Latest reviews by Rory Leigh Correa
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Summary:
I will always be partial to my first year running in Oakland, but the 2nd time around was an amazing follow up! While there were some new things, alot of it was very familiar. It was like visiting an old friend who got a new haircut. :)
Packet Pick Up:
Oaktown Half offers multiple options for packet pick up! You can have it mailed (in which you receive a Runner's Box with all kinds of goodies), pick it up on race day morning or choose from any of the 4 days to pick up your packet on location.
Course Route/Elevation:
Course changes this year! I'm not really good with directions (lol), but I'm pretty sure we went in the opposite direction we did last year with a few additional twists & turns. Of course, the main attraction of this route is Lake Merritt & it remained the focal point this year. For the 5K, it was the same as the last 3 miles of the Half. While I love a challenge series, I did not enjoy running the 5K immediately after the Half - I liked it better when it was 2 separate days. It also gave me a reason to stay in Oakland longer. ;) But thank goodness for Aid Stations stocked with Honey Stinger & Nuun - I don't think I would have made it without that nutrition boost!
Although I must say, my favorite part of the course is the finish line where the announcer says your name as you cross. He tried to be unique with everyone who came across the finish line to make that moment memorable. Who knew something so small could be such a big difference maker?
Swag/Extras:
Just like last year, this years shirt was by local t-shirt shop Oaklandish. This being my 2nd Oaklandish shirt - they are so comfy & lightweight! At the packet pick up parties, there is live music, extra discounts, snacks & more! After the race -- grab some food, take cute photos, play some games or just dance to the music! FREE Race Photos!
Medals:
The medals this year were amazing! All three of the medals featured a blue stained cut out of Lake Merritt. The Challenge Medal is my favorite because it has its own stand. Its sitting on my kitchen island as I type this.
Conclusion:
The Oaktown Half is always a good time! From Race Week kick off at Oaklandish to the after race festivities - you are in for an amazing experience in Oakland. A race where you will get the most bang for your buck - beautifully crafted medals, food, beer, music & more importantly - running with friends. What more could you ask for?
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Summary:
Among the shadows of Mount Helena, the Governor's Cup is truly a race where you can stretch your legs & get in a good rhythm. With Aid Stations supported by Hammer, you will be well fueled as you climb & decent from Clancy to Helena. Words like "Majestic" will come to mind as the course takes you through major forests right into historic downtown Helena & past the original Governor's Mansion.
Packet PickUp:
From my hotel I took a Lyft to the Great Northern Town Center. I headed to the Best Western Premier where the Expo & Packet Pick Up was being held. Bib Numbers were assigned at the table, and all I had to do is give my last name & I had my number! I was also given my race tech tee & Governor's Cup. I checked out the information table for events around Helena as well as a course map (which I realized later was in my bag). After I finished at the Expo, I walked around the Great Northern Town Center while reading the articles about Lewis & Clark featured in The Montana Experience.
Course Route & Elevation:
The Course starts in Clancy & follows along Interstate 15 on Frontage Road. Doesn't sound exciting, but it is! This section is between Helena National Forest, Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest and the northern tip of the Beverhead-Deerlodge National Forest! It is such a beautiful backdrop, you almost don't notice the the 4,000 foot elevation. But if you are from below sea level like me, you definitely need to have your last couple of training runs in high elevation before this race if possible.
Medal:
The medal is medium round with bronze like finish & it almost reminds me of an Olympic medal! Running through the mountains & valleys of Montana - I definitely felt like one!
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a race in Montana in your quest for 50 States or if you just want a quick racecation, the Governor's Cup is it! Small & intimate, but with just as much support as larger races! There are parts of the race where you are just one with nature, but around the corner there is a crowd for support - cheering you on to the next milestone.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Summary:
Missoula Marathon was voted #1 by BibRave & you simply just have to experience it for yourself to see why! 3 Races. Gifts. Swag. Heavy Medals - this race has it all!
Packet Pick Up:
Day 1 - Beer Run
From my hotel, I walked to Caras Park - the center of all things Missoula Marathon for the weekend. Instead of getting my packet right away, I waited until after the Beer Run.
The Beer Run took us around The University of Montana & back to Caras Park. At the finish line, we got a beer koozie & free beer! After getting my free beer, I headed to the Pavilion, where the Expo Vendors & Packet materials were. Everything was super organized, so it was easy to grab what I needed for both the 5K & Half. The vendors were amazing & offering great deals - so I was able to pick up a few items before heading back to the hotel.
Course Route/Elevation:
Day 2- 5K
The 5K runs along the banks of the Clark Fork River & taking you back to Caras Park.
Day 3 - Half Marathon
The Half Marathon begins at the halfway point of the Marathon route, and winds through the hills of Missoula before taking you right into the heart of downtown Missoula for the finish (which happened to be the Start Line for the 5K).
Swag:
The Big 3 Challenge is when you run all 3 races over the weekend - Beer Run, 5K & Half (or the Marathon). Instead of a 3rd medal, I received a commemorative magnet that was just as heavy & beautiful as the medals I received for both the 5K & the Half. The 5K tee was cotton while the Half tee was a tech tee. After the race there was more free beer from Big Sky Brewing Co & free food! Did I mention there were also FREE race photos?
Summary:
What I like most about this race isn't the race itself, but everything surrounding the race. Missoula is aboslutely beautiful & everyone in town is proud of this race - and it shows! The folks are friendly, the scenery is stunning & there are so many activities like hiking & rafting that you can do after the race! Be sure to take Friday & Monday off so you can spend 4 wonderful days in Big Sky Country!
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
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Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
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Race Overview/Summary:
We have all heard of Santa Barbara - but have you heard of Solvang, a town rich in Danish architecture? Full of quaint bakeries & wineries as well as home to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum? Within the boundaries of the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang means ’Sunny Field’ and you’ll see why on this course!
Packet Pick Up:
I took the train & then a connector shuttle directly into Solvang. I was dropped off right at the Expo at Solvang Park! Instead of providing bib numbers beforehand, we were given QR codes (I love technology). Take your QR code to the stand, where they scan it & assign your bib number. Takes less than 5 minutes. Then you grab your shirt. I walked around the Expo, did a little wine tasting & then headed for a walk around Solvang to taste more wine & take pictures of the Windmills.
CourSe Route/Elevation:
2 Words. Corkscrew Hill. With over 1,000 feet in elevation gain, the name says everything you need to know. Train for high elevation & train for hills. Although I must say, the view from the top is absolutely gorgeous.
Swag/Extras:
Wine Glass & Wine Before and After Parties! It wouldn’t be a Wine Country Half without it, right? At the Expo for Packet Pick Up, we were treated to a few wine & beer tastings. One of my new favorites - Rosalie - is a beer rose hybrid. Who knew such a thing existed!?!? I picked up a canvas tote bag for $15.00 & then grabbed a few samples as I walked around The Expo. It wasn’t a large Expo. But the layout was nice enough that you could just make loops to ensure you got a chance to visit all the booths. In addition to the wine tasting & merchandise, there were quite a few photo booths & selfies stations for you to get a great photo.
Medal:
The medal doubles as a wine topper!
Conclusion:
Grab some run pals for a long weekend in Sunny Solvang. Enjoy the small town atmosphere & enjoy some wine. With a Saturday start time, you can enjoy Saturday & Sunday walking around Solvang - visiting the bakeries or historical monuments. You will be in awe that you get to run in such a beautiful place.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Summary:
Big Sur is internationally known for its challenging course & amazing views. Running along California’s rugged central coast is an experience you will never forget.
Packet Pick Up:
Packet PickUp was held at the Monterey Convention Center & it was HUGE! There were so many great nationally known vendors - like ProCompression, Nuun, Hoka & KT Tape. As well as local vendors like The Treadmill. Additionally, there was plenty of Big Sur merchandise to purchase from all price levels! Bib Number were provided via email beforehand, so Bib PickUp was super easy. The area for Bibs was also upstairs & away from the main expo - allowing you to grab your Bib, take a few photos along the poster backdrops while avoiding the crowd (& lines) downstairs.
Course Route/Elevation:
Hills. Hills. Mountains. Hills. Hills.
This course is literally breathtaking. :) And of course, we can’t forget the iconic Bixby Bridge. And the piano player. There are just so many unexpected pleasantries along the route! The Mile Markers each had a funny saying - giving you something to look forward to mile after mile. Cars lined up with spectators along the side of the road & at intersections ready to cheer you on. The Aid stations were plenty, with at least 6-10 potties at each aid station with a few random ones sprinkled throughout the course.
Medal:
The Big Sur Medal is as equally as famous as the race! Each medal is handmade from clay (it’s been this way since the inception of the race!) hanging from a single lanyard of leather.
Conclusion:
I cannot say enough about how well staffed & organized this race is! From the smallest details - everything was taken care of. Add this race to your list it will not disappoint!