The course is extremely scenic but also very hilly. The one tough one comes at 3.5 miles and goes uphill for about 1 mile. Takes a lot out of the … MORE
The course is extremely scenic but also very hilly. The one tough one comes at 3.5 miles and goes uphill for about 1 mile. Takes a lot out of the legs, particularly with 9 miles to go at the crest. First 10 miles is a scenic loop; last three miles is an out-and-back on a bike path and tedious/boring at that point. This year was very hot but the race director can’t control the weather. This race can compete with the Wine Country Half Marathons in scenery; it just needs more people as those in the mid-to-back of the pack had large gaps between runners. It would be so much better with more people to run with or race against.
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A small race that deserves to be bigger
The course is extremely scenic but also very hilly. The one tough one comes at 3.5 miles and goes uphill for about 1 mile. Takes a lot out of the … MORE
The course is extremely scenic but also very hilly. The one tough one comes at 3.5 miles and goes uphill for about 1 mile. Takes a lot out of the legs, particularly with 9 miles to go at the crest. First 10 miles is a scenic loop; last three miles is an out-and-back on a bike path and tedious/boring at that point. This year was very hot but the race director can’t control the weather. This race can compete with the Wine Country Half Marathons in scenery; it just needs more people as those in the mid-to-back of the pack had large gaps between runners. It would be so much better with more people to run with or race against.
Simple Race in Quaint town
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.
A Terrific Event
A huge thank you to Elite Sports California and its volunteers for putting on a wonderful event and a very scenic and challenging course in Ojai. They definitely took care … MORE
A huge thank you to Elite Sports California and its volunteers for putting on a wonderful event and a very scenic and challenging course in Ojai. They definitely took care of the participants with 7 aid stations along the 13.1 mile course and a pretty nice goodie bag as well…..you guys ROCK!!!!
Interesting Half Marathon
This was the third half marathon I had ever run. I signed up with a group of friends because the registration fees were very affordable. The route was an out … MORE
This was the third half marathon I had ever run. I signed up with a group of friends because the registration fees were very affordable. The route was an out & back with shuttles to the start line. My friends and I were a bit concerned when the shuttle dropped off runners on a dirt road (still dark outside) and the start line wasn’t set up yet! Much to our relief, all was taken care of without any delays. The course was along a paved bike bath “to the sea” they along the coast & back the finish line. The weather this day was ideal – cloudy, cool & overcast! I had taken 25 minutes off my time from my first two half marathons (apparently training actually makes a difference). The race medal was sad – but all & all and I enjoyed the route, the weather, and a great time with my friends.