Unless the number of entries are drastically reduced, I would not recommend this race. The majority of the course is open to traffic (runners in one lane and oncoming cars in the other) with a long section on a narrow bike path. Trying to squeeze 9000 runners through those tight spaces made for an uncomfortably crowded course.
Here's some lessons learned:
- give yourself plenty of time to get lost and stuck in traffic going to packet pick up. If at all possible, scout out the parking lot locations before race morning.
- get to the parking lot as early as possible. We arrived at 6:30 and it took an hour to get to the race area and the start had to be delayed by 30 minutes because of runners still stuck in traffic.
- do not bring a stroller. Maneuvering as a single runner was hard enough, the stroller was nearly impossible to get through the crowds.
- bring your own water and food. The aid stations were feeding frenzies and some of the later stops ran out of cups. I didn't see any type of food or sports drinks.
- the finish area was a frustrating mess. Finding where to return our timing chips and get a medal was like being in a mosh pit. We didn't even try to get something to eat.
- plan on wasting the entire day at the race. Getting from the finish line and back onto a bus took over an hour!
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| The beginning of the killer hill |
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| Runners trying to pass walkers and dodge oncoming cars |
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| Beautiful view |
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| Downhill |
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