Latest reviews by Joe G

(2017)
"My first #BroadStreetRun "
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My first #BroadStreetRun: was a bit nervous about the number of participants, 43k?! Heard the course was fast/flat/decline, ok with the distace (somewhat), biggest concern was crowds/pers space.

Additional backststory: this morning thought to myself, this time last yr, wouldn't even think about doing this. Did a 10k last summer that lead me on my way to much bigger things.

Parking: more than ample parking, they have stadium parking lots. But you will need the train from parking to starting line. Be at the stadiums early, parking was backed up. At 610 took 20 min to get from cbp to parking space. The train was packed to the brim. Glad no one had B O, yet. Plenty of time for another port o pottie check when you get to your coral.

Race/elevation/scenery: ppl told me this was a flat/fast course, the majority of the course is either flat or a slight decline. There are a couple tenths of incline, but nothing to worry about. No nature scenery, all city. To begin the course you can see city hall. Oh, it's not that far. Doesn't seem to get any closer, even disappears for a few. There are awesome crowds, signs, dj's long the way. Was sure to slap high five with the Temple owl. We eventually get to city hall, just past the half way point. I hear former gov ed rendell was there, didnt stop for a selfie. Course narrows down around city hall, takes a few to open back up. Start to see signs for #Phillies, almost by the stadiums, not really. As you do get to the stadiums, eagles band and swoop there, hi five swoop! Race ends at navy Yard, entrance is sure to tell you not done yet, another 1/4 to go. That was a long 1/4!

Aid: plenty of water along the course. Cops everywhere. Aid stations at the finishing area.

Swag: t shirt included, upcharge to change it from cotton to tech. Big snack bag after completion and a cool medal. Medal is city hall!

My only complaint: finisher area, thousands of ppl, no cell or wifi reception, couldn't contact someone I knew was done. Took over an hr to find them.

Overall, would definitely do this again! 43k ppts (well managed), tons of great spectators, fast course, so much excitement!

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(2017)
"Conshy's got some good hills! "
Overall
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My first review. Pls go easy on me.

Did this one last yr for two reasons, a good hill test, and the "free" beer at conshy brewing.

Did it again this yr, since it is for a good cause (ALS and police funds). And because I love the shirt so much, so soft! One of my fav cotton tee's that's not a sports team.

From the pic, the blue is last yrs vs grey for this.

The hills. Basically up a block, flat, repeat. There are some down hills, but you don't get to enjoy them for long! You start and end in/around a township park (baseball fields/basketball court), rest is through a small neighborhood.

Aid stations: I don't usually require water mid 5k, but there was 1 station if needed. There was plenty of water, bananas, and snacks afterwards.

Parking: about 50 spots by the park, some side streets, and a full lot a few blocks away if you are late.

The conshy hills kicked my butt again this yr, but a 22 second avg improvement. (7:48 vs 8:10)

Oh, and the "free" beer isn't bad either!

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(2017)
"#Phillies5k"
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To forewarn you, the race itself is not that exciting.

If you like Phillies baseball, this is one week before the season starts, and game tickets are included! Best bang for your buck! (If you like baseball)

Before the race starts, there are mascots making their rounds, a live band, and a few former players on stage.

The phanatic kicks off the race on his 4 wheeler after the anthem.

The race goes around Citizens Bank Park, around the backside of Lincoln Financial Field, and down into the Navy Yard. (Actual scenery just the major streets by the stadiums). There are a few spots of soldiers cheering you on in the Navy Yard, which was pretty cool. A slight incline after the navy yard, then down broad, and the final straight away.

Post race: you get to walk the warning track to around home plate! And then you get a free beer over at Xfinitylive!

Aid stations: at least two water stations, more than enough for a 5k. Water, bananas, and pretzel after the race.

Parking: stadium parking, plenty of it!

Swag: tech hoodie. Hope it holds up better than last yrs Tee. The logo from last yr's shirt is scratching off. Medal, this yr was the liberty bell, last yr was a baseball cap. Both medals have magnets on the back side.

additional pics can be found below on my blog:
http://caffienefeen.blogspot.com/2017/04/race-review-phillies5k.html

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(2017)
"#LoveRunPhilly "
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
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Hi Fellow Runners!

Looking back, my orig BibRave review seemed rushed. Making some updates.

Overall:

Background: This was my 2nd official half, 3rd 13.1. Third time through the half training program thus far. Still making some progress. After the Rocky Run in the fall, was quick to look for a race to train through winter for. I wasn't blogging or reviewing races yet, but there were some snowy long runs in there! This was definitily the perfect goal to get through winter for! Already signed up for 2018!

TShirt/Swag: sweet color, tech looks/ feels webbed. Nice! Cool medal as well. The pic of me (on my blog review) wearing the shirt is definitely not in Philly (but is my fav pic in it, Colorado, have to represent while on vaca!)

Aid: plenty of water, gatorade, aid stations throughout. Bananas, pretzels, Nesquik, etc afterwards. Cant remember if there was a free beer, I wasn't carrying my ID at the time.

Elevation/Scenery: advertised as "Flattest course yet" Race starts at the museum, first 5 miles go through the city, once back at the museum the course goes along the river across from boathouse row. There were a couple significant hills. Steep hill that goes up to a bridge, I still had energy and made the mistake of rushing it, well, should of looked into this, learned about another hill in Philly, "Strawberry Mansion" A good challenge for sure, definitely should of paced through the first hill! Once down from there is back along river to the museum.

Expo: i was unable to attend, opted to have my packet mailed.

Parking: public transportation is encouraged. pay lots nearby

Race management: everything was managed with efficiency.

Definitely recommend this race!

Additional photos can be found on my blog below:

http://caffienefeen.blogspot.com/2017/03/race-review-loverunphilly.html

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(2016)
"FlyingFish5k"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
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Starts and ends at a brewery! There may be a theme w me. Lol

Admittedly, I did not do any research. Assumed it would be all flat, there was a couple inclines I remember cussing at. Lol. Majority of the race is through a nearby neighborhood, some residents cheered us on. Always nice.

Festivities: Somerdale festival, plenty of vendors to check out before/after the run. 1 free beer after the race. A beer garden. And plenty of lawn games.
Parking: nearby Walmart parking lot. Have to walk couple block, no issue.
Aid: adequate water for a 5k. Standard water, pretzel, and banana after.
Swag: no t shirt included. A cool beer mug instead.

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