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@Marinaw262

Laguna Niguel, CA Raving since 2014 Marathon Maniacs, 50 States hopeful/finisher, Seven Continents Club member Active 7 years ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    A Snails Pace

  • Rave race:
  • Race that's calling my name:
  • I run because:

    -it’s cheaper than therapy
    – I need to burn off the crazy
    -It’s more acceptable than being violent 😉
    – wine and chocolate aren’t going to burn themselves off!
    -It keeps love in your heart
    – It makes me happy 🙂
    -All of the above!

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 (5)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Marathon Baton Rouge, LA Jan 18, 2015 5:39:00
Half Marathon Huntington Beach, CA Feb 1, 2015 2:19:00
10K Dana Point, CA Nov 28, 2013 58:44
8K Brea, CA Feb 22, 2015 48:20
5K Carlsbad, CA 2014 26:09

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (23)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Half Marathon Windsor, CA May 17, 2015 2:59:10
Half Marathon Santa Ynez, CA May 9, 2015 2:59:30
Half Marathon Newport Beach, CA May 3, 2015 2:49:40
Half Marathon Ojai, CA Apr 26, 2015 2:59:30
Marathon Oak Harbor, WA Apr 19, 2015 5:50:00
5K Irvine, CA Apr 11, 2015 45:05
5K Carlsbad, CA Mar 29, 2015 27:44
Marathon Fayetteville, NC Mar 22, 2015 6:30:00
Marathon Los Angeles, CA Mar 15, 2015 8:23:00
Marathon Little Rock, AR Mar 1, 2015 6:23:00
8K Brea, CA Feb 22, 2015 48:20
Half Marathon San Diego, CA Feb 7, 2015 2:59:00
Half Marathon Huntington Beach, CA Feb 1, 2015 2:19:00
Marathon Baton Rouge, LA Jan 18, 2015 5:39:00
Half Marathon Irvine, CA Jan 10, 2015 2:20:00
Half Marathon Camarillo, CA Dec 21, 2014 2:59:30
Marathon Oracle, AZ Dec 7, 2014 6:00:00
Half Marathon Ventura, CA Nov 16, 2014 2:59:35
Half Marathon Temecula, CA Nov 15, 2014 2:59:20
Marathon Canada Oct 26, 2014 6:10:00
Half Marathon Napa, CA Jul 20, 2014 2:59:10
5K Carlsbad, CA 2014 26:09
10K Dana Point, CA Nov 28, 2013 58:44

My Raves

Race morning was super simple to navigate, and the set-up on the green was easy to do race morning packet pick up. Two awesome features of this race: - a … MORE

Race morning was super simple to navigate, and the set-up on the green was easy to do race morning packet pick up. Two awesome features of this race: – a bike check, along with the gear check: eco friendly! -a delicious pancake breakfast prepared by the local firefighters for each runner. Two features that need improvement -no wine tasting options post race? There were bloody marys, mimosas, and wine for purchase, but I was hoping for more of a wine tasting to keep with the theme, and -aid stations spaced too far apart, about every three miles in the beginning. Overall, a great race with pretty views running through Sonoma wine regions. There are rolling hills, so be ready!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

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I had the honor to pace the three hour group for this Mother's Day weekend race that runs from Santa Ynez to Solvang. The organizers were excellent on details. Parking … MORE

I had the honor to pace the three hour group for this Mother’s Day weekend race that runs from Santa Ynez to Solvang. The organizers were excellent on details. Parking was fairly easy at the shuttle bus area, and there were plenty of buses to board. Coffee was ready for us to enjoy at the start, which is a nice added touch not found too often at races. The course was a great blend of scenic country and small town charm. Everyone’s favorite part in the group I was pacing was the “corkscrew” hill around mile 7 (haha), which led up to some very scenic views of the wine region. I also saw a grazing donkey here! 🙂 The wine aid station at the relay exchange was awesome. This race could be improved if there were more port-a-pottys along the course, especially the first part of the race, there were almost always lines. Finishing in the heart of Solvang to partake in wine tasting was delightful! I loved that they had chocolate to enjoy with the wine, and Alaska Airlines’ wine tasting booth with snacks was the perfect touch. While the wine tasting area was a little too crowded for my taste (pun intended), there were plenty of wine tasting options to make me forget all that. Did I mention this race has wine tasting? 😉 Yes, anyone wanting to have a great post-race reward for a fairly challenging but beautiful course should choose this one, and stay an extra day for more wine tasting (many deals offered at the post-race party).

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
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4
SWAG
4
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I have done this course for the past five years, two doing the full marathon & three pacing the half. The expo continues to be a slight hassle, with at … MORE

I have done this course for the past five years, two doing the full marathon & three pacing the half. The expo continues to be a slight hassle, with at least a 15 minute line out the door each year. There are a lot of great vendors once inside, however. Hands down, the half is the race to do vs the full. It is where you get all the great views, and diverse terrain. You start at Fashion Island with a stretch to PCH & downtown Corona del Mar and the ocean, then you meander through the residential streets and onto the trails of Back Bay, before coming upon the notorious “Mile 11 Hill,” which only lasts about a tenth of a mile, and before you know it you are onto the home stretch to the OC Fair grounds! Unless you are doing the full, in which case, this is where you split with the half, and get ready for some awesome views of freeway overpasses, the Santa Ana bike path, and the South Coast Plaza Mall. Yes, that was some sarcasm– All the good views from my experience are in the first half, and the full is just 13.1 afterthought miles as a bonus, if you really wanna. I like that we can get legacy status after three consecutive years, and through the years have gotten a couple shirts, pins, and computer bag for this special”status.”This year offered another legacy perk: a Hoka “beer & pizza lounge” post – race, complimentary. I think the race is improving each year with new added fun at the finish.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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I am always a fan of Bill Escobar’s Elite Sports California events.I have paced about a dozen of then all throughout the Ventura area. Ojai is a unique one, different … MORE

I am always a fan of Bill Escobar’s Elite Sports California events.I have paced about a dozen of then all throughout the Ventura area. Ojai is a unique one, different from his usual coastal routes. Ojai is a great town, so it was a pleasure to pace. Race morning parking is a bit of a nuisance, basically everyone parks along a narrow, hilly street, and it is first-come, first-serve. I ended up about a half mile away. His race starts are always simple though, easy to grab your bib and get to the start area. A big problem with this race: No water cups for about the first 5 miles, and it was a pretty warm day! Old school “waterfall” with the containers of water at aid stations was how my pace group (three hours) was able to stay a little hydrated. The first part was run along bike paths and back country roads with rolling hills and nice views. The middle miles were more off to the side along open roads. Less views. The last few were bike baths again, with some shade from trees. The finish line with simple, with some massages being offered and the usual light fare of pretzels, oranges and bananas. Simple, low-key, enjoyable race.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

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The course is incredibly scenic, and runs on Whidbey Island. Parking at the beginning is easy, and we finish right next where we parked. The start is in a secluded … MORE

The course is incredibly scenic, and runs on Whidbey Island. Parking at the beginning is easy, and we finish right next where we parked. The start is in a secluded area that you are bused to, near a lake. Good photo ops! The first few miles are along a forested stretch of highway with a gorgeous bridge a few miles out. The first half has a lot of rolling hills and nice views throughout. It is a good race for spectators, as most of the roads remain open and friends can see you at different points along the course in their cars. The last half is in more residential areas. The race has time cut-offs that are pretty strictly enforced throughout the course, as there are some parts which are on a military base, so slower runners be cautioned. There is a six hour cut off overall, but the first half has about three cut offs which are faster than the average for a six hour full. Mile 22 is the last cut off, onto the military base. A race official drove around and tried to get us to run faster at one point by saying the cutoff had been moved up, so that was kind of annoying. Once on the base, there are some bumpy roads, but there are also great views along that part in particular, where you can see a pretty water way. There was no real food post race, just chocolate mile and massages (yay, massages!)

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

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As many know, this is a great race to PR- a lot of flat/downhills, and good weather; Not to mention, the majority takes place on a nice ocean front stretch. … MORE

As many know, this is a great race to PR- a lot of flat/downhills, and good weather; Not to mention, the majority takes place on a nice ocean front stretch. Of course, I was too busy running as fast as I could to notice 😉 But thankfully, the finish is also a couple blocks from the ocean, so one can always return after running. Tips : Arrive early, there is no “designated” parking. Every man for himself on the streets nearby, and in the old downtown of Carlsbad, that is not always easy. I would opt for race-day packet pickup. It is MUCH faster than going to the expo, and you miss nothing since the expo is all out doors, and there on race day (It is in some parking lots on the block between the start and the finish). The expo is pretty good, with lots of booths and goodies. You start on a slight uphill stretch for about a quarter mile, before making a turn onto the oceanfront street, then it is an out and back, until you come to the turn onto the finish line block at mile 3, a downhill stretch (which starts about half a mile out). Couple local beers are included with the entry, and drinking beer after a 3 mile run at 7AM is perfectly acceptable 🙂 Or, you can opt for the 20K, which means you do 4 of the five 5Ks that are run that day (most likely the “Elite” race, the last race of the day, is not included- that would be embarrassing to “run,” anyway. haha). Then you could space the beer drinking out better until mid – morning 😉

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

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Fayetteville is a cute community with small town charm. The race starts in the downtown, with ample parking. The blast of the cannon indicates the race is off. Many military … MORE

Fayetteville is a cute community with small town charm. The race starts in the downtown, with ample parking. The blast of the cannon indicates the race is off. Many military personnel from Ft. Bragg run this race. The first six miles or so are run through the streets of the city, before going onto a main freeway that takes you to the military base. The quarter mile before entering the base is the “Blue Mile,” lined with flags and pictures of locals who have been lost in battle, serving their nation. Very touching. Running around a base is an easy way to put on a marathon—many “volunteers”in the form of the Army men and women, and many streets that are easy to close. Unfortunately, military bases don’t always provide the most exciting views, but it was great to see all the boys and girls in uniform, and their families who lived there. It got warm toward the finish. The last quarter mile was lined with flags of the different states. At the finish a young man in dress blues presented me with my medal, and an AWESOME backpack. Really high quality, and I still use it. Plenty of snacks at the finish, and friendly volunteers. Shuttles were easy to catch back to the start. Lotsa bang for your buck here.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5

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LA has never been my race. The first time I ran it, 2011, it poured rain. The 2nd time, 2013, conditions were actually perfect and I enjoyed myself, but still … MORE

LA has never been my race. The first time I ran it, 2011, it poured rain. The 2nd time, 2013, conditions were actually perfect and I enjoyed myself, but still race logistics always bum me out (more in a bit about that). This year, I ran sick as a dog, A friend gifted me the entry, and I loved how the 30th anniversary medal looked (the shirts this year were also excellent), so I decided to drink my Dayquill and power through. I had gotten a flu or some type of awful hacking illness since the Little Rock Marathon at the start of the month (maybe due to the rain there?), and this was my first race since then. I am grateful for the very generous cut-off; I used it all practically. Race morning starts about 3AM, as we have to drive to Santa Monica to park at the finish and take a shuttle to the start at Dodgers Stadium. I was lucky to get into one of the corrals to start before the main mass of people. The start has a lot of energy, as we run out of the stadium. We wind our way to China Town, and a few miles later the Hollywood sign comes into view. Continue on to the Hollywood Stars Blvd, and then Rodeo Drive. I was lucky to have a friend to run with for most of the race: my second half of the race took almost double what the first half took…WTF!?..Where’s the finish?! 😀 After a few miles of residential blocks, the ocean, indicating that final stretch before the finish, comes into view! Even after eight-plus hours, the announcer is still there to celebrate us, and there were tons more left to finish behind me. The finish line is a long walk to get through it all generally. Was it a good idea for me to run so sick? Maybe not. Was the medal and course worth it? Almost definitely. A race that should likely be done once -)

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

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This is a fun one. The RDs are outstanding, and very meticulous and good to their runners. This year it rained a little. Also, the massive medals which this race … MORE

This is a fun one. The RDs are outstanding, and very meticulous and good to their runners. This year it rained a little. Also, the massive medals which this race is so well -known for were held up in a shipping issue, and so had to have temporary replacements of a small plastic medal. However, these two things (medal, rain) were the only bad part about this race, and no fault of management, and they did their best to accommodate. This year’s theme was “Pirates–ARRRKansas,” and there were cute pirate themed booths along the course. We run past the governor’s mansion, and he comes out to say “Hi.” Mile 25.5 has a lipstick stop–pause and get a tube of lipstick to freshen up before the finish line photo! I was lucky to experience this year as a VIP (small up-charge), and enjoyed the VIP perks, including great soups, beers, and massages. I would recommend this race, and get the HUGE medal!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5

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The Brea 8K Classic is known for a few things. The obvious is the unique distance -- a tad under five miles. Next is the rather competitive sub-elite Master's level … MORE

The Brea 8K Classic is known for a few things. The obvious is the unique distance — a tad under five miles. Next is the rather competitive sub-elite Master’s level competition, of which I could not partake (yet), and last is the excellent feast provided at the finish line, of which I enjoyed my fair share to say the least! Many local eateries come out for the finish line festivities; this year Nothing Bundt Cakes, Elbows, Slaters, BJs Pizza, Mother’s Market, a coffee stand, and a taco stand were just some of the samples one got to enjoy after running. The course itself is fairly uneventful. It beings at Brea Mall, with plenty of parking. There are a few big hills around mile 2-4 on Associated Rd, and a nice cool downhill stretch at the very end. Do it for an interesting local race distance and challenging course, and most importantly, the food after! 🙂

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
2
SWAG
4

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This race has some great scenery all throughout, from start to finish. We start at the Shores near Sea World and make our way all around Fiesta Bay with panoramic … MORE

This race has some great scenery all throughout, from start to finish. We start at the Shores near Sea World and make our way all around Fiesta Bay with panoramic water views every step of the way. The only residential area is a few miles later in the course, and even that is a great time, as many locals come out on their lawns to party, cheer, and offer mimosas 🙂 One issue was that the last three mile markers were misplaced, so one mile seemed much longer than it was, while the last mile was much shorter to make up for the incorrect placement of the previous mile. This is a huge issue for a pacer, which I was for the three hour group. The finish, at a different set of Shores, was picturesque, and we received a lovely mermaid necklace. Adorable race worth it.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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My third year in a row doing this race. Last year I ran it with friends at a very easy pace, and the year before that I did the full … MORE

My third year in a row doing this race. Last year I ran it with friends at a very easy pace, and the year before that I did the full at an excruciatingly slow pace. This year, I ran it as best I could. It is a good race to do well on. The cool February temps are ideal for fast running, and the relatively flat oceanfront course are also conducive. Race logistics are fairly easy. I prefer to park for free at one of their designated centers and take a shuttle in, very simple. Parking close is hard, as the beach lots fill fast, and costs some money. Getting dropped off can also be a hassle with the backed-up traffic near the beach. The race is mainly along PCH and HB’s central park. These are fairly scenic and flat areas. The last half can be a little tedious, essentially being about a 4-5 mile out and back along PCH. But there are some good music and spectators. The finish line is an enthusiastic crowd. The beer garden is always a little crowded, but I can never complain when two free beers are involved (get an extra for being a legacy runner). Overall, a fun race.

DIFFICULTY
3
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4
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4
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4

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Baton Rogue is often overlooked for that other infamous city in Louisiana, but has just as much hospitality and charm! The Louisiana Marathon is a pretty big field of runners, … MORE

Baton Rogue is often overlooked for that other infamous city in Louisiana, but has just as much hospitality and charm! The Louisiana Marathon is a pretty big field of runners, and the city comes out to put on a party! We start near the convention center, run past LSU campus (where, if lucky, you can see their mascot, a Tiger, in his cage—yes a real live tiger is housed on campus!) The next handful of miles is run along a lake, with a lot of beautiful homes, and their residents are out ready to greet! I enjoyed more than I can count of : beer, mimosa ,bloody mary, etc.! Most of the rest of the race is run through residential neighborhoods and shaded city streets. We end at the same place as we started, and then the real fun begins—tons of food & beer or bloody marys! They even have a special vegan section with about a half dozen choices for those not inclined to eat meat. For meat-eaters, tons of options. Real fun race production.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

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As would be expected for a race located in Irvine, many of the miles left one feeling as if he or she were stuck on the set of "Groundhog Day," … MORE

As would be expected for a race located in Irvine, many of the miles left one feeling as if he or she were stuck on the set of “Groundhog Day,” minus Bill Murray. That is to say, there were about three intersections on the course, and many streets connected by those intersections, where I am still not sure if I was just running in a continuous loop! Irvine is pretty big, and there are some fairly scenic parts, too bad this race missed most of them and instead took us on the stereotypical Irvine-esque cookie-cutter route . The start of the race was crowded, as there are many students who are training for the LA Marathon, without much regard to runners’ etiquette (and the sheer number of them would make navigating difficult on the narrow bike paths at the start, even if the best manners were practiced). After the bike paths, here begins the intersections, some streets, and a lot of out – and -back stretches where you can say “Hi” to fellow runners on the other side of the road, which was a good distraction from the monotony of the course. There was one point around mile 8, where we went back on the bike path, but also could connect with an (visible) earlier point on the course about a block up, and at least one person missed the turn, and I almost did. It was very confusing and needed more volunteer direction there. The best thing about this race–flat, and cool weather. We even got a light mist. Perhaps the worst part, beside all that I mentioned earlier–The medals said 2014 on them!!! What a disappointment that my first race of the year would be mislabeled 🙁 Post-race displayed more of the disorganization that had characterized the race itself : Challenging to find which line to stand in to pick up the finisher’s shirt, and a long wait once in line. This is a fine race for a fast run if you are a local, but don’t break the bank to do it.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
2
SCENERY
2
SWAG
3

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This race is known as being a downhill course, and good to PR/BQ. I chose this race mainly because I wanted to visit the town, as I had some friends … MORE

This race is known as being a downhill course, and good to PR/BQ. I chose this race mainly because I wanted to visit the town, as I had some friends here and had never visited it, and college towns are always fun with good food and drinks 🙂 The course was not of paramount concern to me, and I probably should have checked into it more, as the main thing to see for the majority of the run was cacti, or homes. The colors of the dessert are pretty, but over the span of 26.2 miles they can get boring. Finish line was nothing spectacular. Bottom line, a good race if you want to run fast for the major net downhill, but don’t plan to really enjoy much along the way.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

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I had the honor of pacing the three hour group for the inaugural event in Temecula. Temecula has such charm and presence as a wine area, but is still somewhat … MORE

I had the honor of pacing the three hour group for the inaugural event in Temecula. Temecula has such charm and presence as a wine area, but is still somewhat off the radar. Race morning parking is easy in a lot right near the start. Packet pick-up is also a breeze. The race starts at a vineyard, and in Temecula tradition, hot air balloons are visible throughout the sky. Destination Races rates this race as their most difficult, and I can understand why. It gets warm, and there are some noticeable hills! There are the usual wineries to take in during the run, which never gets old. I really loved the finish line on this one–almost a dozen local wineries on the lawn of Wilson Creek Winery, pouring without regard!! Get your taste buds ready! Cheese and other light snacks are also offered.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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It is a cool touch that this race starts in one country and ends in another, although this means all passports must be checked at the expo as well as … MORE

It is a cool touch that this race starts in one country and ends in another, although this means all passports must be checked at the expo as well as race morning at the border crossing, which takes some time. Luckily, the race doesn’t start until 10AM 🙂 The border crossing is a unique experience. Most of the race is run through the streets of Buffalo, NY neighborhoods. The weather is good and chilly this time of year. The finish line is a little before the falls, and the easy walk to the shuttle gives a good view of the falls then only. I wish there had been more Falls views on the course. The border crossing and proximity to the falls are the best part of the race.

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3
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3
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3

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I was fortunate to pace the 3 hour group for this race. The race started out on the driveway of a vineyard, and toook us through the rolling vineyards of … MORE

I was fortunate to pace the 3 hour group for this race. The race started out on the driveway of a vineyard, and toook us through the rolling vineyards of wine country. The course was very high energy and scenic, and there were plenty of spectators and aid despite the rural setting of the course. As with many Destination Races in wine country, the finish line rivals the beauty of the course itself, as being the best part. If you had selected the option, you could enjoy a nice buffet of yummy breakfast foods as well as fine wine tasting in a private area at the finish. The wine charm, medal, and glass were great perks of the race, and overall the finish line is fantastic.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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I have run this race a few times. The 10K starts a little late for my taste, when the heat is already appearing, and family is almost ready for the … MORE

I have run this race a few times. The 10K starts a little late for my taste, when the heat is already appearing, and family is almost ready for the meals to begin! 🙂 The 10K course is the 5K course, plus an additional out and back at the start to equal 3.1 extra miles. Those three miles are OK, mostly a parking lot with some ocean possibly visible. Once back out on the “5K” course, you pass the DP Village and head past the harbor over a bridge to another parking lot. Enjoy some water views, and head back out a little further, and then make your way back.The finish line village gets really packed, but there are some good vendors there.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

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