Latest reviews by Angela Gillis

(2023)
"Rainy day run ended with the best chocolate ever!"
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This was the first year for Hot Chocolate 10K in Houston. It was a very rainy morning, but it didn't hold up the race in any way. It's the same route as the 15K, but shorter. This race runs down Allen Parkway, and it's an out-and-back. If you're looking for fantastic scenery, this is not the race for you. If you're looking for a great post-race party, you are in the right place.

1. I had my packet mailed to me for $22. This was worth it because I live 90 miles away, and having to drive back and forth (or stay overnight) isn't always worth it.
2. This year, they gave out hoodies, which were of nice quality.
3. The race started on time, and the corrals were released two minutes apart. I was in the last corral, and it didn't take too long to start.
4. It's an out-and-back course, so there are plenty of water stations.
5. The post-race treats are where it's at. You get a banana, crispy rice treat, cookies, graham crackers, two marshmallows (I wish there were more), a cup of FANTASTIC hot chocolate, and dipping chocolate.
6. Parking is a bit chaotic if you don't know where to go, so get there early. And you will most likely have to pay for parking.
7. On my watch, the 10k came up at 6.1 miles. I'm not sure if that matters to most people, but it didn't matter to me. I ran for the chocolate.

Overall, the race is well organized and went off without a hitch. The star of the show is the actual chocolate part and the swag for the race!

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(2023)
"Great time as always!"
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This is my 9th year running this race, and it's always my favorite race. The expo has declined over the years, and the post-race party didn't have as many options as in years past. But the vibes and fun are still the same. It's a great flat race that runs through the LSU campus, by the lakes and downtown Baton Rouge. It's a lot of fun, and the city embraces the race, making it even better. There are never any problems for me during this weekend, and I use this as the GOLD standard on how a race should be run. It's always a great time with the post-race festival with music, bouncy houses for the kids, beer, and all the jambalaya and gumbo you could want.

Thanks for the great times Baton Rouge. I can't wait to Geaux Run LA next year!

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(2022)
"First time at this race and LOVED it!"
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This was my first time running the Dallas events, and I made a whole weekend of it. I loved racing here and meeting all the people. It has been a long while since running a BIG race, and this race didn't disappoint. I'm a back of the packer, and I was never alone! Being out there with the crowds and the other racers was a great feeling. The course is hilly because it's in Dallas. We ran through downtown and across the city, and it was nice to get a tour of a place I don't usually frequent.

The race is well-organized and worth every bit of money! I promise; you will have a great time when you come for the weekend.

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(2022)
"Started off well, but didn't end great"
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Last year I ran the 10K for this race and had a very positive experience. This year, I ran the half marathon and I didn't have the same experience as last year. I had my packet mailed to me because I would be traveling from out of town. The race was on Saturday, and I didn't receive my bib until Thursday. We delayed traveling to Memphis to see if I would get my bib before we left. Luckily, the mail ran early that Thursday because it finally arrived.

You do have to pay for race day parking, but we are told this before the start of the race. No biggie. The race start was a bit chaotic because people didn't know the race had started. All of the sudden fireworks were going off and it was go time. If you weren't at the front, you weren't going to know the race started.

The route of the race was nice, and I enjoyed it for the most part. No race is perfect, but this route was better than I expected and hoped. I got to see parts of the city I wouldn't normally see. My main complaint about the route is cars driving in the lines that were for runnings. This happened to me a lot. In fact, I got a tapped by a car. Not a fun experience. There was a police presence throughout the race, but there were parts of the race that needed that presence and it wasn't there. Toward the end of the race, cars were driving in the running lanes and driving across the route. It was a bit disturbing. This was kind of dishearting because I was running by myself for the last chunk of the race (and I finished with loads of runners behind me 45 minutes before the time limit).

The finish line looked like the race was over when I finished at the 3 hours 15 minute mark. People were walking on the street, standing the middle of the street taking pictures, standing on the finish line taking pictures, and people were just standing around., so you had to run around people to even finish the race. Was there an announcer for this event? If there was, no one was there when I finished.

There was no food at the end except "veggie burgers" which was a piece of zuchinni, onion, and squash on a bun. Everything else was gone and there were still people out on the course who would finish well within the time limit for the race.

I ran this race because I had a great experience with the 10k last year, but my half marathon experience was lacking in the last 3 miles...and that's all I can really remember when it comes to writing this review. I'm glad I was able to run this race, but I'm not sure I would run the half marathon, again.

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(2022)
"Always a party running in this race!"
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The Cap10K is great race, because everyone is out there to have a good time. How fun is it to run around Austin, see the sights, and hear some good music along the way. It's great to see so many people of all levels out there running. The atmosphere is like no other. Plus, this is a whole family event. I love how everyone is included from strollers, to dogs, to teams, and just the every day person.

But what really makes this race great is meeting the people along the way. It's a nice feeling to cheer some new friends along the way, or spark up great conversation during your walk break. And yes, you will probably take a walk break because the HILLS are plentiful in the first half of the race. The back half of the race flattens out, and less strenous.

The finish festival is great. Any race with a bounce house for my kid is a winner for me, because she's entertained while I'm out doing my thing. She came back with all types of goodies, and had just as much fun as I did.

This race is one of my favorite races of the year because it's fun and no pressure! I highly recommend running for a good time!

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