The 2019 Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Francisco featured a beautiful course that included an out and back run over the Golden Gate Bridge. The race was well attended, well organized, and featured fun post-race activities.

Runners were required to pickup their race packets during an expo held several days before the race. The expo was well organized and offered a lot of shopping and photo opportunities. race packets included your bib, shirt, and a light-up wristband that you were required to wear on race morning. There were many other race organizers present and several nutrition companies as well. The expo was located on the Embarcadero near the starting line so it was helpful to know exactly where to be on race morning. I checked out my race shirt when I got home and was surprised at the printing errors on the shirt. I noticed several printing defects and asked a friend I was running with to send me a photo of her shirt. She had the exact same defects in a different size shirt. So while I absolutely LOVED the design (I even bought a mini medal) I was bummed at the lack of quality in the shirt itself and in the printing of it.

As I mentioned earlier, on the morning of the race each runner was required to wear a light-up wristband. This wristband had the capability to light-up different colors and was synced to the entire network of other runners. At the start of the race, your wristband was lit to a particular color and when your color was called that indicated your wave was ready to start the race. The race started along the Embarcadero, then cut through North Beach/Russian Hill which is where we encountered the first incline. The race continued through Chrissy Field, out and back over the GGB, back to Chrissy Field and finished at Fort Mason. Throughout the course I also saw a number of stages setup for performers, but I was only able to catch maybe 2 live performances! I'm not sure if this was due to when my wave started or something else, but I was really surprised and a bit bummed at the lack of music on the course. There were also photographers throughout the race and at the finish line. I purchased a photo package during race registration for $20 and received my photo fairly soon after the race. It was a foggy day in SF, but I still surprised at the lack of quality photos. The quality of pics I took on my cell phone turned out way better than the professional photos.

Overall I would recommend this race to a friend, but based on my experience I would not suggest that they purchase the photo package and would encourage them to wear headphones in case bands are not performing. I recognize that photos and music have no impact on the actual race course itself, which is why I would indeed recommend the race. There's no comparison to be able to run over the GGB and through Chrissy Field and this well organized race checks both of those boxes!

The Sasquatch Scramble included 5k, 10k, and half marathon out and back courses through Redwood Regional Park in Oakland. The later start time of 9:15am allowed participants to navigate the winding roads to Redwood Regional Park and find parking (spots were limited but the parking lots were open for a cash fee). The race morning packet pickup was a smooth process and each runner received a Sasquatch Scramble technical tee and water/electrolyte drinks were available.

Runners were treated to wonderful views of the Redwoods and an easy to navigate trail with a few (not too steep) inclines. The course trail was marked with colored ribbons that kept runners on course. This was my first trail race and I would recommend this course to new trail runners as it was easy to navigate and without any tough obstacles. There was a good mix of running levels in addition to a few walkers.

Finishers received an awesome wood medal (photo below) that had a bottle opener on the back and were treated to post-race snacks and beverages. Each runner received a mini beer mug and could sample (I think limited to 5) locally brewed beer.

Overall, this race had a laid-back no-pressure feel and was a great intro to trail racing. The beautiful course kept runners inspired and the post-race beer was a great treat!

The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is a truly magical experience. From pre race training program support through post race celebrations, this weekend has a permanent spot on my race calendar. My blog, Medals & Tiaras, was also born out of the inspiration fostered from this race weekend.

I'm a huge Disney fan so the idea of being able to run through Disney is extremely appealing. I'm also a bit of a girly girl so I gladly handed over my credit card for the Disney Princess Half Marathon. First thing to note is that these races are not cheap. They are some of the most expensive races available, but with that comes an incredible experience that I am always comparing other races to. The 2019 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend started for me a few days before the half marathon, at the expo. Attending the expo is an incredible experience in itself. There are three stops each located in a separate building at the Wide World of Sports, one to pickup your race bib, one to pickup your race shirt and shop offerings from fitness brands, and one to shop runDisney specific merchandise. Many runners enjoy shopping the runDisney specific merchandise which can cause long lines and sold out merchandise. After picking up your race essentials, many runners stay at the expo to enjoy refreshments, participate in activities such as yoga or a talk from Olympian Jeff Galloway.

The morning of the race you can expect some of the earliest wake up times for a race. Races generally START at 5:30am and you must be in your corral prior to that. If you are not staying at a Disney property and are driving to the race, you must arrive and park by 4:00am. These early start times generally translate to a 2-2:30am wake up time. Once you have arrived and started the race, you can expect the course to be filled with race photographers, character photo opportunities, refreshments, and magic. The 2019 Princess Half Marathon course utilized Disney highways, the Magic Kingdom park, and Epcot to complete the 13.1 miles. At the finish line runners will be welcomed by characters (Minnie in my case) and given well designed, high quality finisher medals and refreshments. Post race activities include music and character meet and greets.

Overall, this is hands down my favorite race weekend. This weekend brings so many friendly and supportive runners, some amazing swag, and unforgettable memories. Put this race on your calendar at least once, but be prepared to get hooked!