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Latest reviews by Ciara Doll
Ciara Doll recommends this race
(2021)
"Spooky Fun with Fantastic Bling! "
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If you've tracked my reviews, you know I've raced multiple times with Caren Ware Events now, and this Halloween race brought festive fun and one of the most unique medals I've ever received!
Pre-Run:
This is my 3rd time racing with Caren Ware Events, and I signed up for this race online to run with my friend. This race was set at Irvine Valley College, the same place we ran the 4th of July race this past summer. Caren Ware Events always does a great job clearly communicating info in advance, such as location changes, schedules of events, and other important information. Last time, my friend and I overestimated how much time it would take us to get to the race location from LA, and we ended up almost an hour too early. This time, we did the opposite and cut it SUPER close -- in fact we were technically one of the last people to cross the starting line because we were SCRAMBLING to get our bibs pinned on! The great thing about CWE races is that they're so welcoming and laid-back, so even with us rushing, we had plenty of time to run and finish! (Thank goodness for that close parking!!!)
Speaking of parking, my only note on it is that, when signing up for the race, we were told parking would be available for a fee, and that all runners must pay for it ahead of race day. When we arrived, there didn't seem to be any way to indicate which cars had pre-paid parking, or even which cars had any paid parking. I'm not sure if this was coming from campus police, or if this came from CWE organizers, but seeing that there were no tickets issued or parking attendants out enforcing the fees, it did sort of feel like we ate our pre-paid parking fee. Do I wish I hadn't paid? Yes. Can I promise that if you don't pay you won't get a ticket? No. So in the end, if you're the type of person who would rather be safe than sorry, maybe you use that $5 as a little form of race-day insurance.
The Race:
The course was one flat, out-and-back course circling the perimeter of the campus. There were a few fields before the first 1 mile marker that featured a charming farmhouse, but other than that, there wasn't much in the way of course scenery. There were two aid stations at the 1 and 2 mile markers. with friendly volunteers offering plenty of water! Part of the fun of a Halloween race is seeing all the participants in costume, and this event did not disappoint! We also saw many people running with their young children and even a few dogs on the course -- this race is truly an event for everyone!
Post-Race:
After the race, runners returned to the starting area where we all received HUGE pumpkin-shaped medals complete with a 3D running pumpkin man on a spring that "ran" when you shook it -- so cool! In the Halloween spirit, runners received trick-or-treat bags filled with post-run snacks too! There were plenty of Halloween photo ops set up around the area and a costume contest was held after the race winners were announced. I believe shirts were given out as well, however I think that might have happened before the race started, and since my friend and I were a bit late to the start., we probably missed them.
Tips:
- Give yourself a BIT of time to get there (don't do what we did and RUSH UP to the start!) and keep in mind that the only entrance into the parking area is off of Jeffrey Rd.
- Parking is listed on the website as "Required" however as far as I was made aware, there isn't really a clear way to enforce this rule or indicate which cars have paid for parking and which did not.
- Bring a costume!
Final Thoughts:
This Halloween race had a fun, festive atmosphere, easy course, and finished off with a really cool medal! If you're looking to get your family involved in a fun run, Caren Ware Events are a great choice!
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Ciara Doll recommends this race
(2021)
"You Like Hills? Here's a BIG one!"
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This Labor Day 5.3 mile run is a challenging course that offers beautiful views and one hell of a hill workout!
Pre-Run:
I found out about this race while on the hunt for smaller distances to run while preparing for half marathon training. At a little over 5 miles, this is a great race for those looking to add it into their larger training plans. Registered runners are required to pick up their bibs prior to the race at the Road Runner Sports shop in San Pedro. NO EXCEPTIONS. This is a bit frustrating for anyone driving down from the main LA area, as this meant we had to drive up and down twice. I recommend making an afternoon of hanging out in or around San Pedro to make the drive more worth while. (This race, ironically, DOES offer race-day registration (subject to availability), which would of course allow for race day bib pickup....) Once we arrived at the shop, the bib pickup was very simple and quick. I was surprised to discover that we received no shirt for this race. The following morning, my friend and I drove down from LA, leaving extra time to arrive, and find parking. The race starts near the Port O' Call Village, where there is a large paid lot steps away from the starting line.
The Race:
The course for this race was one giant out-and-back. Runners ran along the water toward the bridge, before turning left onto the ramp leading up to the bridge. From there, runners climbed up the long suspension bridge, reaching the top and were rewarded with a downhill straightaway to the other side. The course continued straight before turning around and returning over the bridge, down the ramp, and back to the start. There were water stations on either side of the bridge, as well as numerous volunteers throughout the course.
Post-Race:
All finishers received a medal, and were greeted at the finish line with water, and cookies!
Tips:
- This course is almost all hills! If you have sensitive knees or are returning to running from an injury, be warned that this race might not be for you.
- Something I never thought I'd say here -- this bridge is HIGH. If you have a fear of heights and/or bridges, you might want to sit this one out!
- If you're not used to running downhill, be careful not to lose control of your footing! It can be really easy to let gravity carry you away and you could risk significant damage to your knees, or a very serious fall!
- If you're driving down from the LA area, or are looking to avoid paid parking lots, schedule in extra time to arrive and park!
- Since this race offers no race day packet pick-up, you'll need to plan time into your weekend to go to San Pedro and pick up your bib.
Final Thoughts:
My biggest complaint here was the lack of flexibility for those driving down from the LA area to have race-day pick-up. Despite this, the race is a fun, challenging event that offers a chance to push yourself outside of the 5k zone, push yourself on the hills, and admire the views from the unique vantage point of the bridge!
Ciara Doll recommends this race
(2021)
"No Joke -- The Hardest 5k in LA!"
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Holy cow -- what a course! This hilly evening run takes you up, and down, and up, and down, and up again until your knees are begging for mercy. This is a challenging run for those looking to push themselves, and for those who love taking in the views of urban LA!
Pre-Run:
I found out about this race through a recommendation from a friend of mine. I signed up, and perhaps rather foolishly, I was under the impression that this run offered two events: a hilly 5k, or a 282-step stair climb. In actuality, this 5k course culminates with a stair climb! I still would have signed up regardless of the events, but for those who have bad knees or are looking to return to running after an injury, this race is NOT for you! That being said, I arrived on race day to find that all the roads leading to the top of Baldwin Hill were closed off for the race, which meant parking was a bit of a nightmare. I had arrived early to anticipate this, but even so, I found myself rushing a bit toward the end for fear that I'd miss the start. The closest parking is in a TINY paid lot at the bottom of the hill. I was fortunate enough to snag a spot, but the unlucky ones ended up circling around for a while scoping out possible streets parking spots. The race started at the top of the hill, which meant we were all in for a hike to the top before the event even began. At the top at the Nature Center, there were volunteers and tables set up for check-in, late registration, and bag drop-off. Once checked in, the starting line was a few yards over in the parking lot.
The Race:
Oh man, how do I describe this course? Runners start from the top of the hill and run around the winding, zig-zag dirt pathway all the way to the bottom of the hill. This part of the course is practically a trail run -- so watch out for uneven surfaces and tight pathways! The course even crosses over on itself at one point (not an issue at the start, but you'll understand why this was a bit tricky later on). Once runners reach the bottom, the course switched from dirt to road, and runners ran up the main road from the bottom to about 60% up the hill. The course then turned right and became even NARROWER as runners ran along the outer field of the baseball diamond before returning to main road. From there, runners finished the hill, and then looped back onto the dirt pathway from the beginning, zig-zagging down (almost) to the bottom before turning left and taking the 282 STEEP stair climb alllllll the way back up to the top for the finish. WHEW! As runners completed the dirt pathway for the second time, they had to dodge runners who were climbing the stairs, as the stairway cuts right through the dirt trail, which led to some near-collisions as runners were spread out along the route and having to cross numerous times at these intersections of trail and stairway.
The course was lined with multiple volunteers helping direct runners, as well as water stations. As runners climbed the final stretch, volunteers were cheering runners on, and the MC at the finish line was on the mic hyping the crowd up as well!
Post-Race:
All finishers received a shirt and medal, as well as having the option at registration (for an added cost) to sign up for the post-race taco and beer party. The finish line had plenty of water as well as sponsors offering post-run flavored sports drinks, and nutritional juice shots. I opted out of the taco party, but runners who chose to participate were directed to the outdoor picnic area set up just beyond the starting line area. It was really cool to finish at the top of the hill and take in the sights overlooking Culver City and greater LA!
Tips: (there's a bunch for this one!)
- This is a HARD course. Use your best judgement when signing up and remember to take it easy if the hills and stairs start to cause you any (bad) pain!
- This is a trail/road hybrid course. Watch out for uneven surfaces, rocks/roots, and narrow pathways. (And wear a pair of shoes that you don't mind getting dusty!)
- If you're not used to running downhill (especially on a steep course such as this), be careful not to lose control of your footing! It can be really easy to let gravity carry you away and you could risk significant damage to your knees, or a very serious fall!
-This is an evening run, so take that into consideration when planning your hydration (as well as your parking!)
- Make you to add EVEN MORE additional time than normal to walk up to the top of the hill to check-in.
- Pace yourself! This race will test you! Don't get carried away on the downhill, and remember, you've got 282 steps to factor in between you and the finish!
Final Thoughts:
With a course this difficult, this 5k truly earned it's daunting nickname. If you like a good challenge, this is definitely the race for you! You'll be rewarded with beautiful views, swag, and maybe a taco or two!
Ciara Doll recommends this race
(2021)
"Fun on the 4th! "
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This was my first "mass start" since in-person racing returned -- and with the fun start and community atmosphere, this 5k made for a great holiday weekend event!
Pre-Run:
This is my 2nd time racing with Caren Ware Events, having run the Rodeo Run back in March. I signed up for this race online to run with my friend. The race was originally set to run in Anaheim, but since the race had been cleared to host a mass start instead of waves, it moved to Irvine Valley College to accommodate the larger crowd. This information was very clearly communicated by the race organizers and was much appreciated! While there was no pre-race packet pickup expo, there was a small expo set up the morning of that offered a number of future race registration opportunities and product samples. Parking was RIGHT next to the starting line (which you all know was a big plus for me!) As the crowds gathered and we got closer to the starting time, a FIFE AND DRUM BAND SHOWED UP! The band played along with live singers and a red/blue smoke bomb start!
The Race:
The course was one circular, flat, out-and-back circling the perimeter of the campus. There were a few fields before the first 0.5 mile marker that featured a charming farmhouse, but other than that, there wasn't much in the way of course scenery. There were two aid stations at the 1 and 2 mile markers. with friendly volunteers offering plenty of water!
Post-Race:
Here's where my only complaint for this race kicks in. The race was advertised as a "Red White and Blue/BREW" race with the option to have a special beer-themed medal. I was under the impression that a post-race beer would be available after the run to match the theme, however that was not the case. (Not a huge deal, but I had signed up for the BREW medal and it felt odd to have a beer-themed medal without any other beer elements in the race, so I traded it in for a normal medal instead.) Upon crossing the finish, we all received a nice sliding medal and a flag t-shirt (in a very...bold pattern.. haha!) the band had returned and I made sure to get a photo with them in their colonial costumes!
Tips:
(I don't have any for this race! It was straight forward, well managed/supported, and had an easy course perfect for all types of runners!)
Final Thoughts:
Despite the confusion in the alternative themes, the patriotic race had a fun, festive atmosphere, easy course, and a well-organized group running the show! If you're looking to get your family involved in an annual holiday fun run, Caren Ware Events has a great 4th of July option!
Ciara Doll recommends this race
(2021)
"A Beautiful Tour of Balboa Park! "
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This was my first Rock ‘n’ Roll experience, and this new course through beautiful Balboa Park was a great start to kick off the weekend!
Pre-Run:
I signed up for this run as part of the Remix Challenge back in late 2020, amid a lot of in-person racing uncertainty. Originally set for June, I received word it was moving to October. At the time, I had purchased race insurance, and I actually used it to cancel my registration after numerous people told me most RnR races were being cancelled. Of course, this one stuck, so I re-signed up for the Remix Challenge again! This race offers a GIANT expo (if you’re a RunDisney runner, this will all feel very familiar to you), and this one took place inside the San Diego Convention Center. The expo was very straight-forward and provided plenty of signage and volunteers to help any lost runners or answer any questions. Specifically for the 5k pick-up, corrals were being assigned as your received your bib based on the estimated finish time you provided during registration. When I was handed my bib, I didn’t have a corral number on it, but I didn’t think much of it and went to the next booth. I ran this race with my mom, and she DID receive a corral, so we ended up having to visit the race solutions table to make sure she and I were placed in the same corral. The fix was simple and easy thanks to the helpful volunteer! (One thing that was a bit tricky about this pick-up was that, despite the bag check tag printed on the bib, the 5k did NOT offer a bag check.) After receiving our bibs and shirts, we passed through the official RnR shop and then onto the expo floor, filled with booths and photo opps. If expo shopping isn’t your thing, this expo is VERY easy to get in and out of!
The next morning, we took an Uber to the start line since we did not drive to San Diego. That being said, the race had plenty of parking available RIGHT next to the start line for FREE! A runner’s dream! We had no issue getting to the starting line since the race corrals and start were situated in the parking lot, but we also added extra time to get there. The announcers at the starting line were fired up and playing music to get the crowd excited for the race!
The Race:
This race marked a number of firsts for the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego 5k. First, this race implemented a new starting pattern. In addition to all runners being placed in corrals, runners were then filed up to the starting time mat in mini corrals, about 15 across. A systematic siren let one person from each of the 15 mini corrals go at once every 10 seconds or so. This was done to create a staggered start and prevent starting-line congestion while also being socially distant and COVID-friendly. Personally, I liked this method – it was quick, spacious, and they even placed a photographer right out the gate to get a clear shot of each runner taking off!
This 5k also marked the debut of a new course. Starting at Inspiration Point, runners ran west, turning north just before reaching the site of the Comic-Con Museum and heading north, passing the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and turning through the courtyard outside of the San Diego Museum of Art. Runners followed the curving path left, running down El Prado and crossing Cabrillo Bridge to reach Mile 1. From here, the course made a giant loop down 8th Avenue and Balboa drive, turning left onto Juniper Road and heading north around the perimeter of the park until the course turned right on Upas avenue and returned down Balboa drive for a finish near Redwood Circle.
In terms of course support, there was a water station around the halfway point as well as numerous volunteers. There were also a ton of spectators supporting racers from the sidelines, and even an entire cheerleading team showed up to cheer on runners down El Prado just before crossing the bridge!
Post-Race:
Racers crossing the finish line were created with tons of post-run snacks and water, as well as a beer garden hosted by the weekend’s sponsor, Heineken 0.0. All runners received a free non-alcoholic Heineken beer, with alcoholic Heineken varieties available for purchase. The party was completed by a DJ playing music for everyone to dance to and enjoy at the afterparty!
Tips:
- All runners are required to show a proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-test within the last 72 hours prior to participating in the race or entering the expo. This rule also applies to any guests attending the expo with you,
- Despite the bag check tag printed on the bib, there is NO bag check available for this race, so plan accordingly and pack light!
- This course is almost entirely inside Balboa Park, so watch out for things such as uneven pavement, or tree debris while running along the path.
- If you visit the Heineken booth at the expo, they will check your ID in advance and provide you with a wristband that will allow you to skip the ID check at the post-race beer garden!
Final Thoughts:
This stress-free and fun race (with it’s post-run beer garden) was such an awesome way to kick off the weekend and for an out-of-towner like me, a great opportunity to see the sights of beautiful Balboa Park!