Emily O'Keefe's Staging Area

Overall this was a good race, but double loops are boring. Solid race support on course. Expo was lack-luster, minimal race weekend merch. Aid stations all had gaterade, water, and gels, some had solid food like oranges and bananas too. Plenty of local folks came out for the first few hours with their own “aid” stations. However, this marathon is not for back of the packers. Once we got to the second loop, most of the locals had left or gone back inside. We managed to stay ahead of the last pace group until we hit mile 26, and finished just behind them. However, after we finished, everything in the “runner’s village” was shut down including food, which sucked to see they didn’t even support their own last pace group. Aid stations were still open when we passed them on course thankfully, but were almost done breaking down.

That elevation really takes the wind out of your sails. You take a ski lift up, and start the race going uphill until you reach the Brian Head summit at 11,307 feet. Then it’s mostly downhill, with a couple uphills sprinkled in. There were no paved sections. There were some sections with loose rocks, so keep an eye on your footing. Bring multiple light sources depending on your start time. All aid stations were well stocked, and I like that they have the composting portos at the start and aid stations. Good selection of merch too. Medals were huge and glow in the dark. The clouds cleared a few times during the race so I saw a good amount of meteors (1am start time). VR put on a great race, especially for an inaugural race. I’ll definitely be doing more VR events in the future!

This was a great inaugural race. The course was nice and flat, the weather worked out really well, shuttles to the start line were on time and running well, and overall it was a great inaugural race. There were great drink options at the finish, and a fresh french fry food truck. The only negatives about this race I can think of are the medals are small, and running on the boardwalk can be a bit tough with nails sticking out and old boards aren’t in the best shape. Other than those, it was a great race.

I love these Paddy’s Day races. They’re very well organized, plenty of portolets, course support, food, and beer. Course had a couple small hills with one water station. Volunteers and local police were at every intersection making sure runners were safe from cars, even though the roads were closed. There was a collection for non-perishable food for the local food bank too. At the finish, you got beer from the local brewery, which was awesome. Finishing on the field at the stadium was cool too. If you did all 4 of the Paddy’s Day races, you got the Lucky Challenge medal at the end of this one.

I love these Paddy’s Day races. They’re very well organized, plenty of portolets, course support, food, and beer. Course was nice and flat with one water station. Volunteers and local police were at every intersection making sure runners were safe from cars, even though the roads were closed. There was a collection for non-perishable food for the local food bank too. At the finish, you got corned beef sandwiches and beer from the local restaurant and brewery, which was awesome.

Overall I liked this race, but would not do it again. The expo was good, bib pickup was easy, and there was plenty of (fairly pricey) merch. There were so many people both at the expo and in the race. Way too many in each “corral” and they were not spaced out enough. The course was so busy with all of those people (I heard 14,000 or so, but don’t know the official count), making it harder to get into a groove with plenty of weaving throughout the whole race. The course was flat, with plenty of entertainment and lots of bright flashing lights. The medals were pretty, but small. There was plenty of food and drinks after the race, but some items were already gone by the time I finished.

Coastal Race Productions put on a great race weekend. I did the challenge (5K immediately followed by the half marathon). Both races were great. Course support was solid throughout both races. Volunteers and cops were all friendly and helpful. I never felt lost or unsupported, which, as a back of the pack runner, was really nice. Gigantic medals and a really nice quarter zip for the half. Good beer and barbecue at the end. Course was a bit hilly going over some bridges, and running on the metal grating on the bridges can be disorienting. Running along the water was really pretty. I did this for my NC half for a half in every state challenge. Plenty of portos in the start areas.

I did both the 5K and half marathon. Both races were nice and scenic. It was really cool to run near the Golden Gate Bridge. It was foggy for the 5K but cleared up for the half for some nice pictures. Solid course support throughout the race. It’s definitely one of the bigger halfs I’ve ever done in terms of field size and big city. Plenty of pre-race portos for both races. I never felt lost or unsupported, which, as a back of the pack runner, was really nice. Medals were small. Nice tech long sleeve shirts for swag. I did this race as my CA race for a half in every state.