Latest reviews by Lisa Johnson
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
I have been running this race/course for the past 10 years! I love it and the bridges are a good challenge since Miami is flat.
Packet pickup was faster than 5 minutes, just went to the back of the Dicks store and they scanned my QR code and the whole interaction was fast, friendly and easy.
This year I did not have much long distance training except from a few months ago's half marathon and I still did excellent. Ran it with my friend, Sarah chatting the whole time and got a 2:05 time. Race starts at 6:15am which is still a little dark so you do not have the sun blasting you yet.
I only noticed the humidity at the start and then the heat when I was over halfway done. All the aid stations were helpful and friendly, had no issues grabbing water at them and made sure to thank all the volunteers. But bring sunglasses because when you are around mile 8 you will be needing them as you head back towards to Miami Beach after the sun has rose.
Afterparty was fun with lots of interesting food/drink samples to try and right on the sand, easy access to the beach after if you want a cold plunge into the ocean to help your legs.
Parking was easy, found street parking right by the start line but theres always a bunch of parking garages with spots available close by.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Such a great race, with lots of great water station volunteers and pacers that keep your head in the race and not on your pace/feet. I really enjoyed this year's race and the weather cooperated so well with cool and no wind at the start. Expo and post race food was great, real food post race is luxury compared to bananas lol.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Another fun year at the Tropical 5k. This was a sold out 5k. Usually 5ks do not sell out. Great views on race morning. Parked on South Beach in a recommended parking garage and took the bus to the start line, smooth ride. Great course, a couple of photographers to get your pic along the way. Only one slight bridge for elevation on the course, just before you hit the 3 mile mark. Great crowd at the finish line to cheer you on. Finish line is half a block from the beach so you can go and enjoy the sand right after your race, I did.
Overall
Race Management
SWAG
Virtual Support
I signed up for a safe virtual 5k and had a fun time racing in a costume around my neighborhood. Plan on getting a big group together next year for this virtual race! Loved the cute lifestyle ringer shirt and Halloween temporary tattoos that were included in this race. And the medal is super cute! I like the option of virtual races now since covid and look forward to doing this one year after year.
Overall
Race Management
SWAG
Virtual Support
I really enjoyed this virtual race series, I chose the 500 mile challenge and completed it in about 2.5 months. Fun with weekly mini challenges to keep me motivated and logging my miles in a timely manner. The race shirt is nice and has mile markers we passed during different milestones along the way. Lots of ways to win running shoes and other fun running related items, I didn't win but I did know someone who won in one of the mini challenges and got a pair of shoes. Would definitely do this again, even if I was not confined by covid.
For my full review of this race : https://organicgirlruns.com/2020/09/13/california-coast-500-virtual-race-challenge-review/