Lara Turnbull's Staging Area

I’ve run this a few times mostly because I enjoy the point to point course that travels thru different neighborhoods/scenery and because it gives me an excuse to see friends in SD. I would say it’s a bit pricey for what you get and while many races have started to offer more flexible options if you need to cancel or defer I think theirs is very strict. The “swag” isn’t great in my opinion, the shirt didn’t feel “holiday” (almost looked like something they had from a different race that they just added a small logo to) and you don’t really get anything else other than the medal. Thankfully the shirt and medal are never make or break reasons for me to run a race – though I do enjoy some sort of “post race” beer tent/party and theirs always feels more like a pre-race expo with just a handful of booths and minimal food (for purchase). Nothing you really want to hang out at after – more of a finish and leave sort of event. There is almost no spectator support along the course.
The first couple of times I ran this they secured hotel blocks at the start and finish – this year they had two hotels listed but no discount and nothing at the finish. Thankfully I found one at the finish on my own and walked back after the race to avoid shuttles/traffic.

Have run this multiple times and still love the opportunity to run up and over the Vincent Thomas Bridge! It’s a fun event that brings out a lot of local run clubs, families, etc.
For safety reasons they REALLY should create at least 2 waves, one for walkers vs runners! It’s frustrating each year weaving around groups of walkers in the first mile and today 2 walkers stepped to their left causing a runner to collide right into them! Also like others I think they should offer same day pickup, especially since it’s just a bib (no shirt or other goodie bag so it’ssuper quick) it seems like it would be easy enough (you can sign up same day but not get your bib?!?).
Only other thing that keeps this one from a higher rating, the use of stryophome cups at the water station (please use paper cups).

A new addition to my list of favorite half marathons! Having run the NYC Marathon and NY Half I figured I had to add check this one off my list and so happy I got in via lottery and made my way to NY to run the NYRR RBC Brooklyn Half! Well organized, the race starts next to the museum and takes you up and around Prospect Park (about first 6 miles) before you make your way down the road to Coney Island. The finish felt a bit chaotic, wasn’t sure if there was any organized finish area or any signage to guide us but it rained so I’m sure that impacted what they had planned (not anything within the organizers control) still despite the rain I had a BLAST and would definitely recommend this one.
Shirt – eh, I’d give it a 7 out of 10 (personal style) medal – I love any medal I earned!
Expo, beautiful location especially for those of us traveling out of the area (view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Skyline) and though I was too tried from travel to join the fun they had food trucks, etc. out there to create a party atmosphere.

90% on PCH…there and back on same road. Long stretch thru Bolsa Chica with no spectators and no view makes for a long boring run. Wish they would alter the course to include more neighborhoods, perhaps main street.