Mandi C's Staging Area

I did the “Run the Hammer” challenge: 5k, 10k and a Half Marathon. It was advertised that I would get each distance medal and a “UNIQUE ‘HAMMER’ MEDAL”. I did not receive a 10k medal, as they signed people up on race day and did not have enough medals for all. I am a slower runner, and therefore, they ran out before I finished. Why didn’t they make the race day sign-ups wait the 1-2 months for their medals- not those that signed up months in advance? I feel I was penalized as a slower runner. I completed the Half Marathon and went to retreve my “unique” hammer medal. It was very disapointing. It was smaller then the distance medals and not very unique or exciting. This is the first time I have done a challenge like this and I was really looking forward to my momentos. In addition, it was not easy trying to figure out the details of the chalenge. No details were posted. I was not told until I picked up my shirt and asked, that the additional shirts were not given out until the end. When I finished the Half I had to ask several people at the finish line to figure out where I was to get my shirt and medal. When I got my shirt, I found out that the sizes were unisex. When I signed up for the race, I put down a large women’s size for the race shirt. I was given the same size in unisex….therfore it is too large and I can’t wear it. It should have been clear that the challenge shirts were unisex sizes. The volunteers were good, but at many water stations they were stepping out into the road almost forcing water on runners. They created a bottleneck by being over-eager. I was happy with the fact that hot broth was served after the race- it was welcomed after three very cold and on Sunday, a wet race. This challenge had so much potential- and it is the reason I did this race. It left me very disapointed….and waiting potentially into the New Year for my 10k medal.