:15.
after a roughly 90 minutes drive we were at the start village. again a long line but it moved quickly and I was inside by 8. now comes the waiting and my only real complaint. I understand that it's necessary for road closings so I'm mostly just whining.
I hit the bathroom, the only real line I stood on, and then found a friend to hang with until we started.
I was in Wave 4, and we started at 11.
the Verrazano was awesome and Brooklyn was very exciting. the fans are really into it and they call you by name of it's written on your shirt. I've never seen anything like it!
so, my race didn't go well. I started feeling nauseous at mile 10 or so, and by Mile 14 I was walking. no wall of sound at mile 16 because they all went home. obviously not the race's fault, but if you are back of the pack, don't hold out for it.
at mile 19, around 5:00, they opened the course. we had to move to the sidewalks and they were breaking down medical tents and water tables.
at two points, there were no police and no race volunteers and we were approached by locals who made us feel very unsafe. I was actually a little scared at one point, but luckily there were a lot of us, so I guess safety in numbers.
at Mile 25.8 or so, the path to the finish was blocked off and a volunteer told us the finish line was closed! it was only 6:30! luckily, a race employee came over and opened the gate and let us in to finish.
the finish line was fabulous, even if the spectators were gone. I finished at 6:30 pm. we were given our medal, placed over our heads. next was the recovery bag and then the mylar blanket which I needed because I was freezing. the girl basically tossed it at me, and it was falling off when I got to the man with the tape for it. he sweetly fixed it for me and taped it closed so I would not have to try and hold it closed.
next was the half mile trudge uphill to the ponchos. also placed gently around my shoulders which was nice. you exit 10 blocks away from where you ended which felt like miles. the hubs tried to get in and a volunteer actually grabbed and shoved him away. no warning either. ugh. everything is closed off so you can't get a can but we did get a pedi cab, which was fun and got us back to our hotel.
I'm glad I did it but I would not do it again.
the Pavilion had tons of finisher gear the next morning and I got everything I wanted, including the jacket.

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