Latest reviews by Barbie Lawless

(2019)
"Lines, lines and more lines..."
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I was very lucky that I won an entry to this race through a chat on Twitter, I was excited to try it because it was out of my price range for a "local" race, but it looked like it would be a fun time.

My first gripe which is a biggie... only 6 port-o-potties for 1500 runners... seriously? The lines were massive pre-race, it took me 20 minutes to get to a potty and I barely made it to the start line for the start of my race. Many people had to start late because they were still in the lines. There were no port-o-potties on the course, which if I had been running the 15K, I would have been in trouble. When you know how many runners are registered, I'm sorry, there is no excuse for not having enough facilities to use!

The race itself was nice, I am used to this course as I have run other races that utilize a similar race course. There were no volunteers at the 5K turnaround and unfortunately a bunch of them ended up on the 10K course. There were volunteers at the 10K turnaround, but after I had overheard 5K runners missing their turn around, I was mindful of where mine would be.

The swag was awesome, but... the line to get it after the race was again, massive. They had 3 lines for male swag, but only one line for female swag, so it was a bit of a mess. Lines also grew for food and drink, but were comparatively shorter than the other lines of the morning.

All in all, I can say I enjoyed my experience because I was not out any money. Would I spend my own money on this race? Heck, no! There are SO MANY options locally for races, to not run an organized race in the Tampa Bay area is foolish, you won't have repeat runners. I sincerely hope they fix their issues.

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(2019)
"Race quality has declined"
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I first ran this race in 2015 and I had a great experience with the exception of my health at the time, so I was looking forward to running this year to redeem myself now that my breathing difficulties have been resolved. I liked this race because it is an evening race and those are hard to find, plus in 2015 the post-race party was epic. However, this year... First, before the race, there were only 8 port-o-potties and they were positioned in full sun. So using the potties proved very difficult as it was easily 30 degrees hotter in there than outside (race day temps were in the high 80's/low 90's). Packet pick up went well. Race course is awesome, the one aid station was excellent while the other one seemed very unprepared. Most of my complaints are with the post-race. They ran out of beer!! That was extremely disappointing to me. I am on the slower end of the running spectrum, but they should ensure there is enough for everyone to have their fair share. I found out from the results tent that I had come in 3rd place in my age group so I stuck around for the awards. They went through the 5K awards, which went 3 deep, but when they came to the 10K, they only gave awards to the top finisher in each age group. Again, super disappointing. I am not sure why they did that. I mean, I know in my heart that I won, but it would have been nice to be recognized. So while I did redeem myself in running a stronger race than I did in 2015, I cannot see myself returning to this race. This was not the same race I ran back a few years ago. There are SO MANY races in Florida, I will take my entry fees elsewhere.

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(2017)
"Hands down, favorite local race!"
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I have been running this race since its inaugural year in 2015. If you are looking for a fun, local race, this is the one you are looking for! They have one member of their congregation dress up as a Dreidel, and he gets a 2-3 minute start ahead of everyone. Then you are off, working hard to chase that dreidel and beat him! Only runners that beat the Dreidel get the prize at the end of the race!

Afterwards is the best post-race party with all the latkes you can eat :)

A great way to kick off Hannukah and the holiday season, plus a challenge to run your very best! I have PR'ed twice here in the hopes of gaining the prize!!

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(2017)
"Awesomeness all around!"
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I love this race and keep coming back year after year! A good solid half marathon! The bling is absolutely the best with a different I Dream of Jeannie bottle every year!! I can't wait to collect all of them! I know folks tend to complain about the beach portion, but to me that is my favorite part of the course, I lose all sense of time and space out on the beach, and I am totally in the zone and at peace with the world!

I just wish the race shirt would be a little better, every year with a white shirt that is see-through, so I never wear it! However, I love that we get a hat!! Not many races offer that and I think that is something that sets them apart from the rest!!

Always a good vibe, good times, great post-race food and drink! I highly recommend!!

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(2015)
"Church of Scientology"
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I ran this race in 2015 and enjoyed myself. Since that time, I have learned that this race is sponsored by and benefits the charities of the Church of Scientology. They do not deliberately say that they are the sponsor which makes this race misleading. But the pamphlets they give out at the race are excepted from "The Way to Happiness" which is their first book. Also have spoken with other runners that have corroborated that Scientology sponsors this event. I just feel that more information needs to be out there so that runners can make an educated decision whether or not to run this race.

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