My Profile

@LindaS

Santa Maria, CA Raving since 2016 Boston Marathon finisher, Half Fanatics Active 6 years, 6 months ago

About Me

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My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (2)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Marathon Ojai, CA May 29, 2016 3:33:47
Half Marathon San Luis Obispo, CA Sep 9, 2017 2:27:29

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (2)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Half Marathon San Luis Obispo, CA Sep 9, 2017 2:27:29
Marathon Ojai, CA May 29, 2016 3:33:47

My Raves

There were enough porta potties at the start. The race started on time. The route was beautiful. It was well marked, with plenty of volunteers at every possible wrong turn. … MORE

There were enough porta potties at the start. The race started on time. The route was beautiful. It was well marked, with plenty of volunteers at every possible wrong turn. There were enough aid stations. Throughout the race there were multiple loops with over 4000 feet of elevation. Just when I was feeling beat, we took a turn and ran about a mile with an ocean view. It was so uplifting–just what I needed. The race finished with a fast downhill, which is always exciting. There were plenty of friendly volunteers to help with any matter.

The course was fantastic and I had a lot of fun running, but I don’t know if I would run it again. The biggest problem was that the race itself was way too crowded. I was surrounded by people from start to finish. The nice thing about trail running is that at some point the field widens and you get to enjoy a more isolated experience. Not the case, here. My second problem was probably related to the first. The penny pinching was extreme. They gave us one extra small water bottle with our BBQ and charged $1 for water. The beer was $8, and runners didn’t even get the first free. I’ve never seen a race that served beer that runners didn’t get the first one included. The awards were terrible. There were made of plywood with a die cut print. There were nice age group medals, but the age groups were in 10 year groups. Included with the fee, runners got a pulled pork sandwich and a very small salad. The little bit of food that you got was fine. There weren’t enough tables or chairs. I brought a lawn chair, but the 3/4 mile walk to my car was too much. My biggest pet peeve is unisex shirts. How many women will ever wear a unisex shirt in real life? If you are only offering a unisex shirt, then give a no shirt option. What race directors should understand is when people actually wear the shirt, it is free advertising.

This is a good race, but it might be a one and done.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
2
SCENERY
5
SWAG
1

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

The expo wasn’t spectacular, but it met my expectations. There was plenty of parking, and I got my bib within a minute, and I got my shirt two minutes later. … MORE

The expo wasn’t spectacular, but it met my expectations. There was plenty of parking, and I got my bib within a minute, and I got my shirt two minutes later. I could have been in and out in all of five minutes, including parking time. I really like the shirt. I can see myself wearing it a lot. There were a few vendors, so we walked around a little.

I stayed at a hotel in Ojai, so I can’t say anything about the buses or the length of the wait for the start. I didn’t use the porti-potties at the start, but the wait looked pretty long. The weather was perfect and the race started on-time.

There were hills, starting with an increase in elevation for the first three miles, but overall, I thought the course was fast. There was a change in the course from last year adding a hill at mile 24. I’m not a fan of that change.

I was so wiped out that I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the after party, but it looked like everyone was having a great time.

Overall, I thought this marathon was well organized, and I wouldn’t hesitate to race it again.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?