Latest reviews by Jodie Bayardo

(2019)
"Very good value!!"
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If you are local, or localism, I couldn’t recommend this race any more! It’s really a great value! There is no expo, but packet pick up is conveniently located in our friendly local running store, so you can pick up any last minute needs.
Parking was easy and the bus to take you to the starting line is efficient. The whole process is organized, even with over 1000 runners. The course itself is flat and fast- it could be a good PR course. It is mainly through a residential area, so it is not particularly scenic, but it’s cozy. Finishing on the track of the high school is a neat touch.
The swag for this race is good for a 5k. The medal ties in with the pizza theme and spins! It’s really good quality for the distance and cost. The t-shirt is cute too.
Where this race shines most, is in the post race. The food available afterword is incredible!! Pizza, Dunkn doughnuts, all kinds of fruits, soda, coffee, and water. The food is PLENTIFUL and there was still a lot available, even for those in the back of the pack. There are age group awards, and LOTS of door prizes including the grand prize- A GOLF CART! There is a FREE kids race, and the race benefits the high schools athletic program.
I really would recommend this race. It’s lots of fun, and well worth it!

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(2019)
"A wet and wonderful 13.1"
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Oh how I loved these 13.1 miles!! I am lucky enough to be local to this race and boy am I thankful that I am! The expo is really pretty unremarkable. There are a few local vendors, volunteers and packet pickup are fast and efficient, but manage your expectations going in- it's not big! The race shirt was a long sleeve tech shirt that was decently well made and cute- I can see myself wearing it again. You also get a running hat which is AWESOME because it was raining on race day!! Typically, this race would be warm and humid but we just so happened to get rain- I will happily take that over heat!!
There are so many really nice things about this race. The course is BEAUTIFUL and almost entirely flat except for 2 bridges- and they are a doozy! The race was pretty well attended with runners of varying speeds. Pace groups were provided and seemed to be accurate. There is not much crowd support, but water stops are plentiful and the volunteers are extremely encouraging and energetic. There are also bands throughout the course. The other runners are friendly. It's an awesome race. I really love it. The finish line is well stocked. This year we had multiple free beer options, waffles, pizza, and pasta. Lots of food options and the medal is super cute and good quality. Race photos are available free of charge after the race and are easy to locate.
On the whole, I recommend this race to runners of all levels. The city is hospitable and welcoming and the race management is top notch! A flat, Fast, Fun course in Sunny Florida!

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(2019)
"Run Like It's Midnight, Princess!"
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Once upon a time, a little girl dreamed of completing the Disney Princess Half Marathon.....and now she has!! I received an entry to both the 10K and the Half as a Christmas gift and was able to complete the Glass Slipper Challenge! I have had the good fortune of running many Disney races, and this one was definitely not a disappointment.

The expo was well run, bustling, and fun!! I picked up lots of neat gear including my race shirts. While they are nice and good quality, the designs were not very nice and the colors were not very "princess-like". Bring your credit card because the items that they have for purchase at the expo are tough to race!!

Race days begin VERY early, but there is ample transportation, communication, and direction. Once you are in your corral, you will warm up extremely quickly and the party will get under way complete with characters, music, and FIREWORKS! The course is honestly not the best, lots of highway miles and limited park time but there is NOTHING like running down main street and Disney does a good job keeping you entertained with music and characters.

As with all Disney races, the course is incredibly crowded and you will be able to move quickly. Luckily, you won't want to. Savor every moment!! Once you hit the finish line, you will receive a STUNNING medal, a dusting of glitter, a box of food, and a gatorade.

Now head to the park and enjoy your day, Princess!

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(2018)
"A family tradition"
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I run a turkey trot every year, and wanted to bring my younger brother in to the fold. As he recently got stationed in Tennessee, I found this race and got us signed up. The race was reasonably priced. My brother and I both ran he half, while our kiddos ran the free kid's dash prior to. The kid's dash was a nice bonus. There was no charge for it and the kids received ribbons at the end. The had race photos as well. The race was a pretty small field, and surprisingly fast. Not much back of the pack presence. The course was right along the river and very pretty, although it was a lot hillier than I'm accustom to. Aid stations were present, but as plentiful or well stocked as I am used to. Volunteers were not super friendly or helpful but they were sufficient. The finish line was small and underwhelming but totally sufficient for a local race. The finisher shirt was an awesome long sleeve zip up and there was a finishers medal as well. The medal was not the biggest nor the highest quality but it was cute. The cinnamon rolls at the finish line were a nice touch!! All in all I would recommend it for a fun family race! It's a reasonably priced, beautiful course, with cool swag. I would do it again!

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(2018)
"Many unique elements...."
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I have run this race in 2018 and 2019 and overall, I do recommend it. I run it annually and most of my local running friends do as well. The reason that the even continues to grow in popularity, is because offers many unique elements that you may not find in other races.

Let's start with registration: This race offers many different categories beyond the traditional age groups. They offer a military division and also a division for costumes based on the theme. The next unique feature is the course. You start near a beach, run through out the town of Cocoa Beach, enjoy a few miles on the beach, and pass the World Famous Ron Jon Surf Shop. Upon your finish you will find the most unique thing about this race- THE BLING! You will get your very own hand painted mini Jeanie bottle!

While this race has many good points, there are a few areas of improvement to be mentioned. First of all, the expo is nothing to speak of. It will not be anything more than a quick packet pick up and offers only a few vendors beyond that. When it comes to the race swag, the hats are nice enough but not super fashionable. The shirts are also not cute and also poor quality. The course is very nice and flat and unique, but due to the time of year it can be very hot- not the race's fault, but something to be aware of and prepare for. There is also very little crowd support or on course entertainment so it can be a bit boring.

On the whole, race management is great. Pre-race communication is frequent and clear, staff members and volunteers are plentiful and helpful, and aid stations are sufficient. The finish line is well stocked with food and great beer. Music is present and its a great party vibe. Free photos go up post-race and are very nicely done and easy to locate.

In summary, if you are local, or semi-local, I would recommend this race. It could make for a nice racecation as well if you are interested in visiting the Cocoa Beach area. It is a fun race and, even though it has some weak spots, it is getting better year after year. For the money, it is worth it and I would be sad if I missed it!

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