Latest reviews by Chris Lee

(2022)
"A scenic race "
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This was the second time running a vacation race, first time in Colorado. I will note that apparently I don’t do altitude very well but the race was amazing. Vacation races does an amazing job putting the race together. From the race, to the swag to the amazing medals their races are great. The only things I would change is adding more to the expo and more toilets on the course. The lines were so long at time it was so hard to get back on pace and do well.

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(2022)
"Fun race around Lincoln"
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This was the first time running this race. For years I’ve heard great things and how I should run it. I will say I was a little disappointment and after talking with some past participants they were too. The main reason I wanted to run this race was to finish on the field, apparently there was constructions and we were moved to the track then moved to the side of the stadium.

The expo was semi lacking, I was thinking it would be massive and since we got there a little later on the last day many of the vendors were gone. Either way we made it and excited to race the next day.

The race had a great feel to it, small town but big crowds. I wasn’t alone at any part of the race. I will say I did not like the side walk part because it got congested quickly but made it work. I would have liked to have a few more port a John’s on the course as there were a ton at the start…which was nice. Once we finished we were given a medal, which was cool but the ribbon was plain. I would have liked the ribbon from the marathon finisher was it had more color. I do love that we got a lunch bag with all the goodies and I thought that was amazing.

I’m hoping it was a one off and definitely would like to try it again.

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(2021)
"Race you definitely need to do. "
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This was the second year participating in the OKC location. I have participated in the Dallas before we got our own race. I really like this course because we are able to use the street for the whole race in addition the course is challenging but with training you can do well. Great course, great swag and a race you have to do.

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(2021)
"Most challenging Vacation Race"
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This was my first vacation race and it didn't disappoint. I have been following Vacation Races over the last few years. This was a point to point race, it started in Ghost Canyon and finished in Keystone SD. I will say if this race comes back book your hotels early, it was very expensive and luckily found a room at the last minute that was a little more affordable.

The expo was at the start line so it was nice to be able to drive the course while we headed to the expo. One thing is if you don't have a car you would need to pick your packet the day of the race and can't attend the expo unless you find someone to take you. The expo was okay, I wished there were more vendors and a vendor that was selling gels/nutrition. I bring my own but for runners who may have forgot theirs it would be great to be able to get it at the expo especially in a small town with no running store. They did have cool picture moments at the expo and the Rushmore mascots came out.

The day of the race, you can either drive to Ghost Canyon then take the bus back after the race or park in Keystone and take the bus to the race. I'm glad they offered both, we decided to take the bus to the start line. It was a very early morning so that is something to note for point to point races.

Overall the race was well run, it was a cupless race so that was amazing. Less waste and great to not see cups all over the ground. They had multiple aid stations with port-a-potties and honey stinger gels. I was very surprised at how well their aid stations were ran and to see that many port-a-potties on the course. I've been part of many races that do not provide nutrition and as runners we sometimes run out and need an extra boost. The course was very challenging so it was great to have pacers that adjusted to the course and helped runners up the mountain. The views were like no other, it was just beautiful.

I loved the medal, they are very large and heavy (just we need as runners). I really liked the shirt but the size different from the Men's Large to XL was so different that I either had a shirt that was tight or a shirt that was so big and it looked really bad. That isn't a race thing but a manufactory thing to look at. Would 100% recommend this race and would do it again.

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(2021)
"Hardest Race I have ever done"
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The hardest race I have ever done. I knew this was challenging but didn't know how hard the last three miles were. Overall the race management was amazing, they did everything they could to take care of us on the mountain that I felt safe if anything were to happen to me someone would get to me with a few minutes depending on what part of the mountain I was in. The aid stations were stocked with everything you need...except one stop were a bear ate some of it the night before. If you are up for a challenge this race is for you, just be mindful that altitude will affect people in different ways so definitely try it once before the race.

There were three cut off marks and if you made each of them you can finish the race. The only issue is that the last part of the race I had about two hours and it took way more due to altitude sickness. I still had a time even thought I didn't make the 6:30 cut off but it was labeled OCO (over cut off time) thus not a finisher. I would like to see an adjustment in the rules (personally) that if you make it to a-frame that you can have a finish no matter your time. But that's just me, I don't count it on my "books" since I didn't finish but it was an accomplishment. Still a great race and recommend it.

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