This was my first half marathon. I chose this race due to timing and because it raised money for a great cause. It was a very fun local race. I … MORE
This was my first half marathon. I chose this race due to timing and because it raised money for a great cause. It was a very fun local race. I picked up my race packet the day before and it was very easy. Parking was free for packet pick up and the race. There were around 500 or so half marathon runners and you lined up based on predicted finish time. This was a nice number of participants. There were generally always other runners around you but there was also plenty of space. The course was nice through some of the neighborhoods and parks in Irvine. It didn’t have the energy or the iconic scenery of a big city race, but Irvine is very pretty. The volunteers at the aid stations were great. The course had a few rolling hills but nothing too challenging. The medal was huge and really nice although it didn’t say the year so I am not sure if they give the same medal every year. After the race there was some food trucks and booths and other entertainment. For participating you also got a shirt, half marathoners got a hat and you were given a bag with some coupons and goodies. I was very happy with this for my first half marathon. Great race if you are looking for a mid-sized race and/or a race for a good cause.
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My First Half Marathon for a Great Cause
This was my first half marathon. I chose this race due to timing and because it raised money for a great cause. It was a very fun local race. I … MORE
This was my first half marathon. I chose this race due to timing and because it raised money for a great cause. It was a very fun local race. I picked up my race packet the day before and it was very easy. Parking was free for packet pick up and the race. There were around 500 or so half marathon runners and you lined up based on predicted finish time. This was a nice number of participants. There were generally always other runners around you but there was also plenty of space. The course was nice through some of the neighborhoods and parks in Irvine. It didn’t have the energy or the iconic scenery of a big city race, but Irvine is very pretty. The volunteers at the aid stations were great. The course had a few rolling hills but nothing too challenging. The medal was huge and really nice although it didn’t say the year so I am not sure if they give the same medal every year. After the race there was some food trucks and booths and other entertainment. For participating you also got a shirt, half marathoners got a hat and you were given a bag with some coupons and goodies. I was very happy with this for my first half marathon. Great race if you are looking for a mid-sized race and/or a race for a good cause.
Running to Beat Pediatric Cancer
19th year for this Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Run in Irvine, CA but the first time I've made it to this event raises money and awareness for Pediatric … MORE
19th year for this Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Run in Irvine, CA but the first time I’ve made it to this event raises money and awareness for Pediatric Cancer Research. Odd timing for me since just this year two good friends have young girls going through chemo. So this run meant a little more then usual.
This is a serious run and even includes a bike portion held the day before. Although serious there are plenty of walkers with their children and children end up the main theme.
The half started at 7 am and my 5k followed at 7:15am (the 10k followed at 7:45am). The course for the 5k is pretty flat (Not to my stroller moms – there is a small patch of gravel in the beginning and an occasional speed bump here and there.). The scenery is naturally pretty as this is the City of Irvine and the roads are lined with plenty of trees and greenery.
After the run there is a large amount of swag and a very large area for kids to play in that included rides, a petting zoo, games and free cotton candy. It was much larger then we expected. The kids run was at 11am which seems very late and would only make for a very long day.
Parking at Irvine Valley College was a bit tough but this may be due to a large amount of construction on the lots – should be better parking next year.