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Latest reviews by Nichole
Nichole recommends this race
(2017)
"Great Course and Beautiful Views"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Being that it was the inaugural Long Beach race there were minor bugs and fixes to be made, but overall this was a great race. I chose to volunteer to help out at the race the morning of so parking was extremely easy for me. We had our own designated parking area. Unfortunately, it wasn't as easy for other racers. I heard complaints about lack of parking, issues with road blockage and long distances required to travel to the starting line.
Prenotes: These things may change next year, but things to note from this year's race. There is NO bathroom at the starting line. If this doesn't change next year please give yourself plenty of time to make it to the finish line to use the bathroom before making your way to the start. There was also no gear check so everyone had jackets on (it was in the low 50's-60's) and by the end of the race, it was in the high 70's-80's.
Keep in mind there were roughly double-triple the amount of 5k racers to the amount of 10 Milers. The 5k team started first and there was a slight delay for the start time of the 10 milers to ensure they cleared out the 5k walkers before we entered the course.
Beware of the lagoon. Several racers expressed concerns about nearly being sent into the lagoon due to the tight compact race area. I did not personally experience it but could see what their concerns were.
The course itself was absolutely beautiful. Around mile 2-3 you have amazing views of the ocean and the Queen Mary as you curve around the island to run the Pike past the Aquarium of the Pacific. The last part of the run was directly down the beach which was nice, but the sun was absolutely blinding.
The water stations were understaffed due to a lack of race day volunteers. It was definitely noticeable. I generally carry my own handheld in fear of this issue (which I advise anyway just because you never know when you may need it and I hold my own supplements).Another slight issue was the mile markers were slightly off. At 5.8 miles there were signs telling me I had hit 6 miles already so I was unsure if the race would actually end at 10 miles or be a little short. (The race was in fact 10 miles and mile 9 would have been an extremely long one if I wasn't tracking myself). Brightside though was that along the beach the bathrooms were open so you didn't have to use a porta-potty.
The Finish Line: The after race goodies were awesome. A small box of Godiva Chocolate, Hot Chocolate, and Beautiful Giant medals. Unfortunately, they had ordered bananas that came in WAY to green to eat.
If they fix all the minor bugs and issues this will be a must race for anyone in 2018.
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Nichole recommends this race
(2016)
"Unexpected Surprises"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
I signed up last minute for this race with some of my running crew not really knowing what exactly to expect. The first half mile or so is at a pretty decent incline through neighborhoods. A lot of the residents decided to come out and clap and cheer as everyone ran by which was a pleasant added bonus.
Shortly after you defeat the incline there is a rewarding downhill section. The only issue in this section is you are running the decent at an awkward angle. Which caused some issue for a few runners having calf and knee issues.
The next part of the run started with a Nuun Station (which is always a good extra boost) and ran down the river trail. There were spectacular views of Mt Rubidoux and the trail was not overly crowded creating a peaceful atmosphere.
At around mile 3 the path switched back for the 10K runners off from the Half Marathon course and headed back to the finish line. On the track back you had plenty of opportunities to cheer on your fellow racers which is always fantastic.
There is a slight uphill towards the last mile which could cause a challenge if over exhausted, but the last portion is all downhill to the finish line.
This race is extremely thought out. The tech gear shirts were well designed, the medals are giant and beautiful and the after race snacks are exactly right to help you refuel. There is also a beer toast included (what's better than a celebratory beer), hydration stations, massage station, and a free food truck brunch (several different options).
It's well worth the price and I would recommend anyone at any skill level run it at least once.
Nichole recommends this race
(2016)
"Surf City 10 Miler - Run The Beach"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
My husband signed my up for this race during a 5k Fun Run in HB. I'd never run a race before and was extremely nervous as I had never officially done more than 6 miles straight before. If you are a first-time racer wanting to get your feel for a half marathon this race is for you!
Expo: Parking for the expo can be kind of a pain. Especially on a bright sunny day as it's HB and when the suns out the beach is crowded. The expo itself is great. There are a wide variety of vendors and lots of great deals.
Packet Pickup: Easy in and out. Make sure you fill out your waiver ahead of time and make sure to grab some free race fuel for the following day. (If you can't make it on Saturday they do race day packet pickup).
Race Day: When they say get there early... They mean it! Unfortunately, just getting into the parking lot may be a disaster. There is plenty of parking available, though. The expo is also in full swing if you want to pick up some last min gear for your race. The host staff will get you moving early, having you laughing and dancing as you prepare for the start. Be prepared that there are a lot of people who run this event so it may take you quite a bit of time to get over the starting line. The course itself is flat with almost no incline at any point. The course route itself is absolutely beautiful with ocean views for the entirety. Note: There are NO bathrooms after mile 8 so make sure you go before then if you have to otherwise you'll be running for the bathroom instead of enjoying all the after race treats. Also, the course rounded out to be 10.3 miles so expect to run a little over 10 in total.
All in all a great race even for a beginner.