Each year, Lululemon hosts the Seawheeze Half Marathon in Vancouver that is open to approximately 10,000 runners and is regularly oversubscribed. For the first time, Lululemon created a virtual option to accommodate runners around the world who were unable to participate during the live event. For $28, virtual runners registered for the Seawheeze Virtual Half Marathon and agreed to complete a 13.1 mile run in one session between August 17th – 24th all tracked via the fitness tracking app, Strava. Each finisher will also receive this year’s gorgeous medal in the mail! Even though this was the first year Lululemon offered the virtual half marathon option (open to all runners) and it seemed to be extremely popular based on the participation I saw on Strava on only the first day of the virtual half. Some Lululemon stores also organizing local runs for virtual runners to complete their half marathon as a group. My local store’s group run, unfortunately, didn’t work for my schedule, so I headed out solo to complete my mileage. Strava was very easy to use and I was notified via the app and via email that my run was logged and complete. After completing my run, I signed into Strava to see other runners who completed their races. I was blown away by the community’s encouragement and congratulatory messages that continued throughout the day.

You can also read more about the race on my blog: https://medalsandtiaras.wixsite.com/medalsandtiaras/post/the-virtual-run-experience

Overall, I felt Lululemon did a great job navigating virtual runners through the signup process, supporting us digitally by providing timely and detailed instructions, and supported us locally by encouraging stores to organize group runs. Lululemon also provided virtual runners with access to an online shop with Seawheeze specific merchandise. I took off a 'swag' point because the online shop was sold out within minutes! I hope to participate in Vancouver next year, but if I am unable then I will definitely be participating virtually.

The Courage Over Cancer 10k race through Chrissy Field in San Francisco. It was my first time running this race and I was so impressed by the turnout of the local community and how family-friendly (human and furry!) the race was. Many participants had been impacted by cancer as a cancer survivor, a current cancer warrior, family member supporter, or researcher. It was so inspiring to see the dedication each runner had and to see so many runners having a great time.

Runners were able to pickup their race packets either the day before or morning of the race at Sports Basement in the Presidio. Packet pickup the morning of the race was a smooth process. Runners received a quarter sleeve tech shirt and they also provided two stations where runners could try different hydration products. Runners then walked to the starting line at Chrissy Field where music was playing and there was plenty of room to stretch. After a live singing of the national anthem, runners made there way in a loop around Chrissy Field. 5k runners completed 1 loop, and 10k continued on for 2 loops. There were volunteers stationed at each turnaround point so it was easy to follow the course. Each finisher received a medal and a pocket-sized first aid kit at the finish line.

This was a wonderful, family-friendly race that I would suggest for both runners and walkers. There was no timing pressure and kids (and fur-kids) were having a great time.

The 2019 Across the Bay 12K & 415K race was an absolute breath of fresh air! Managed by Represent Running, the Across the Bay 12K was well organized, well attended, and carried a supportive, local feel to the race.

Runners were required to pickup their bibs at a local shop, Decathlon, where they were also given more information about race day procedures. Runners were welcome to shop in the Decathlon store, but there were no other race specific activities occurring; strictly a race packet pickup experience. I also found that some of the volunteers weren't fully up to speed on some of the race day logistics, but eventually they were able to find the information I was looking for.

Between 6am-7:30am on the morning of the 12K, runners were to meet at Fort Mason in San Francisco in order to take a shuttle bus to the starting line in Sausalito. I was so impressed with how well organized the shuttle (school) bus process went. I arrived around 7am and waited no more than 5 minutes to board the bus. We were dropped off within a 5 minute walk to the starting line in Sausalito where there were plenty of porta potty's, space to stretch, and of course beautiful views. After a live singing of the national anthem, runners were off and headed towards the Golden Gate Bridge. The course started downhill, then ran underneath the Golden Gate Bridge where we encountered the first and steepest incline. While this incline was challenging, the remainder of the race was either downhill or flat (amazing for an SF based race). The first photographer was located at the end of the GGB and there were several others location on the later parts of the course and finish line. Photos were free (again, amazing for an SF race) and were available within 24hrs of the race. At the finish line there were photo opportunities in front of step and repeats, refreshments, and other fitness vendors.

Overall I would rank this race 4.5/5, with points only coming off for a lack of pre-race activities and a 'nothing special' packet pickup experience. I fully intend on participating in this race again next year and now consider it a 'must do' race for SF runners. Amazing logistics, course, and race day experience!!

The 2019 Napa to Sonoma Rose 5K was a well organized race, and I was pleasantly surprised with the laid-back feeling I experienced. Runners were able to pickup their bibs the morning of the race (which was great for Bay Area locals not having to make two trips for race and packet pickup). Day of bib pickup went very smooth and I waited no more than 10 minutes. There was a separate shirt pickup, but after waiting in that line, all of the smaller size shirts (XS, S) were gone even though runners requested their size during race signup. We were later told that there was a shipping mistake with the shirts and that the correct size would be shipped to our homes. I have yet to receive my shirt but hopefully it will arrive soon.

The race course was absolutely stunning with the entire course run on a road with vineyards on each side. The relatively flat course was also great and at mile marker 1 there was a Rose hydration stop! This was a fun surprise for me and all of the runners seemed to enjoy stopping for some rose and taking photos in front of the vines. A photo package was offered during race signup and I chose to add it (I think it was $10). To my surprise, the only race photographer was located at the finish line. I'm not sure how many photographers there were for the half marathon the next day, but with such a beautiful course I would've loved to see at least 1 photographer during the race.

Overall I would recommend the 5K race to local-ish runners and would suggest runner who would be flying in for the race to consider running the half marathon as well to get the most 'bang for your buck'. I would also suggest taking photos on your phone instead of purchasing the photo package, especially for 5k runners.

The San Francisco Marathon Weekend is a well organized and supported weekend with many race distance options. Each race features beautiful scenery and plenty of course support. This race weekend also features one of the most expansive expo experiences offered in San Francisco. This was my second time participating in the Half Marathon race and I chose the 'second half' course through Golden Gate Park.

Runners were pre-sorted into corral,s but come race-day it seemed to be more of a self sorting process. Pre-race fuel and bathrooms were provided and runners stood by for a live singing of the national anthem. The course ran through Golden Gate Park before cutting across the city to finish on the Embarcadero. Although it was quite beautiful, I would not suggest this race for first timers or walkers due to the (sometimes extreme) elevation changes. I found the race to be fast and full of (very) serious runners.

The SF Half Marathon (and Marathon Weekend overall) offers a great opportunity for well trained runners to test their skills on a fast, challenging course. It provides a wonderful opportunity to be surrounded by some many great runners, but its definitely not for the faint of heart!