Latest reviews by Alison Johnson

(2015)
"Flat, Fast and Fun!"
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My father lives in Waterloo, so I come down and run this race every year. The race starts in George Wyth State Park, which is beautiful. The only downfall to this is that there is one way in, and one way out. So, make sure you get there early as traffic going into the park gets really backed up. I actually jumped out of my dad's car and ran a mile to the starting line as I would have never made it in on time to start the race with the rest of the runners (and I went early!). The course is almost entirely on trails through beautiful parks and I can honestly only think of two hills along the whole course, and they are small. I have my half marathon PR on this course, and expect that many people get their PRs here. The post-race party is also fun and we always stick around for it - delicious pizza, beer, and a fun atmosphere. Great race and I've ALWAYS had perfect weather!

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(2013)
"The Downhill Killed Me"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
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I ran this race as a BQ attempt as it is a “downhill course”. It really is downhill, especially at the start, to the point where it leaves your legs dead when it levels out. I even trained for downhills, but I just couldn’t prepare for the grades that you hit at the start. I also didn’t love that you run along a highway for a big chunk of the course as it really wasn’t scenic. I didn’t get my BQ- but it turns out I was pregnant but wasn’t aware, so maybe I just was lacking some energy for other reasons. 😍

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(2013)
"The Downhill Killed Me"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I ran this race as a BQ attempt as it is a “downhill course”. It really is downhill, especially at the start, to the point where it leaves your legs dead when it levels out. I even trained for downhills, but I just couldn’t prepare for the grades that you hit at the start. I also didn’t love that you run aong a highway for a big chunk of the course as it really wasn’t scenic. I didn’t get my BQ- but it turns out I was pregnant but wasn’t aware, so maybe I just was lacking some energy for other reasons. 😍

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(2013)
"The Best Day Ever!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
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Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This was a perfect day! The marathon is electrifying to the point where I found myself smiling along the course without even knowing it. The spectators are great, the course is flat and beautiful, and the miles fly by. We stayed at a nearby hotel so I just walked to the start-super easy. The course doubles back on itself a lot so it is great for spectators. My husband saw me 8-9 times. So fun! Everyone should run this race at least once! I’ll defiitely be back!

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(2013)
"The Best Day Ever!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This was a perfect day! The marathon is electrifying to the point where I found myself smiling along the course without even knowing it. The spectators are great, the course is flat and beautiful, and the miles fly by. We stayed at a nearby hotel so I just walked to the start-super easy. The course doubles back on itself a lot so it is great for spectators. My husband saw me 8-9 times. So fun! Everyone should run this race at least once! I’ll defiitely be back!

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