This is my 3rd year in a row running the Girls Run Fast race, but my first time running the 10k distance. There are 5k, 10k and 15k options at this race, all done in loops around the lake at Kiwanis Park, plus a little on the canal path. This was a last minute decision to run this race. I don't feel like it was well publicized this year. Normally I have lots of friends doing this race, but this year, none of them were. The Gilbert Half Marathon & 10k was the same weekend, so I think that stole some of the runners away.

Startline racing does the timing and course management, and always does a fabulous job. They also managed to straighten out the parking confusion from previous years.

The race started on time, and there was plenty of water/gatorade/bagels/bananas on hand. The staff did a great job directing folks - with the multiple distances it can be confusing on a few of the turns.

The race swag is nice - every runner gets a pendant with the race distance they ran, plus a shirt, and a medal. The medal was extremely disappointing this year, they used to be really awesome and sparkly. This year it was basically a square frame, and was not unique to the distance you were running, which is always a big pet peeve of mine. I'm sad to see this race on the decline, I hope that they make some changes to get it back to the popular running event it was before.

I've done many Rock n Roll races, but this might be my favorite one!

I came into town the day before the race and got settled in. We stayed at the Marriott Riverfront, about a half mile from start/finish. Even though it suggested us going to the expo on Thurs to avoid crowds, it was a pretty smooth experience. The unique part? We got to take a ferry boat over to the expo. Very unique. The expo was busy, but not overcrowded. Packet pickup was a breeze. I was disappointed in the vendors this year. There were no samples of snacks - energy bars, etc. And we were starving! Seemed small for a rock n roll expo. We parked at the hotel all weekend, but I hear that parking was a real challenge for locals because the infrastructure just isn't there in downtown Savannah.

We received word that the start time was moved up 10 minutes due to heat concerns. Not sure if 10 min makes a difference, but it was well communicated. Start area was pretty organized, and we got underway exactly on time! It was dark, just breaking daylight as we started.

I was looking forward to seeing all the historic neighborhoods. The first 3-4 miles weren't very scenic, through an industrial area and a highway overpass. Then it started getting good. It was overall flat, we ran past old cathedrals, historic squares, and under the hanging spanish moss. Lots of people were out in their driveways, giving us high fives. It was in the low 60s and humid. The course ends at Forsyth Park, another scenic area. At the finish were plenty of salty snacks and bananas.

T-shirts were average rock n roll tech shirts, and the medals featured City Hall. Overalll, I highly recommend this race, I had a blast!

This race is no joke! I attempted to use this race as training for another half marathon, but it wiped me out!

The race is put on by Road Runner Sports, and is part of a series that also includes San Diego and Seattle. You're going to get lured in by the idea of delicious craft beer at the finish, but boy do you have to work for that!

The course features an over 800 ft elevation gain through the picturesque town of Fountain Hills, AZ.

Packet pickup was held at the Tempe store location on Friday and Scottsdale on Saturday, but there was no packet pick up on race day. Parking filled up fast and lots of streets are blocked off, so it's a little tricky getting there. I got there just under an hour before start time and it was pitch black outside. It made it hard to meet up with other runners, there weren't many street lights illuminating the street.

However, there were NO lines at the porta potties!

At packet pickup I received a really nice super soft fitted tank top, a Huss Brewing pint glass, and a nice pair of sunglasses. They also had small samples of Huss Brewing at the expo.

Race morning, we started on time and the first 3 miles of the course were very gentle rolling hills. The monster hill started around mile 4 and lasted for 2 miles. Steep and brutal. Miles 7-10 went pretty fast. The last 3 miles were smaller rollers, but your legs are so beat up from the big ones that it is tough to press on.

There were an incredible number of race photographers out there, felt like almost every mile had one! This was a small race, only 400 people ran the half.

There were Huss Brewing mile markers at each mile, but no clocks.

Finish line was pretty low key. There was water and fruit, and also the beer garden. One complimentary beer came with registration. One disappointment? The 5k runners and the half marathoners earn the same medal. That is one of my pet peeves. We earned a unique half marathon medal after dealing with those hills! There was also a fun photo pro area for selfies.

All in all, I would say you get a ton of swag for running this challenging course!

I decided to run this race last minute, just to help me get miles in for an upcoming half marathon. I got a discount online and ended up paying just over $30.

For that price, I received a tech shirt, towel, arm band for phone, and a medal. But wait! There's more!

Packet pickup was offered both Friday and Saturday, and there was a 5k and 10k option. This race is run in 38 cities in 21 countries all on the same day!

Parking was a piece of cake at phoenix municipal stadium. There were a handful of vendors Timing was provided by starline racing, which always does a fantastic job.

10k folks got to go first. We ran along the Phoenix Zoo/Papago Park with some rolling hills and pretty views. The last mile was out on the canal, then it was an out and back course, so we turned around and headed back to the start the same way. Tons of water stations.

At the finish, we were treated to a hot grilled cheese sandwich from a food truck, for free! Plus the race was sponsored by Bimbo bakery, so we had tons of bread samples - I came away with a full 6 pack of bagels, an artisan bread 2 pack, Takis, fruit bars and mini muffins. Holy cow!

I am delighted by this last minute race find, and will DEFINITELY be back next year!

I run this race every year if possible and it never disappoints. So many positives here:
1) Incredible scenery
2) Small race, no crowds
3) tons of free parking
4) fantastic bling
5) pizza and fudge at the finish!
6) did I mention great scenery?

The race has a few small rolling hills, but overall flat and fast with plenty of great scenery to look at. There is also a 5k, 10k and full marathon. Great aid stations with water, gatorade, gu and even pickle juice! It is also walker friendly, with an early start for walkers.

I can't recommend this more! If you like quaint small towns with all the perks of the big races, consider this race! Make a long weekend out of it though. There are plenty of breweries, wineries and adorable shops to lure you in - oh, and the beach is a block away!