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Latest reviews by Celina Yee-Izon
Celina Yee-Izon recommends this race
(2022)
"SWEET Race with my SWEETIE"
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This was my 4th time running the SF Hot Chocolate but my first time with my husband! We had an amazing time running the streets of my hometown!
Despite still being in the middle of a pandemic, I felt the race was VERY safe and even more fun! The Hot Chocolate Races always have amazing swag, a fun and encouraging atmosphere, delicious treats at the end, and free on course pics!
I can’t wait to run it next year for my 5 year legacy and hope hubby joins again too!
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Celina Yee-Izon recommends this race
(2021)
"Finally! A race that Cares! "
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I’m not a big fan of virtual races especially for distances that I run weekly but with COVID, virtual races are now the way to go AND Oakland Marathon/Running festival is more than just a race. Oakland Running Festival is about community! A community of people who love Oakland and to run! The medal illustrated the roots of Oakland and the shirt was cleverly designed to represent California and Oakland!
Throughout the week of the Oakland Running Festival, their Facebook pages were blasted with runners proudly boasting where they ran and on race day there were fun trivia facts about Oakland! Who knew Mai tais were invented in Oakland! On the weekend of the race there was some live action in Oakland supporting those who virtually ran the course or wanted more swag. I’ve never seen a virtual race so involved and organized!
I can’t wait for Covid to settle down and for live races to open up! Oakland Marathon has been on my list and I’ll definitely be there next year!
Celina Yee-Izon recommends this race
(2020)
"Sweet Fun! "
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The Hot Chocolate race is one of my shorter but favorite annual races in my hometown. It’s perfect for runners and walkers of all ages and levels! Great swag, iconic landmarks of San Francisco, delicious aid stations and sweet post run food, and fantastic fun on course entertainment. This is definitely a fun to do whether you’re local, a visitor or a tourist!
Celina Yee-Izon recommends this race
(2019)
"Fun in Berkeley "
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This was my first year running Berkeley and it was so much fun! Lots of free and paid parking, tons of runners since 2018 was cancelled due to poor air quality/fires but it made it more fun, and beautiful Berkeley landmarks. Running past the homeless camp wasn’t my favorite but thankfully it was brief and you can look at the Bay instead lol. Loved the post run beer and grass to relax on and soak up the sun with friends!
Celina Yee-Izon recommends this race
(2019)
"My First Fun "
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I wanted my first marathon to be in my hometown! I trained hard but I also got injured which means I had to run injured. I was in so much pain but the course atmosphere, views, and of course mental determination pushed me through. At mile 24 I couldn’t go on anymore and called my husband crying but onlookers saw me and encouraged me to finish and I did!!!