Lance Null's Staging Area

Getting to the start was exciting. There seem to be two entrances to the park, but one was closed for the race. We were a little panicked trying to find the start. No one out to direct traffic, nor any signs until after you find the other entrance by yourself.

We had some of the last start times for the staggered race starts. When we arrived, there was no line to start, and we were able to start when we were ready to go. The late start time did leave us out in the unusual warm November sun.

Course was an out an back along the Louisville Loop. There is one mean hill that you get to run over twice, and a fail amount of rolling hills that a lot of people like to whine about, but really aren’t a big deal. (I like the little rolling ones over flat as a pancake.) Some nice wooded scenery along Floyd’s Fork river, and only a few, well controlled, street crossings. Wide path to run along the entire race.

Nice zip up hoodie this year in place of a t-shirt. Also chocolate nut pie, and a free beer at the finish.

Good parking near the race.
Race day packet pickup available, also prior to race day.
Easy to change distances if needed.
Course runs along the path around Richmond Marina Bay and thru Richmond Park. A very beautiful course.
Well stocked aid stations, and a clearly marked course.
And most importantly – It’s It ice cream sandwich after the race!

Start/Finish at the Fairplex in Pomona Ca. Run goes around Bonelli Park and Puddingstone Lake.
5k and 10k races on Saturday combine with half on Sunday for the Golden Snowflake challenge.
Many running clubs are represented at the event.
Extra awards for 3+ year running streak at race.
Costume contest both days before the events.
Fee for parking, but one fee covers packet pickup and both race days.

Packet pickup is pretty smooth the day before, and is available on race day if needed.
The start and end of the course run around the parking lot, so it’s not that scenic, but the trip around Hershey is nice. Great support from students as you run around the Milton Hershey school. Race finishes inside Hershey Park Stadium.
Good post race food, with a reusable bag.
Medal is shaped as a Hershey kiss.
Mini chocolate bars as you pass Hershey HQ around mile 11.5.
It may not make my “do it every year” list, but it is well worth the trip at lease once.
2 tickets to Hershey Park After Dark are included with each entry.

This small field (1400) half is a great hidden gem in the Detroit area. The course winds through the neighborhoods of Oakland County and is well supported by great volunteers. There was plenty of fluids, and some nice treats from local groups and families. Good post race food, and live band entertainment. Beer tent for those of age (or soda). Good parking, close to start/finish. Race day packet pickup available.
I’ll run this again.

Located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Starts and ends at Rodeo Beach.
Small field (<300).
Well marked course. Could be beautiful scenery, or you could get fogged in.
Great aid stations, but only 2 stations. Bring your own water bottle / cup.
Good post race BBQ.
Great staff & volunteers.
Hills, hills, and more hills. Your legs will get a workout. Mix of access roads, fire roads, trails and single track.
Very humbling for a flatland runner.

Great race director. Race day packet pickup is available. Free parking near race start/finish. Well stocked aid stations often on the course. Fantastic volunteers. Course is on bike paths along the creek. Most of the course is away from any traffic, but the course does cross a few streets. There is police support for the faster runners to keep you running, but slow pokes like me can get caught at a light or two. Street tacos (chicken or pork) for runners after the race. A good choice to add to your calendar.

Located in Clovis, CA, this Memorial Weekend race is a nice little event to kick off the weekend.
The course is primarily on the nice bike paths the town has to offer. The one road crossing is controlled by police to allow the runners to continue safely.
Great for runners or walkers. There are also kids and seniors runs.
They have a raffle afterwards, and a pancake breakfast.
The volunteers are fantastic, and the race offers discounts to military and veterans.

Women’s themed event with a huge finisher’s medal. Wine glass too. Comfortable, stylish shirt you can actually wear after the race.
Great for first timers or returning veterans.
Good pacing teams to get you to your goal.
Weather can be unpredictable. (It snowed on us in April.) Check the forecast and bring the right gear.
Part of the Go Girl Run Series.
I would run it again!

Easy parking near the zoo. Race day packet pickup available.
2019 course ran along the canal, and near the zoo. Nice course, some hills. New course coming for 2020
Walk or Run categories.
Nice post race snacks.
Great warm-up event for Lost Dutchman.

Day 1 of the 3 day Bear Lake Trifecta. It’s the half marathon trifecta for me. We started in St. Charles, ID and ran to the north side of Bear lake and out toward the North Beach State Park. This course is about as flat as can be — for better or worse, and there is some nice wildlife scenery along the lake. The half is an out an back course.

One of the best things about the 3 day series, is the friends you will make.

After the race, consider taking a tour of the Minnetonka Cave. Nothing like a nice little hike down into a cave to work out those legs!

Nice race just across the river from Portland. Easy to double state.
Beautiful course with some historic sites along the way.
Host hotel is across the street from the Start/Finish.
Great post race food and entertainment.

Issues in 2016…
Course was short – hurt people trying to BQ.
Water stations ran out of water – hurt us BOPers

This is a nice weekend challenge for the WDW Marathon Weekend. You run the half and the full, picking up 3 medals and 3 shirts. Plenty of character stops. Get your money’s worth and get some photos along the way.

Nice run in San Pedro California over the Vincent Thomas Bridge.
Most of the race is on HWY 47 in the industrial docks area.
2013 Had the Inaugural (and only) half marathon distance for this race.
Great views from the bridge.
Good post race support.
Free entrance to USS Iowa included with race bib!

Opportunity to run a 5k the day before.
Good course support.
In 2013, it started raining as soon as the race started. Bad luck for me.
Nice area to stay warm before the race.
Good post race support.

One of the Florida Disney runs.
Women’s themed, but men are welcome.
Run in a costume for more fun.
Typical Disney – line up in the middle of the night and wait for the race to start.
Nice character photo ops, and very nice medals.

New race through the Salinas Wine Country.
Point to point race from Soledad Mission to Pessagno Winery.
Plenty of parking near mission. Buses take you back back to parking lot.
Nice long sleeve technical shirt.
Wine tasting at the finish!