Latest reviews by Kim Teter

(2021)
"Best virtual finish line"
Overall
Race Management
SWAG
Virtual Support

I've run this race both in person and virtually now! I have to say that one of the best parts of this 5K is the finish line. Besides the atmosphere, the chocolate fondue, hot chocolate, and snacks are a great way to end a race! With the virtual race, you still get the yummy hot chocolate but you don't have to get up super early!
In addition, the race swag sweatshirt jacket is one of the best swag pieces out there. It isn't a race item that will end up in the back of your drawer.
Don't wait, rock this virtual race!

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(2020)
"Race Review: Medford2Medford - Cross the country with friends"
Overall
Race Management
SWAG
Virtual Support

The Medford to Medford race is something I never planned on doing. Let's be honest, if it had been in person I would have never picked this race. When it went virtual I jumped in. I also forced my three girlfriends to join me in the endeavor.

Full disclosure we are still running this race, lol. We will finish mid-October but we will finish together. We also are not all in the same area so it gave us a way to connect during all the social distancing fun.

With the ability to run, walk, or cycle our team had a variety of miles clocked. The best part is the team can check on our progress against other teams via the online map. We can also see where we started and where we still have to go.
The medal is also pretty sweet because it is the whole country with a slider that covers the Medford route.
So if 2021 races don't get started or you are looking for a way to motivate yourself through 2021 without actually racing in person I highly suggest the Medford2Medford virtual race option!

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(2018)
"Tampa Hot Chocolate 5K"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Expo - The expo was small but nice. There was chocolate at every turn! I went to athlete services to downgrade and it was by far the easiest process I've ever had at a race. They took my name, made the switch, printed a sticker, and put it on a new bib. Easy-peasy!! Other races really need to learn from them!

Pre Race Parking - Knowing the area I just grabbed a meter spot near the convention center and it was easy. There is a parking garage option for $5 but there is a bit of a line to get in there.

Race - Corrals are setup easy and visible. They are strict about your corral. If you are in C, there is no getting into B! The sunrise was gorgeous and the crowds spread out quickly. That just left a nice run! I got to the first aid station and was happy to see in addition to water there were chocolate chips and marshmallows!
I have to say I loved pretty much everything about this race! They stick to the theme pretty well! The post-race food was really tasty. I do have to say that the hocho in the bowl was delish! I was expecting to get that watery hot chocolate but this stuff was thick and tasty!
The race was well supported, ample volunteers, and a lot of fun!

Post race - My final note on this race was the speediness of the results and photos. My final time was ready as soon as I finished. I got my FREE finisher photo less than 8 hours later. That is UNHEARD of! The Tampa Hot Chocolate 5K was a great race, well supported, and well done! I hope to try other Hot Chocolate races in 2019!

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(2018)
"BDR NOLA 5K"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I've run a few Best Damn Races in the past. They are usually high quality and well put on. I think that is why I was surprised by this race.

Expo - Was in the host hotel which make it very convenient if you are staying at the host hotel. It was very small. You shouldn't need to leave much time in the expo. We were in and out in 10 minutes.

Parking - We took the shuttle from the host hotel. It was super easy to use and got us to the park lickidy-split! I haven't had a race day shuttle go so smoothly!

5K course - This course was completely uninteresting, for it being New Orleans. The course ran through the business district and down 1 residential street. The 5K course merged with the half marathon course at mile 1.5 adn the halfs mile 3. My 13mm pace merged wiht the 7mm pace halfers. Who were very upset to be dodging slower 5K runners, and I don't blame them. Really, unless you happen to be in the city at the same time as this race I wouldn't plan a trip around it.

Swag - Our group loves the race shirt. It is a breathable cotton style and SUPER comfy. The medal is unique and glows in the dark.

I don't usually expect too much from a 5K but our group was not super impressed with the race. For a full report on our journey - https://milesofsunshine.com/2018/04/24/race-review-best-damn-race-new-orleans/

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(2018)
"Gasparilla 15K"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This is my third year running Gasparilla but my first time running the 15K.
The weather is always unpredictable. Last year was gorgeous, this year was hot and humid. If you are ever doing a race in FL make sure you check the dew point!

Expo - Gasparilla always has an awesome expo. Lots of vendors that sample everything from food, new products, to things you know and love. It is 2 days and has easy to attend hours. There is parking at the convention center but it is easy enough to part at the Ft. Brooke Garage or any of the downtown meters and just walk over to the expo.

The swag for the races all varies. I love the 15K race shirt because it is short-sleeved. I did the 15K as part of the lime challenge and that means I also got a Lime challenge jacket. If you do the half marathon you get a long-sleeved shirt. They also give you a weekend themed tote bag, which is also great to grab cheer supplied and samples!

Race Day parking is usually easy. We found it to be pretty crowded to get into the garage about 45min before the start. We just found street parking and walked a little ways to the start line.

The Gasparilla race courses are some of the most scenic. You get to watch the sun come up over the Tampa Bay! The course usually has a decent breeze, which isn't always in your favor, and there is a ton of course support. Ample water and Gatorade on the course. This year, due to the heat, they added mister fans at every aid station which were AWESOME!

The finish line area was much improved this year! You finish and they hand you a SUPER COLD washcloth as you walk a little ways up to where they have water bottle and Gatorade. Then you keep walking to pickup your medal. Then photo areas right after. It is never over crowded and you never feel like you are being ushered away. Then you walk around to the other-side of the convention center to get post-race food and such. On our way there we saw the new Dick's Sporting Goods P "arrrrrh" bell (get it, Pirates, Arrr)!

Post-race food was ok. I however, always appreciate a race that isn't just a banana. There were fruit cups, bags of pretzels, and granola bars. Not bad for a 15K! I don't usually eat much post-race so this was just enough.

This year's logo was updated to be a really cool looking octopus. So the 15K medal had that as well. I really like it!

If you are in Tampa on Gasparilla race weekend you don't want to miss out!!

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