david kuntz's Staging Area

This was the first time back post-COVID and it was clear that the Southern California welcomed the opportunity to run in a large, real-time race. The vibe at Long Beach is always a party mood with lots of positive energy. This year the size of the race was down from previous years because of all of the races that got pushed into the fall. Still, there were over 6000 people in the half marathon. The starting line features wave starts every 10 minutes and the starting line crew did a great job keeping everyone separated and queued up for a smooth start. Things they can do better—there were too few water stations on course. The one that is traditionally at the 3 mile mark was not there. A water station every two miles on a very warm day is not good. The mile markers, with the exception of the first one and the last three were way off of where they should have been which is surprising for as long as this race has been going on. The tracking app did not work on mobile devices—i have three runners linked to the app and never go a text with their progress for any one of them. When i went online for the finishing times the tracking app had the 5.5 mile split in the wrong place (it was actually near the 5 mile mark but they calculate the splits based on 5.5 miles making everyone look faster for that segment. The race communications were poor. THe starting times were changed and about 50% of the runners for the marathon and half marathons did not know they pushed the starting times up. When we asked where to park at the expo we were told that the convention center parking lot would not be open and to park downtown or at the Pike. On race morning, we found that the convention center lot was open after having walked about a mile from where we parked. And we were told there would not be a runners village for the running clubs and yet there was. All that aside, I have run Long Beach every year except one since 1994 and I have already entered next years race.

This was the first year for the Seal Beach Turkey Trot and the turnout was very good considering the number of competing Turkey Trots in Southern California during the coming week. Two examples that show that the race organizers know what they are doing—the bib pickup at the expo was stress free and there were plenty of port-a-potties near the start! The course for the 5K was fast and flat. The 10K added a second loop to the 5K course. For those who collect medals, the medal was very nice. Highly recommend this event for those who missed it this year!

this event is growing by leaps and bounds as word gets out about it. The half marathon is along the coast for the first 7 miles but it has a surprising number of hills; many of them long inclines but others rather steep climbs. the last 5 miles are pretty boring-an out and back along railroad tracks. The event went off flawlessly and the volunteers and staff were highly energetic and supportive. Recommend to all who are looking for a quality race put on by people who really care about your experience

this annual community 5k is limited to 600 runners and walkers. it is held at the Lake Forest Sports Complex and the course is three laps around the center. not particularly interesting but it is relatively flat. The attraction for the event is the host of local businesses and community organizations that come out to support the event–great post race expo with local vendors supplying everything from tacos and salsa to sandwiches. Most people are dressed in the holiday spirit

I always look forward to this annual celebration of running in Long Beach. this year was no different. Somewhat disappointing expo–much smaller than years past. Parking is a pain as you have to pay for parking to go and pick your bib up and then pay again on race day ($15 per day). Exiting the parking lot after the race took 1 hour. As for the race (half marathon) it was a noticeably smaller field and less congestion on the multipurpose paths along the beach which was a plus for runners but likely a negative for the race production team. The numbers for the marathon were also down dramatically.

There were a lot of runners complaining about flavor of the Nunn drink–it was a nasty grape flavor. And the race medal no longer has the Queen Mary on it which is what made it a very unique medal in past years. Still, despite all, I would encourage any and all to run this race and support the running community in Southern California

this was the first year for this event in downtown LA. In years past it had been in Long Beach. The venue was at LA Live and it was easy to get to with plenty of parking. Downside was the course which was an out and back 5k (repeated a second time for the 10k) on Figueroa Street. Not very scenic nor challenging. fast and flat if you’re looking for time. can get very crowded at points as the sponsor had several no or low cost entry options.

This is an annual event that we wouldn’t miss. The most scenic course around—first half is through beautiful horse country with ranches; the second half is entirely different—rolling hills through the vineyards of Santa Barbara and a finish in the quaint city of Solvang. Don’t miss this next year!

A Better World Running puts on races at four venues in Southern California—Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Monica and Van Nuys. There events always include a choice of distances—5K, 10K, 15K and Half Marathon in most instances. The courses are on public pedestrian paths along the beach or through public parks so there no concern for vehicle traffic and they are usually out and back loops. The races are limited in size to about 300 total. Best of all, they are extremely affordable, put on by runners and have everything you need and they dont’ give you things you don’t need (like another race t-shirt). A great way to schedule tempo runs at race pace for any intermediate distance if you’re looking for a group to keep you honest but don’t feel like racing an entire half marathon. Overall, these events capture what running is all about—back to basics opportunities to test your fitness level in a competitive event. Highly recommend!

this is an annual run benefiting the schools in Los Alamitos. The race directors put money on the line to attract fast runners and that they do–really fast runners up front but its still largely a pedestrian race. Lots of costumes worn by runners. The 10k is 2X the 5K course and has a very small field <100. Most of the runners are in the 5K or the kids races. The course is on neighborhood streets an really, really lacks anything that could be called "scenery". What it lacks in scenery it makes up for in fun.

The Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon is a celebration of running in Southern California. The Half Marathon is a flat, fast course that is well supported with water stations. While the 3 miles between mile 7 and mile 10 go along the beach, they are on a concrete bike path that seems never ending. The wave starts really help this event as it is one of the largest events in the area every year. If you’re driving, arrive at least 1.5 hours early to avoid traffic and get your car parked. The expo could use more excitement but other than that, good times in Long Beach

This is the only opportunity all year to run over the Vincent Thomas Bridge from San Pedro to Terminal Island. The event is held every Labor Day and it truly is one that you don’t want to miss. the course is out-and-back meaning you go up and over the bridge twice. Great energy in the race, great views of the LA harbor and amazing photo opportunities as you go up and over the bridge. Highly recommended!

The course is extremely scenic but also very hilly. The one tough one comes at 3.5 miles and goes uphill for about 1 mile. Takes a lot out of the legs, particularly with 9 miles to go at the crest. First 10 miles is a scenic loop; last three miles is an out-and-back on a bike path and tedious/boring at that point. This year was very hot but the race director can’t control the weather. This race can compete with the Wine Country Half Marathons in scenery; it just needs more people as those in the mid-to-back of the pack had large gaps between runners. It would be so much better with more people to run with or race against.

This long standing event is a fixture on my annual calendar of races. I have run in the Carlsbad 5000 at least 15 times and it keeps me coming back. an all day carnival of races ending with the elite men and women. Downside over the last two years is that this has been a Rock and Roll event and it seems disorganized–several races over the last two years have been disrupted just short of the finish line because of trains coming through the town. Seems like they can’t figure out when the trains are coming after all these years. Also, the quality of the expo has fallen off over the last two years as has the quality of the shirts.

This annual event has been going on forever; previously the Huntington Beach Distance Derby. 10 mile distance is rather uncommon these days so its a good alternative to half marathons or 10ks. Getting into the venue is a challenge if you park in the HB City lot as the only way in is the Beach Blvd entrance and traffic can get backed up. Post race expo was better than most

A nice run around Central Park in Huntington Beach involving multiple loops of the north side of the park. The race had a lot of high school kids to lead the way. Nice to have shave ice after. A small local race

The Santa Anita Derby Day 5k is now in its 22nd year and for good reason–the course is spectacular. It starts with runners going through a starting gate and ends on the homestretch of the inner racetrack at Santa Anita. Between the start and the finish you go through the Botanical Gardens which are breathtaking. Race production and expo at top-notch. Volunteers are plentiful and there to serve. Parking was a snap to get into and out of the racetrack. Highly recommended for all!

A very popular event for runners and triathletes. Choice of the 10k, 5k or reverse triathlon on the airfield at Los Alamitos. Flat and fast course but runways are hard so wear cushioned shoes if you have an issue with hard roads

A great cause in an area of LA that needs everyone’s support. A big crowd at registration made it difficult to get to packet pickup but everyone was very helpful. if you’re a runner, start up front as this “race” is mostly walkers. First half of the run is all uphill so expect negative splits. good post race expo.

This was the first year of the Global Energy Bimbo 5k/10k. Long Beach is one of the 26 venues around the world that host the races on the same day. This event drew a good sized crowd because it was very inexpensive–$6 for each member on a team entry or $12 individually.. lots of swag and give aways at the expo because they are focused on building brand awareness through these runs. course is fast and flat. One item of note is that they do a big 3k walk and the start of that merges into the 10k run so the traffic on the course gets quite congested after the first two miles. also, minimal water station support on course and it was a hot day.

This is an annual Mother’s Day weekend retreat for us. The town of Solvang is a good venue for the start and finish and the race organization for the shuttle start and finish is excellent. First half of the half marathon is less scenic and has a lot of uphills; second part is mostly downhill and has the great vistas of the vineyards. Many runners run negative splits on this course. the two miles are always congested with lots of turns but once it thins out its a great run.

Carlsbad 5000 is an annual event that has a full day of 5k races that starts with the masters in the morning and finishes with the world-class elites just after noon the course runs through Carlsbad with most of it on Ocean Street with great seaside views. About 8000 runners total make it about 2000 people per race so plenty of people to chase or to run against. Always a good time

Run Seal Beach has been a ‘must do’ on the Southern California running scene for almost 40 years. This race is fast and flat with your choice of the 5k or 10k courses. They do it right by separating runners and walkers in different paddocks at the start so you don’t have to zig-zag around walkers and dogs for the first mile as you do in many other races. The event proceeds go to support the community and this race deserves the support of the community in return. I have run it every year for the past 10 years and have enjoyed it each time.

this run is in ONeil Regional Park and features a variety of terrains from paved roads to fire trails and single tracks. The field is just the right size so you don’t get stopped on the single tracks and uphills by people walking in front of you. Some of the best shirts too. Just be aware that parking is limited so carpool or get there very early.

this is a half marathon that follows the usual Irvine course that other half marathons do–mostly on the pedestrian path along a flood channel. not a great deal of on course support and that needs to be improved on if they continue this series, this is a promotional event for Lexus put on by a marketing company so it may not be back next year.