Ok, first let me say that I'm an ODU alumna and so my views on this race may not necessarily reflect the experiences of other runners. Sweet! Now that we've got that cleared up and you know that I'm probably totally biased, let's begin!

First things first: This race is put on by J&A racing (yep! The same folks that put on the Shamrock Marathon, Crawlin' Crab half, Surfin' Santa 10 miler, and the Wicked 10k), and THEY KNOW how to do a race!

Because this was an inaugural event with a 2,000 person cap on it (as opposed to the Shamrock half which has a 10,000 person limit), the expo was essentially nonexistent. It actually took place at an ODU game to which participants were admitted for free. There was a small table set up with inaugural gear (like the pint glass I snagged!), but again, that was about it for the expo.

Parking, which is normally an every day issue for an ODU student, didn't seem to be much of a problem on race day. Various garages were designated for runners, so that helped. Now, when I say I'm an ODU alumna, I must admit that my ODU experience was very different than most students. I went to ODU for grad school and completed my 2 year program in a year and a half and worked for my academic department... soooooo I really didn't know any buildings on campus aside from where my classes were and where my money went. This race provided me with an excellent opportunity to see parts of the campus I had never seen before which was pretty awesome! We ran from outside the football stadium to the back of campus, around the athletic fields (which was a little awkward, but J&A made work), to the Lion Fountain (which is kind of the most iconic fixture on campus) back to the football stadium. The finish of this race was pretty epic. Our last tenth of a mile is the same run the football players make out of their locker room and onto the field. The finish line was at the 50yd line on the fooseball field, and Big Blue (ODU's mascot) was there cheering us all on.

Like any other J&A race, the post race party was AWESOME! J&A actually teamed up with the university to allow runners into the Big Blue BBQ (essentially a GIANT tailgate before the spring game). There were at least three local BBQ tents with PLENTY of food and at least 4 beer/wine stations (because let's face it, this is why we really run, yes?).

Truthfully, the 'crowd support' for this race was basically nonexistent except for the women's lax team and the swim/dive teams. Thanks Coach Holt and Coach Withus for having your guys and girls out there! I say give it a year or two before the Greek system jumps on the band wagon and the crowd support goes from nothing to ridiculous!

Being as it was 'juuuuust' a 5k (as I heard some J&A followers mumble at the start line), this race's swag was AWESOME! Tech t's for men and women (none of this unisex stuff!), admission to the ODU/ECU baseball game, the Big Blue BBQ, AND the ODU Spring Football game, oh, AND a medal. A medal for a 5k! Um, yes please! J&A always does a great job, and this race was no exception.

If you're a history buff at all, this race is for you. I know, I know. What in the WORLD do those two things have in common... Generally? Nothing. Enter Run for the Dream.

This race is organized and put on by a smaller race group in Williamsburg, Va. Because of this, the expo isn't much to look at and it doesn't have a TON of the swag options that larger races have (finisher items and what not). It is VERY well run though. Shuttle options are available to runners the day of the event and should be taken advantage of. Truthfully, though, what this race may 'lack' in swag/expo it MOST CERTAINLY makes up for in character.

Being set in Colonial Williamsburg allows this race to take FULL advantage of the rich local history. For starters a fife and drum corp not only entertain you pre race, BUT the lead you to the start line. Think colonial battle. Those jokers lead the troops into battle. Now they lead runners to start lines (which in many instances may seem like battles). Next, a CANNON sends you off. Forget those dinky starting pistols, this race has a real live CANNON to send you on your 13.1 mile adventure. Never been sent off by a cannon and a fife and drum corp? Um, I highly recommend it. Nothing makes you feel more BA.

The first two miles send you through Colonial Williamsburg which is kind of awesome. (Can you tell CW has a soft spot in my heart. It's one of my favorite places on earth :) ) I won't lie, there are some lulls in the course scenery esp at one point as you run along the back side of a grocery store parking lot. Soon thereafter, though, you're running to the gorgeous York River (it very well could have been the James, all I know is that it was freaking beautiful!). Colonial Pkwy can be kind of a dead zone, but it is the coolest part of the race. VA in June can be a scorcher so you're BEYOND elated when you're in the shade of pine along Colonial Pkwy. Also, there are various bands/entertainers along the route.

Overall, this course is pretty fast. There are a few tougher elevation changes, but nothing scary. We don't have scary hills in Hampton Roads. There is a very short portion of the course (I'd say less than half a mile) that is trail... and by trail I mean dirt road. Nothing to worry about, just something to be aware of.

The finish to this race is pretty dang cool. For the last half mile, the course is lined with the kids Run for a Dream supports. Talk about an emotional finish! They're so excited for you and are cheering for you so hard! The actual finish line is inside the College of William and Mary's football stadium (also pretty cool). Med tents are staffed with EMTs and Physicians who are super knowledgeable (trust me, I got to meet several of them as I tripped over the finish line) and are aware of the elements (HEAT!). The medals are always pretty for you swag snobs out there (ahem, me.) The after race party here is unlike ANY other race I've encountered. It takes place in the sunken gardens at W&M and is stocked full of delicious BBQ, beer, and a DJ. Hands down the most fun I've ever had at a finish line. EVER!

I highly recommend checking out this race. OH! And for you 'challenge accepted' types out there. There is the option to do the Patriot Challenge (8k Sat, Half Sun).

If heat and humidity affects your running prowess at all, you may want to consider that before running this race. It's Virginia Beach... in September. The heat and humidity are out of control. I have only run this race once, and doubt I will ever run it again. Not because it was unorganized, the aid stations were lacking, or because the swag sucked, I won't run this race again because 100 degree temperatures and 80% humidity ain't my jam. That being said, the race directors do everything in their power to attempt to help the runners/keep them comfortable. One year they had buses with the AC cranked all along the race route where runners could cool off. The year I ran it, they had cold wash cloths mixed with spirits at at least three points along the course.

As far as a Rock N Roll race goes, this was actually one of the best organized races I've run with this organization (see my Rock N Roll USA review). The expo had a smooth, logical flow with fun activities for runners. The course was pretty decent as you ran along the ocean front (who doesn't love that?!). There was a lull in course excitement as you run through a retired military base, buuuuut it doesn't last too long, and before you know it you're headed back to the finish. The crowd support on this race is pretty awesome. The local communities take it as an opportunity to get boozed up and cook out... and yes, some folks will even offer you said booze/hotdogs.

As a race, this is a great race, but as I said earlier I can't handle the heat/humidity so I likely will not run it again.

... and don't worry, the medals/tshirts look SOOOO much better now. No longer do runners wear a medal with glittery poop on it.