Latest reviews by Emily White

(2015)
"Scenic Northern Michigan Race"
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This was the 5th time I have run this Half Marathon, and I travel all the way from Arizona to do it. Why? The reason is simple: this race course is spectacular! The first 3 miles wild through neighborhoods with stately northern Michigan homes. Then the next 3.5 miles are out on the Little Traverse Wheelway, a paved trail along Lake Michigan with pine trees and other lush greenery. Then you turn around and retrace your steps to the finish.

The race is reasonably priced and includes a quality shirt and terrific medal. This years medal featured the Charlevoix drawbridge, with moving arms so that the bridge can go up or down!

Parking is a breeze, all street parking but plenty of it.

Expo could use some work. There was a small inflatable tent with merchandise that was poorly laid out for traffic flow and had very little ventilation.

Post race treats included bananas, choc milk, granola bars, chips and hot pizza! Sadly no beer. Would be great to see that added in the future.

Aid stations & volunteers were great.

There was also a 5k, 10k and full marathon. I will definitely be back again!

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(2015)
"Hot local 5k with great swag"
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This was my second year doing this race, and my second race in this series this summer.

The race was inexpensive to register, and easy to register online. There was packet pickup the day prior, but not close to my home. It's so easy to pickup the day of, it's really not worth the trip the day before. Parking is ALWAYS a breeze and about a 2 minute walk to the registration table.

The swag this time was a tank top, which is great for AZ, plus each race in the series gives you a finishers plaque that hangs from the ribbon.

The course was 2 laps around the park. There were a couple tiny hills and turns, but the course is well marked and they provide a full course description prior.

Another nice feature is age group awards 3 deep. With only a few hundred people doing the race, this greatly increases your odds of getting some extra bling!

Overall, this was a very well managed race, and the bling is more than worth the small price. I would gladly do it again!

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(2015)
"Fun 5k with great swag!"
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I did this race series last summer - there are 7 5ks in all. They start early on summer weekends around the Valley.

I skipped the packet pickup the day before and just picked up that day. Parking is a breeze, and everything is so convenient. The course was 1/2 paved path around the lake in Kiwanis Park and 1/2 on the canal path (gravel/dirt), so it really was the best of both worlds. There were 2 decent sized hills on the paved paths that gave it some good variety.

There were around 200 participants. We each got a cool logo tech tank top (how smart for Arizona!) and you get one medal on a lanyard for the entire series, and then an individual placard for each race you complete in the series.

As per usual with Starline races, you pick up your medal before the race, then you get your placard after you cross the finish. There are also age group awards 3 deep. There was a results screen, and they also use an app where you can quickly check your results.

Startline Racing is top notch. Just look at the picture of the great swag I got, all for a very reasonably priced 5k!

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(2015)
"Scenic, well-organized 5k"
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Arizona Road Racers always put on a quality event. Their summer series gets local runners out early to beat the summer heat.

This 5k was located at the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, AZ. The course goes out along the nearby canal and comes back through the preserve on the gravel paths.

The race is extremely affordable, whether or not you are an Arizona Road Racers member. You can also choose whether or not to purchase a shirt. The only downside is that there are not any finishers medals, which is fairly common for a 5k.

There is ample parking at the preserve, there were over 450 runners in the race. Pickup was a snap. The race started on time, organized in waves 30 seconds apart. Even with a wave start, with the narrow path it was a bit crowded. There were a few water stops, and a decent assortment of treats at the finish. Another plus - age group awards 3 deep!

I think it's worth doing it for the scenery alone! There are several other races in the series during the summer, in locations all over the valley.

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(2015)
"Inaugural Fun, Festive 5K!"
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The Inaugural Run 3rd 5k in Mesa is a fun event for all ages. Run3rd was started by actor, activist and avid long distance runner Sean Astin in January 2012. The proceeds of the race benefit local Mesa Public Schools after school run program.

Online registration was a breeze and there discounts being promoted. There was packet pickup the day before but not a true "expo". I chose to pick up my shirt/bib on race morning. Lots of local vendors were on hand as well. The event took place at Red Mountain High School, so there was ample parking to be had right there.

The course took place all on the grounds of the high school, starting and ending on the school track. There were 390 participants in the 5k race. Lots of kids out on the course. Sean Astin was on hand for photos, giving words of inspiration to kids, and it added to the festive atmosphere.

They had very nice medals for everyone (a nice perk for a 5k!), and a shirt as well. Age group awards were 3 deep and were hand carved. They also offered complimentary race photos. My only bit of negative feedback is that awards started over 30 minutes late.

All in all, this was a flat and fast course. I even managed to PR!

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