It was a beautiful day for a race. The course was pretty well-marked. It is a mix of walking trails (some very smooth gravel), and pavement. Gilbert is a beautiful … MORE
It was a beautiful day for a race. The course was pretty well-marked. It is a mix of walking trails (some very smooth gravel), and pavement.
Gilbert is a beautiful city, and there was a lot of good energy all around. After the race there was a small expo with all of the usual trappings.
My only complaint:
Getting to the starting line from the parking was a little confusing for many (as a group we all kind of figured it out using the GPS and following others).
I didn’t run my best time, but it wasn’t because of the course. The same goes for how far I had to drive to get my packet the day before (and then again the day of: not their fault I don’t live anywhere near Gilbert).
Fun Race Through A Beautiful City
It was a beautiful day for a race. The course was pretty well-marked. It is a mix of walking trails (some very smooth gravel), and pavement. Gilbert is a beautiful … MORE
It was a beautiful day for a race. The course was pretty well-marked. It is a mix of walking trails (some very smooth gravel), and pavement.
Gilbert is a beautiful city, and there was a lot of good energy all around. After the race there was a small expo with all of the usual trappings.
My only complaint:
Getting to the starting line from the parking was a little confusing for many (as a group we all kind of figured it out using the GPS and following others).
I didn’t run my best time, but it wasn’t because of the course. The same goes for how far I had to drive to get my packet the day before (and then again the day of: not their fault I don’t live anywhere near Gilbert).
Maybe it will get better next year
The race used to finish with the Gilbert Parade, but was changed to a new course this year. While some loved to finish in the parade, it took over an … MORE
The race used to finish with the Gilbert Parade, but was changed to a new course this year. While some loved to finish in the parade, it took over an hour to get out of the traffic to go home. The new location away from the parade is a huge improvement in my opinion (others would disagree). The course is flat, with pretty much normal city street scenery. The race is well organized with people posted at turn arounds, and other critical areas, emails with accurate information, and an announcer at the start/finish line. The water stops were barely adequate, there should be a couple more added in the last half of the race. At the conclusion of the race there is no fruit, goodies, treats. Nothing, except a water bottle that wasn’t even cold. The vendors/tents are located 1/4 mile away, hidden back in the middle of some buildings. One of the vendors had oranges or bananas, provided at the expense of the vendor, not the race. The shirt and medal are uncreative and the same every year, only the color and date on the shirt changes. And my Garmin showed the race was 13.35 miles (confirmed by many other runners).
Electrifying Finish
The last quarter mile of the race leads into the Gilbert Parade. It was my first time running this half and I didn't expect the WHOLE town to come out … MORE
The last quarter mile of the race leads into the Gilbert Parade. It was my first time running this half and I didn’t expect the WHOLE town to come out to this shing-ding. The Gilbert Half has the most electrifying finish. The crowd gave me an extra boost of energy to finish with gusto. This race is very, very organized and runners are supported with enthusiasm from the first to the last mile. The starting line and finish are in two different locations. And they have buses loading runners back to their cars at the starting point and it was a smooth process. It’s definitely a must-do. The expo was a bit crowded but full of fun things to check out.
Easy course
Easy course; however, the race has 3:30 time limit. Faster runners enjoy finishing along side the Gilbert Days Parade Route in process. Race walkers (like me) finish along with street … MORE
Easy course; however, the race has 3:30 time limit. Faster runners enjoy finishing along side the Gilbert Days Parade Route in process. Race walkers (like me) finish along with street sweepers and clean up crews with a few onlooking crowd cheers. Recommend for anyone looking for easy course.
Loved the parade route finish!
Ran the 2018 Gilbert Half Marathon. Nice flat course that included some city streets and park areas. The race finished alongside the Gilbert Days parade which was very cool!! The … MORE
Ran the 2018 Gilbert Half Marathon. Nice flat course that included some city streets and park areas. The race finished alongside the Gilbert Days parade which was very cool!! The race was well organized and the finishers medal was impressive. My first race experience in Arizona was very enjoyable and the weather was absolutely perfect.
Really Fun!
The best part of this race was the finish. We ran through the Riparian Preserve and along the canal for the first 5+ miles. But then we emerged from the … MORE
The best part of this race was the finish. We ran through the Riparian Preserve and along the canal for the first 5+ miles. But then we emerged from the canal and turned south onto Gilbert Rd right into downtown and along side the parade! How fun is that? Spectators cheered us on, the marching band, horses! Really Fab! Extra fun for me as I was able to pull off 1st in age.
Spur of the Moment!
Decided to run this race at the last minute, since it practically goes through my backyard. It's a small race with a 'home town' feel. The highlight of the race … MORE
Decided to run this race at the last minute, since it practically goes through my backyard. It’s a small race with a ‘home town’ feel. The highlight of the race was the last 3/4 mile. You make a turn from the canal path onto Gilbert Road, and you are IN the Gilbert Days Parade! You run alongside floats and bands, with people lining the streets on both sides. Very cool – and very motivating at the end of the race!