Well, ran a little slower than previous half marathon by about 12 minutes but given that I fractured three ribs just weeks earlier I will take it. Very glad they … MORE
Well, ran a little slower than previous half marathon by about 12 minutes but given that I fractured three ribs just weeks earlier I will take it. Very glad they moved the time to 6:30 for the start. Not only was it a much cooler day than previous year, but the earlier start made the run easier. Route is solid, no real need to change it, as you start off on Pacific Avenue and then move over to Atlantic. From the Atlantic you cross the Rudee inlet and eventually cut through Camp Pendleton. On the run back you hit the boardwalk is nice. Better prepared this year so I left the race and immediately took a dip in the ocean afterwards. The medal is fine, although medals are not a big deal to me. Shirt color was a nice change from previous year and logo of Saturn with race ran and date was very cool. Exhibition was ok, easy to get registered, but not as many vendors this year with racing gear (unless you want items specifically stating the Rock N Roll logo). Was only at exhibition for about ten minutes and headed out. You can book early and get a room on the beach if you are coming in from out of town. I stay at a nicer and much cheaper and hotel in Norfolk and do the drive in (Parking for the day is only ten dollars so a bargain).
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Even Better than previous year
Well, ran a little slower than previous half marathon by about 12 minutes but given that I fractured three ribs just weeks earlier I will take it. Very glad they … MORE
Well, ran a little slower than previous half marathon by about 12 minutes but given that I fractured three ribs just weeks earlier I will take it. Very glad they moved the time to 6:30 for the start. Not only was it a much cooler day than previous year, but the earlier start made the run easier. Route is solid, no real need to change it, as you start off on Pacific Avenue and then move over to Atlantic. From the Atlantic you cross the Rudee inlet and eventually cut through Camp Pendleton. On the run back you hit the boardwalk is nice. Better prepared this year so I left the race and immediately took a dip in the ocean afterwards. The medal is fine, although medals are not a big deal to me. Shirt color was a nice change from previous year and logo of Saturn with race ran and date was very cool. Exhibition was ok, easy to get registered, but not as many vendors this year with racing gear (unless you want items specifically stating the Rock N Roll logo). Was only at exhibition for about ten minutes and headed out. You can book early and get a room on the beach if you are coming in from out of town. I stay at a nicer and much cheaper and hotel in Norfolk and do the drive in (Parking for the day is only ten dollars so a bargain).
Prepare for summer heat!
Used this race as the beginning of my running season. The route is basically the second half of the Shamrock Marathon. The course is basically flat other than Rudee Inlet … MORE
Used this race as the beginning of my running season. The route is basically the second half of the Shamrock Marathon. The course is basically flat other than Rudee Inlet bridge, but rated it a two for difficulty because of the labor day heat. Actually started to get cold chills at about the eight mile mark and probably should have stopped, but instead slowed my pace down. Glad they have decided to start the race earlier for this coming year at 630 to beat some of the heat, but definitely recommend some pre-cooling. Parking options are available a few blocks from the starting line for roughly ten dollars but recommend getting there an hour and a half before the race. I just napped in the car for awhile before heading to the line. Lots of support organized for the race-bands, cheering squads, and some support along the route. Expo was fine, nothing out of the ordinary. Medal fine and tech shirt was quality. Use this shirt regularly. Overall a solid race and a good guide for fitness level as marathon season approaches.
My first half
It was really hot and humid, and it was my first half marathon. I was glad I had water with me. Lots and lots of people, but well managed. Runs … MORE
It was really hot and humid, and it was my first half marathon. I was glad I had water with me. Lots and lots of people, but well managed. Runs along the boardwalk at the end.
Hard
Worst mile of my life. This was after the half and in the sand. I am not a fast runner to begin with so I stayed back, but by the … MORE
Worst mile of my life. This was after the half and in the sand. I am not a fast runner to begin with so I stayed back, but by the time we went, the sand was all torn up and it was hard to even walk on it. It didn’t seem like it would ever be over…..
Another ok
Not much to look at. The packet pick up was nice, the convention center was spacious. Not a lot to look at on the course, it wasn’t far from home … MORE
Not much to look at. The packet pick up was nice, the convention center was spacious. Not a lot to look at on the course, it wasn’t far from home so this was easy for us to get to.
Ok
The weather was nice and we had fun while there, but the race wasn’t much to talk about. There really wasn’t much to look at other than the Poseidon statue.there … MORE
The weather was nice and we had fun while there, but the race wasn’t much to talk about. There really wasn’t much to look at other than the Poseidon statue.there is a great little distillery in Virginia Beach that is worth going to while there.
Running and beaching it
This race takes place Labor Day weekend - it is a great way to say celebrate the unofficial end of summer. This is one of the flatest courses I've run … MORE
This race takes place Labor Day weekend – it is a great way to say celebrate the unofficial end of summer.
This is one of the flatest courses I’ve run (only a bit of a hill-twice-at the bridge). You get to run on the boardwalk by the ocean, which I really enjoyed.
Rock N Roll knows how to suck you in with the promise of medals. If you run San Diego (I didn’t) and this race you get an extra medal. There are 3 races over the weekend, so there is the potential of 4 medals and a pin. I did all 3 races and would recommend doing so.
The 1st up, on Saturday, is the 5k. That is followed by the “Mile on the Sand”. They recommend NOT wearing shoes because it is soft sand [I wore shoes and walked the mile]. Sunday is the Half Marathon.
You get a shirt for each race. I didn’t think they were great designs this year, but I’ve seen other years and think this was just an “off” year.
After the races, the Finisher Zone is on the beach. I enjoyed my post race beer sitting on the sand and listening to the music.
Great Finish Line
A well organized Half - great weather, and finishing on the Boardwalk was a great way to finish this race. The post activities afterwards were nice - had a rock … MORE
A well organized Half – great weather, and finishing on the Boardwalk was a great way to finish this race. The post activities afterwards were nice – had a rock concert on the beach and a good way to just kick back on the sand and winding down to some good music, food, and drink.