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Latest reviews by Vanessa Castro
Vanessa Castro recommends this race
(2019)
"Marathon Turned Aquathlon"
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Okay, so race recap - definitely underestimated the hills and elevation- more because for every up there wasn't necessarily a down. I ended up with 600+ feet of elevation gain. There was some confusion as to which pacer was for which race - because the 50K started before us.
Miles 2-6 - challenging - rain really started to come down in Georgetown, and you are on the highway and there were leaves, and it was just rough
Miles 7-10 - These were on a gorgeous parkway - Rain really picked up around Mile 10-12 - just downpour, as in there was a time I couldn't see that far ahead of me. There were winds coming off the Potomac that were rough and straight on. The only rest was every now and then you ran under an overpass, so you had no wind/rain for 30 seconds.
Mile 12 - very impactful blue mile- lots of military families and the flags up - also uphill.
Miles 13-15 had all those rain buckets that you've seen pictures/videos of- just AWFUL - water to my ankles. It was those moments I would say I can't get any wetter, then I would turn the corner and no I actually could, and did.
Miles 16-19 - these were rough- the sun started to come out, and it was brutal. Also when water support wasn't at its best because you are running through capital/monuments - so trash is a minimum.
Mile 20-21 is the bridge - UGH - no water, no life, nothing on this bridge except for the sun and heat for these two miles. It was not fun.
Mile 21-22 - Crystal City - you went up to then loop and come back down. Tried to ride the downhill as best I could.
Mile 24 - Dug Deep
Mile 25 - Dug Deeper, tried to run more - but started to see people just collapsing (literally on the ground) close to Mile 26.
Mile 26 - finish to the Iwo Jima Monument is uphill - That was rough, the finish in all honestly was anti-climactic. I guess they took down some stuff due to wind/power outage they had - but I cross and was like oh that's it. Oh.
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Vanessa Castro recommends this race
(2018)
"Great, Challenging Race"
Overall
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Originally from NYC I ventured to the Bronx to get a 10 Mile Proof of Time for my marathon! I am so happy I decided to do this race! It was an out and back course, so for every up there will be a downhill and vice versa. The course was well maintained - water stops every mile, with gatorade too! Everyone was friendly, and there was great crowd support along the route.
What was also great about it were all the elite atheletes that were a part of this race as well- Bev Ramos from the Puerto Rican Olympic team lapped me at mile 2-3 - it was great seeing her, and everyone else!
You have to use mass transit to get out of the race- getting to the race wasn't a big issue, but since there are massive road closures once the race starts- it can be a little challenging for your Uber or cab to get out!
Vanessa Castro recommends this race
(2018)
"Watermelon 5k - 4th of July Tradition! "
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This is my 2nd year running the Watermelon 5k. It is a great family race, well organized from the start. I usually pick up my bib in advance at Track Shack, but this year we did it the day of and there were no issues!
Unfortunately, due to the time of year you can guarantee it will be a hot race – luckily this year the sun didn’t come out till I was at my car mostly. Due to the heat, there are always two water stations along the way- and boy they can’t come soon enough!
The Florida Hospital Tent usually has wet cold towels post race, and they feel like heaven at that point!
Running through Winter Park is amazing, there are quite a few brick areas so please be mindful of that! As it is not a timed event, no pressure – you can enjoy it before indulging in all the 4th of July Food!
Vanessa Castro recommends this race
(2018)
"Love the Challenge - 10k & 5K"
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The Best Damn Race is great! This was my first year running the challenge, and have already signed up for 2019! Capacity limits are great, and signing up early gives you $$ perks! Medals are unreal- they are large and the fact I can get three for a 15K is well worth it! What is also cool, is after the 5K you are finishing the race with people who are running their 1/2 marathon- great to be pushed by them and also push them across the finish line!
Vanessa Castro recommends this race
(2017)
"My favorite race!"
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Every year this race gets better, the race managers are really getting their stuff together and I am so happy to see this race take off. The race is challenging- whoever said Florida was flat has never been to Mt. Dora! It's a beautiful race, and always the weekend before Christmas - so we usually luck out with weather. I do the 5k, and my fiancee does the half. It's great that I can finish my race and then support him fully.