This sunset fun run may be short, but it's definitely sweet! A great option for families, and a fun warmup for runners doing the Cowabunga Challenge!

Pre-Run:
This was my second time running the Surf City Half Marathon, and, as always, the race management team hosts an excellent Expo. I drove down on Friday afternoon to pick up my bib for the Half, the only race I was registered for at the time. When I arrived, I noted that there were still spots left to sign up for the Beach Mile -- which meant I could run both and complete the Cowabunga Challenge (and 2 more medals for the weekend!). Not being one to turn down a challenge, I signed up that day. I got there a bit too early (totally my fault!) and spent the afternoon hanging out in Huntington Beach and exploring the expo before the race began. Parking for the race met that rare goal of mine: it was close to the start, easy to find, and free! The starting line for the race was just next door to the Expo, right on the beach! My only complaint about the pre-race area is that there was no bag check or area to place items. I fortunately had enough time to run them back to my car, but many people simply left their shoes and bags in the sand near the finish area. (I don't have enough trust for that!)

The Race:
This course was a simple out and back on the sand. Runners ran toward the pier, turned around at the cone markers, and ran back. Due to the sand being pretty soft, this is a surprisingly tricky mile! Upon registration, runners received a fun themed superhero cape to wear during the race -- it was so fun to see so many capes running down the beach!

Due to the short nature of the race, there were no water stations on the course, however there were multiple volunteers pointing out the turnaround point and cheering runners on as well as a photographer to capture finish line photos!

Post-Race:
All finishers received a medal, and were greeted at the finish line with multiple snacks, including chips and fruit cups. Since it was just next door to the expo, runners were encouraged to return to the expo area, where there were merchandise tents, product samples, and even live music!

Tips:
- This is a sandy fun run! Most people chose to run this barefoot, but if you'd prefer to wear shoes, wear a pair you don't mind getting lots of sand in!
- If you're new to running on sand, expect this to be a bit tricky! You'll be surprised to feel the impact on your knees that running on sand has, even with a short distance like this!
- Do not plan on taking anything with you to the starting line that you don't plan to run with -- keep your bags and other personal items in your car. If you feel comfortable to leave your shoes at the finish line, you can do so, but be warned that there is no dedicated volunteer to watch over these items, and the race is not liable if something should happen to them when you return.
- This is a FUN run! There will be lots of families there, especially small children. Watch out for them!

Final Thoughts:
This sunset beach run was such a good time! It's a perfect race for Surf City athletes to warm up before the next day's big events, and offers a a fun way for runners to get their non-running family and friends involved in the weekend action! Soak up the sun, feel the sand in your toes, and stick around afterward for music and fun!

I ran the 4 Hour Freeze with RMP last month and had such a good time I came back for this 5k! They modified the course to avoid the narrow out and back, making this one not only a more enjoyable course but increased the distance between runners for an even safer experience!

Pre-Run:
Parking was SUPER close to start, and everyone was socially distant. Packet pickup was quick, and due to new pandemic rules, the medals and sweatshirts were given out before the race. The medals were surprisingly large and the sweatshirt is super cozy! (Hint: I'm wearing it as I type this review :P)

The Race:
The race organizers kept the race small, and runners were assigned to "waves" of about 20-25 runners in each wave. Runners lined up in spaces to stay distant and were counted off by the organizers. The course started by the NCAA Headquarters and passed by the IUPUI campus before crossing the bridge and looping back around the other side of the river near the Indy Zoo. There was a short loop around the wide center bridge leading back toward the zoo, followed by a second short loop back in front of the NCAA Headquarters (back over the same starting path) before coming back to the finish. Due to COVID, there were no aid stations on the course, but there were plenty of water bottles at the finish!

Post-Race:
COVID prevented any sort of major festivities after the race, but the volunteers were there to play music and take pictures! The nearby parking made the post-race exit a breeze!

Tips:
- There is PLENTY of parking nearby, but both of the close lots are pay lots, so expect to spend money if you want to park near the start/finish.
- Don't forget your mask! Due to the cold, I recommend doubling it up with a warm buff to keep your neck warm too.
- Watch out for ice on the bridge! People are tempted to pass in this area since some runners slow up to go up the incline, but watch your step!

Final Thoughts:
RaceMaker Productions put on another safe and fun race! It felt so great to be out and run with others as a (socially distant) community! Highly recommend if you're looking for a safe in-person event!

This is my second time running Surf City, and it certainly delivers on the name! This course runs up the PCH, offering white sand and ocean surf for a majority of the race!

Pre-Run:
I ran the 2020 Surf City Half Marathon (a month before COVID hit) and had a blast, so I opted to run it again. This time I took on the Cowabunga Challenge, running the Surf City Beach Mile the day prior. I had originally anticipated being unable to attend the expo, so I paid the $25 for race-day pickup. Since I ended up attending and no longer needed the paid pick-up, I spoke to a volunteer at the Solutions booth and they were able to refund me the pick-up fee! Surf City offers one of my favorite expos in SoCal, and I was excited to attend this year. Due to COVID, the expo was scaled down a bit, and took place outside in the parking lot rather than inside the main event tent, but still had plenty of offer! There were photo ops, product samples, merchandise booths, live music, and even collection of vintage VW vans on display! Runners who registered for the race received a really nice shirt as well as a durable, fun reusable tote bag (these things really hold up!)

The following morning on race day, I arrived with my friend and we padded our schedule with time to look for parking. We were able to find free parking, but it was a bit of a hike away from the starting line. We ended up arriving to our corral with about 10 minutes to spare. Rather than assigning corrals in advance, runners were self-seeded into various waves, marked with large signs of anticipated finish times. These corrals were JAM PACKED. We were body-to-body for a few minutes, and due to COVID, I opted to pull my neck bandana off and wear it as a makeshift mask until we were released and able to spread out.

This race weekend offers three main events for runners: the 5k, half marathon, and full marathon. The marathoners were released first, starting at 6:30a to give them ample time to clear the first part of the course. After that, the 5k started at 7:00a, followed by the half marathoners at 7:45a. This would be fine, but with the summer weather still lingering, temperatures were HOT by 8, which made the half marathon a very steamy run. This race is usually run in February, and last year the cooler temperatures kept this race breezy and very enjoyable! Ideally, it would have been nice if the 5k and half marathon had been able to have a side-by-side start, with the course split for the first 1.5 miles until the 5k turnaround point, allowing for an additional 45 minutes of significantly cooler temps for the half marathoners before the sun comes out. (A girl can dream!)

The Race:
Similar to last year, this course starts by Huntington Beach Pier, heading north on the PCH before turning right on Seapoint and climbing the first (and really, only) hill, making a large loop in a residential area before returning down toward the PCH. From there, the course turns right and continues north, entering what, in my opinion, is the hardest part of the course. This loooooong straightaway is, honestly, the whole "mental game" of running is really tested here. It's flanked with large sand dunes on either side, and while the ocean views on one side is beautiful to see, the opposite side is the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, which is pretty barren and empty (unless you're super into wetlands?). This stretch is void of trees, so be prepared to SWEAT into overdrive! After heading north for a while. runners turn around and follow this same path, skipping the previous turn and running straight back to the start.

Perhaps I didn't notice it until I was looking for one, but, while there were plenty of water stations throughout the race, it seemed like there weren't as many medical tents as I was expecting, especially in the heat. Many runners who get overheated or need medical attention during this race often need assistance on the long straightaway, as it offers no shade., I only saw one medical tent on this section of the run. If I could change anything about this race, I would add one more medical tent along this straightaway.

Previously, the course was lined with local bands to play festive music for runners as they passed by. This year, most likely due to COVID, there were no official band stages, but there were a ton of spectator groups spread out along the course to wave signs, and a few even had drums to play!

Post-Race:
Runners received a finish filled with fanfare, as locals and volunteers lined the course to cheer on the athletes! Volunteers were everywhere, handing out medals as well as plenty of fluids and snacks. Runners also received a free beer voucher for the Finish Line Beer Garden! All runners had to have their IDs on hand in order to receive a wristband for entry into the garden, so be sure to have it with you, if you don't already carry it with you during the race! The expo is also open post-race, with all the photo-ops a fitness influencer could desire!

Tips:
- BEWARE THE HEAT! Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Wear sunblock! Slow down if need be!
- If you are a runner that relies on medical tents for things such as BioFreeze, or band-aids, keep your eyes peeled and stop at them if you get the chance, because there are few opportunities to do so on the long stretch!
- If you are able to attend the expo the day before, take the opportunity! It's a great way to get hyped for the weekend and get into the Surf City spirit!
- This is a crowded starting line. Even as a vaccinated runner, I would recommend bringing a bandana (I use mine as a cooling towel during the race) as a makeshift mask since it was impossible to socially distance.
- Build in extra time to park and walk to the start -- unless you are there early for the marathon, do not expect to find parking anywhere close to the starting line.
- Don't forget to bring your ID with you as you run if you want to participate in the Beer Garden!

Final Thoughts:
With two Surf City Half Marathons under my belt, this race is a fun way to embrace the surfing spirit of SoCal and the excitement of big races! Be prepared for the challenging straightaway, and the heat, but the payoff is so great with beach views and cold beer!

This was my first non-Disney marathon, and despite the chilly start and surprisingly challenging new final stretch, my friend and I had an absolute blast and loved how much the energy of the spectators fueled us through to the finish!
The Expo:
The day before the LAM, I ran the LA Big 5k, and then attended the Expo afterward with my friend at Dodger’s Stadium. The Expo was surprisingly packed with tons of booths, pop-ups, and LOTS of freebies – more than I was expecting considering that most races were restricting or canceling in-person expos due to COVID. We spent a lot of time exploring the expo, and we picked up some awesome official merch!
Pre-Run:
My friend and I signed up for this race when it was previously scheduled for March. I signed up as a make-up to the fact that RunDisney wasn’t running an in-person Marathon Weekend for 2021. While some people were disappointed the LAM shifted from March to November because it messed up their training schedules, we were actually glad it did, as it made for a cooler running climate.
The Race:
Due to the course finishing across town from the start line, LAM encourages runners to park at the garages near the finish, then reserve a spot on the shuttle buses running to the starting line. This was our first time running this race, so we weren’t entirely sure how this would be organized. Concerned about time management, we opted to select an earlier shuttle time to make sure we had plenty of time in case lines were long, the shuttle was slowed down due to road closures, or any other hurdles.
After waking up at 1am to get ready and be at the pick-up for our 3am pickup, we were surprised to discover that there were hardly any people on board the bus. We arrived at Dodger’s Stadium, to our dismay, a bit TOO early – by about 3 HOURS. At this point, even with our throwaway jackets, it was cold. We tried to warm up inside Dodger’s Stadium, but security told runners were were forbidden from sitting in the stadium seats, meaning that, as thousands of runners arrived to the start, most of us were huddled around corners and sitting on the ground. We later learned that the only way to get access to, well… chairs, was through a prepaid VIP experience. Once 6:15am rolled around, we lined up into our corals outside the stadium, where a DJ was blasting music to kick off the event.
Once the race started, runners spent the first 5ish miles making a loop through downtown before heading northwest on Sunset through Echo Park and Silver Lake. As the course approached mile 9, runners dropped down to run through Hollywood on Hollywood Blvd before returning back to Sunset just before the halfway point. Around mile 15, runners ran south through Beverly Hills on Santa Monica, crossing the finish line chute on the opposite side of the street at about mile 19. Honestly, at this point, the mental challenge of the marathon really kicks in. For the remaining 7 miles, runners make one long out-and-back through Westwood and Brentwood. The final mile may have been the hardest of the whole course, as the last stretch contained a series of deceptive hills leading straight into the finish chute at the Westfield Century City Mall.
On-course support was absolutely stellar! From official LAM volunteers to locals coming out in droves to cheer on runners, this race for me was really made in these moments. One of my favorite moments was running down Hollywood and seeing the Pantages theater decked out in supportive messages from the cast of Hamilton, which was in town on tour.
Post-Race:
After the race, after a few happy tears were shed, my friend and I collected our trove of post-run snacks and headed over to the Finish Festival. It was a bit difficult for us to find, as the sheer volume of people and lack of signage made the festival area feel a bit camouflaged from the rest of the area. When we arrived, we walked around the pop-ups, listened to the music, and had our medals engraved before heading home to take a very well-deserved nap!
Tips:
You’ll feel inclined to select an earlier shuttle time, but DON’T DO IT unless you’re adamant you want to wait a long time before the start time. My advice for this would be to select one of the mid-range times they provide, in the 4:15-30am zone.
Go to Goodwill and grab a sweater for that chilly starting line. You can toss it off at an aid station later on in the course, and it will be collected and donated to a local shelter!
This course has some hills, but it’s not overly hilly. That being said, if you’re the kind of runner who needs some mental preparation, especially in the last leg of the marathon, be warned that a series of small hills awaits you near the final stretch.
Don’t sleep on the Expo! It was the perfect activity to get us hyped for the race, and we picked up a ton of cool free stuff, including energy gels, KT tape, and recovery aids!
Overall, the energy and support of this race earned LAM a place near and dear to my heart – I highly recommend adding it to your marathon bucket list, and I can’t wait to run it again!