Allison Scaia's Staging Area

Pros:
– Well organized expo at dodger stadium (with free parking)
– Great transportation from century city to start at dodger stadium – no wait for a bus and tons of buses waiting
– second half of course had more people cheering than first half
– lots of aid stations

Cons:
– course after about mile 17-18 is dull with no landmarks / scenery, especially with going under overpass and to turnaround at 21/22. You’re running against people finishing starting at mile 18ish until you turnaround.
– there’s some sneaky hills! There’s some nice downhills but prepare for mile 20 hill and one at finish

If course goes back to finishing in Santa Monica, this is a no brainer and amazing race, including for out of towners. With current course, it’s fine overall but not a top race to travel to run

Race registration was easy and great communication leading up to the race via email, social media, etc. Race kept website and social media up to date on wildfire status to indicate not expected to impact race

Expo was well organized and good location near Marriott Monterey – race hotel partner.

Race day – very well organized. Gear check was located next to the corrals such that it would have been very easy and I wish I’d done it! Pick up was a few steps from the finish line!

Elite women started 10 mins before the rest of the corrals and elite men. I could have arrived much closer to start of the race as I got there about 30+ mins before the start!

Course had mile markers every mile that were comical. A few rolling hills for someone from the flat Midwest but nothing crazy.

Course was very scenic along the water. Only downside is that I saw the first elite female at mile 5 and from probably 6.5 til turnaround a little before 8, had a steady stream of folks from faster corrals. Just the mental challenge of an out and back.