I was so happy to be back on the East Coast for one of my all time favorite races! The Wicked 10k never disappoints!

The expo is small an is comprised of just a few vendors and J&A's swag booth where you can buy extra items (beer glasses, shirts etc.) that are not included in the registration price. Registration includes a long sleeve technical shirt, electronic swag bag, a reusable tote bag. At the finish you also get your medal, surprise finisher item along with food and drink.

The weather this year was fantastic! Sunny, not too hot or cold and not too windy even at the Oceanfront. Every year there are so many people who go all out with their costumes. Although costumes are not required there is no lack of them out there. This year there was everything from "Donald Trump's Twitter Storm" to the Flinstones, complete with their car! The course is flat and starts at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Parking is plentiful right at the VBCC, and you can even hang out inside the center until start time. No waiting outside in the early morning chill. There are costume contests, gear check and bathrooms both inside and port-o-potties outside.

The course winds around the streets and oceanfront of Virginia Beach and the finish is right on the Oceanfront. There are well maned water stations along the course, a zombie area and a "Thriller" area. The after party (on the beach) includes beer/hard cider and Tomato Bisque soup and bread from Baker's Crust, along with a rocking band. This year it was again the "Deloreans" a great cover band who know how to keep a party going. J&A racing hands out a surprise finisher item at the end of the race. This year's item was a "Wicked Good Times" trucker type hat after the finish.

If you in the area or close Wicked 10k is worth the registration fee every time!

If your looking for a small New England Race this is for you! Classic New England town, great scenery. You run through not one but 4 covered bridges and some beautiful trail along the route. The rolling hills are not steep but there are quite a few on the course so be prepared for them. The kids from the local high school man the water stops in costume and were entertaining and encouraging.

The good: 1) the 4 covered bridges are beautiful. 2) small race, there were less than 200 runners. 3) beautiful country views. Lots of trees, some horses, donkeys and cows too 4) about a mile or so of some lovely trails. 5) The race is extremely easy to get to, packet pick up is day of the race and is at the local high school. 6) Great water stops manned by the local high school and scouts. They dressed up as characters and were very encouraging. 7) Free photos 8) BBQ after the race. Hamburgers, watermelon, corn. Since it rained the entire morning the burgers were rather cold and blah. I'm pretty sure they did the best they could and if the weather was better we would have enjoyed it more. 9) Cute cotton t-shirt

The Not-So-Good: 1) NO port-o-poties on the course, none. Make sure you go before you get to the start line. I do fine with that but I know some people don't so beware. 2) The town DOES NOT close ANY of the course to traffic. Its not an extremely busy town BUT since its small race you do have to keep an eye out for cars since there is a chance you may not be running with a group. There are some cones along some of the busier sections. 3) The course has a lot of bends it makes it hard to see oncoming traffic and for cars to see you. If found myself switching from side to side depending on how far ahead I could see. Also since it rained, the entire race, I had to give myself a bigger safety buffer. 4) If your in it for the bling....this probably isn't the race for you. You do get a medal but this years was a stock medal with a sticker on the front. Its cute but its nothing to fancy if that's your thing. 5) No expo if that's also a deal breaker for you.

Would I recommend it? Yes, Swanzey is a beautiful New England town and the views don't disappoint. Just be sure to check the Not-So-Good section to see if its right for you :)

The Freedom Run 9.11 miles is a small local race held at The Dismal Swamp Trail.

The Freedom Run is held in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the events of September 11, 2001. And for those members of the United States Military and Public Safety agencies who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The event also honors those who have served, or currently serve in the military and public safety profession. Proceeds benefit Chesapeake Sheriff Office Charities, Inc., and Fisher House.

The race is flat, out and back, on a paved tree lined course through The Dismal Swamp. Don't let the name fool you the race is actually quite lovely. Mostly run by locals its not the biggest in the area but it is well run by Mettle Events.

Packet pick up was the day before at one of the local libraries in Chesapeake. The swag is very nice considering it is a small local race. Technical white short sleeve tee with the red white and blue Freedom Run logo. All finisher receive a finisher medal. A abundance of free food and drink at the finish including Ynot Pizza (a local favorite) and boneless wings from Buffalo Wild Wings. Drinks included water, beer (for those over 21) chocolate milk and a recover type drink. There are clean public restrooms available at the start/finish line. The volunteers were friendly and they have a great race announcer. The race is timed however they do not give out awards (at least not this year) for the top finishers in each age group which is why I gave the swag 4 out of 5 stars. I'm not even sure they give medals to the top 3 finishers overall.

IMO they could have used one more water stop on the 9.11 mile course but I carry my own small bottle so it wasn't that big of a deal. Otherwise its really a very nice well run race! Most of the runners were very supportive as you pass each other on the out and back turnaround. Spectators are not allowed along the course.

Race day also includes a 5k and a kids fun one mile run. All participants, including the kids receive a medal.

I enjoyed it and the weather was A+ which never hurts :) I would consider running it again next year.

I am a HUGE star wars nerd so this was a bucket list Disney Race for me.
I have done a few Disney World Races and this was my first Disneyland race. Disney always does a fantastic job with the actual race. Lots of things to look at. The people of Anaheim were great about supporting runners outside the park. The biggest difference between this and DW is that you are never really just out there where there isn't a lot going on like you can be at times on a DW course.

My only disappointment was finding the actual expo. I had never been to DL expo before and there were not a whole like of signs on where to go to get into the expo. In fact we had to ask a few different people before we made it in. One girl (a veteran of DL races) that we asked agreed that this year the expo was lacking direction for those new to the DL races.

Lots of character stops and lots of fun! Beware for those slower paces Disney might be the land of Disney Magic but you WILL get swept if you fall behind. Keep the balloon ladies in sight if you are a tad slower and plan to make character stops. Otherwise A++