Latest reviews by Jennifer

(2015)
"Women Rock Half Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

T-Shirt/SWAG:
Each registrant has the option of a jacket or a VB print style bag. They also offer a W pendant, but in order to receive it you have to register by a certain time. Nothing else in the packet at pick-up. Tshirts, jackets, shorts, socks, etc with Women Rock can be purchased at the expo. Runners also received a champagne glass filled with champagne at the end of the race.

Aid Stations:
Far and few, well manned by volunteers with plenty of water. But that's it, only water.

Course Scenery:
The route was a long railroad tracks and a heavy wooded tree line that separated the road and the river. Not too much to see. The route was a down and back. The miles were not well marked. There were flags marking the 5k route, some what of the half and the 10k route. I personally to not believe the miles were marked very well. I had noticed they were marked every other mile on the even number. On the back half though, the markers became jumbled with the 10k mixed in.

Expo Quality:
It was okay. Places for photo ops and a lot of Women Rock apparel for purchase. Another race was also being promoted and merchandise for that race could also be purchased. A few vendors selling shoe charms, head bands and Run Minnesota gear.

Parking Access:
Plenty of parking, on roads or in garages (pay to park). All within very close proximity to the start/finish line.

Race Management:
Rumor has it that the race director left two weeks prior to the race and another race organization took over the event. I believe this may have been the issue with the mile markings (I over heard one volunteer on the phone say "I'm on the 10k route and I"m not finding any 10k flags). At the mile 9 water station (was marked as mile 7, the turn around was at mile 8 and marked) the volunteer was cheering "You're at mile 7, keep going!".

Although, I have to give props to the race organization that took over the race and made it happen. It very well could have been cancelled.

Last note: Women Rock also has a challenge. Runners can run a 2.5k (the night prior), the 10k or half and a 5k, receiving a finishers medal after each event and fourth medal to commemorate completing the challenge. Each medal is a different color and shaped like a diamond when put together makes a complete circle.

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(2015)
"Vail Valor Half Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This is a beautiful course held in the sky town of Vail Colorado. It's an out and back course that starts in town, through the residential area and back.

During the packet pickup runners are given the option to run in honor of a service member. The bib has the runner's number on it and placed on the honor board. This then serves as the backdrop during the awards ceremony.

Each runner is given a t-shirt, washable bag, trail runner magazine and samples of products. There really isn't an expo unless you consider all the great shops in the area!

This isn't a chipped timed event, and the start isn't a big show. The race director gives the route directions and a few other instructions then runners are off. For full marathoners, they run the half marathon course twice. A 5k is also held that starts after the full and half take off.

The course is a paved bike/running running route with rolling elevation increases. During the race it is still open for others to use, run with cation! The course scenery is just beautiful with the mountains lining the course of both sides.

I utilized the host hotel for my stay which offered on site parking. The packet pick-up, start/finish line was just steps from the hotel. If a runner drives in, parking may be a little more difficult.

The race director was great! He really honors the service members as this race is on Memorial Day. The course route is line with small flags.

It's a new event, this being its third year and there are no signs of it slowing down!

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(2015)
"Medicine Bow Half Marathon (Wyoming Marathon Series)"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

The most difficult part of this race is the elevation. The race starts at about 8,700 feet and drops to about 8,000 feet, if you are not from this high of elevation prepare yourself in advance.

The course scenery is beautiful as the race is held in the Medicine Bow National Forest. It's an out and back course. The road was a soft mud packed, but not so muddy that your shoes are caked and you can't run.

T-shirt is really neat as it has the Wyoming Seal and lists all races that are taking place during this series (Wyoming Marathon Series). The series offer not only the half marathon, a full marathon, 50k and 5k. The shirt is received during the expo along with a trail running magazine and coupons to local restaurants.

Parking at the race is at the Lincoln Monument on Interstate 80 (10 miles out of Laramie). Parking is a bit congested as this area is also a visitor center.

The race is a cup free race, racers are highly encouraged and it is recommended to carry your own water source. For the half marathon, runners pass the same aid station twice. There are no cups offered. They do offer water, powder mix, cookies, bananas, candy and other goodies to keep you going.

MOTTO: "Where the race director promises you nothing, and he delivers." --He does deliver. It's a small no frills race and very enjoyable!

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(2015)
"River Rate Race, South Dakota"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Small town - small race.

The race offers two packet pick-up times, the night prior and an hour prior to the start of the race. Not much in the packet, tshirt, almonds and other race info.

Aid stations were all well stocked with water or Gator Aid. Not much crowd support, but the scenery makes up for it. The race starts on the Missouri River, the route takes runners out of town to the marina. Once runners are out of a town, turkeys can be heard and views of the beautiful country side can be seen. The course is down at back and turn-around is at the marina.

For the half marathon course mile 10-11 have a long incline back into town. That is the highest elevation climb half marathoners have.

Not only does the event offer a half marathon- a 5k, full marathon, a bicycle challenge and a kids fun run for all to enjoy!

The finisher's medal offered had a runner rat on it, which is unique for any runner collecting medals. Plenty of photo ops along the route for purchase after the race.

Once the race is complete water and chocolate milk is offered to runners.

River Rat Race is a simple race with out a lot of hoop-la. If you are looking to check South Dakota off your 50 state quest, Yankton is about 1.5 hours from Omaha and plenty of hotels to stay at. If you like small home town races, this race is for you!

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(2014)
"See Jane Run in Wichita KS"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Expo Quality- Packet pick-up was available the afternoon prior to the race and the morning of. See Jane Run merchandise was sold during both times. The day of the race, there where not other vendors or orginizations.

Tshit/Swag- The Tshirts are moisting wicking and had three colors to choose from. Swag/bags, nothing to get excited over.

Parking/Access- The even is held in downtown Wichita, there is a ton of free or metored parking during this time. Start and finish were at the same location which is always great.

Aid Stations- Always had water cups full. I seen may be one that was handing out Gu. The stations were every two miles and the support was great to have. Many many port-a-potties along the route.

Course Scenery and Elevation Difficulty- This is one of my favorite routes in Wichita to run. It's along the Arkansas River, past Cow Town, Botanica and through other parks. Also something to look at! I did not like mile 11 as it was on a busy sidewalk along a busy street. All the other miles out weigh that one less desirable mile 11!

Race Management- Was great, I thought it ran smoothly and on time.

Overall- I really enjoyed the race and had a great time!

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