Veronica Landa's Staging Area

It was my birthday! And it was hard. I regret not training better. I live in an area with zero hills and was wholly unprepared for the hill at the beginning and at the end. However, I decided to enjoy the race for what it was, which was beautiful and greatly supported. Even though I was very much toward the back pack, none of the stations were empty and the bands were still playing. Running over the Golden Gate Bridge was also an experience I’ll never forget!
The blue area that honored fallen soldiers and veterans was very emotional. It was also heading up a hill, which gave you time to slow down and appreciate it. There was also a section that featured quotes from participants about why they run and mine was featured! That was a wonderful motivator.
It was my first Rock n Roll race and probably not the last! The expo was great, the tech shirt was nice, and the medal was adorable (featuring a cable car).

I did this race coming off of a break from running (and races) and it was tougher than expected. There is a gradual incline that ends around mile 4; the decline afterwards was nice, but I’m personally not a huge fan of races that have you go out and back, so those last 2 miles were repeat scenery. Then again, you’re right up against the beach!
The production was smooth. I picked up my bib the morning of with time to spare. Parking was easy, though it was $10. I parked at the start line, which wouldn’t have been a problem, except I was feeling it at the end and the mile back wasn’t fun. The finish line festival is also on the pier and I completely missed it (no signs saying go right) and started walking to my car before I remembered I never got my shirt. I do like the shirt (great color, short-sleeve technical shirt), but it doesn’t actually say 5K or 10K on it (unless I’m forgetting). The climb down and up the hill to the pier was tough, but again, I was ill-prepared. Back to training!
Overall, would definitely do it again. See everyone doing the Conqur LA Challenge in Pasadena!

Maybe it was the PR or finally completing the OC Race Series, but I really loved this race. You run past and finish at the pier and it’s beautiful, even though it was overcast. The route itself is an interesting mix of neighborhood, street, bike trail, and beach side with only gentle/mild inclines. It was a little snug on the bike trail – passing people was a minor challenge and a few bikes went past (not sure how I felt about that).
There were corrals separated by running speed, and I was told walk/run corrals after 9 min/mile, but I missed that. I did some weaving only for the first part, but once the 5K/10K separated, it was smooth running. I would recommend maybe not letting cars park on the side at the start.
The race shirt wasn’t the best or the worst (cotton T-shirt with a pretty Run Seal Beach logo), but I love that there was chocolate milk at the end. I picked up my bib the day before, but I easily could have done it the morning of. I did get there early, but parked right on Main Street, took a stroll down the pier, then walked a few blocks to the start line.
There are no finisher medals, in case that’s a deal breaker. Usually it is for me (I’m a brat, I’m sorry), but this was my third race in the OC Race Series (Cypress, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach) and so I walked away happy. I might even do it again since you get a bigger, shinier, gold medal for doing the series twice.

I wanted to dislike this race, because I did poorly, but it’s actually great. It’s scenic and right along the ocean, the production was great, there was a ton of support, and the after party was fantastic. I did not have to deal with a huge line for beer, but that’s probably because I was REAL slow.
I will say, you do have to double back, and from the looks of it, go out and back again on the actual beach trail for the full marathon. This was my least favorite part other than the PARKING. Parking was a mess, though I guess I technically was running late. The satellite parking at the school filled up and they literally told me to park in the neighborhood nearby and come back for the shuttle. Granted, the shuttle system was quick, efficient, and I was still on time, but I cut it close. Definitely allow time for parking because the beach lots fill up fast.
Other than that, I liked the environment, and there’s really only one big hill around mile 3, while you still have steam. And the long sleeved tech shirt is actually really cool and I would wear in public even when I’m not running.

It’s a fun race for a great cause and with a lot of school spirit (GO BRUINS!). I have only run on the “USC turf” and it was fun, though there’s a section where you’re just kind of running through the parking lot. There’s a ton of water stops, though, DJs along the course, and in general the production was fantastic. You get extra swag the more donations you get and it’s a great motivator to raise money for such a great cause. My favorite part was having Special Olympic athletes give me my medals – I felt very honored.
It was surprisingly hot, but you can never predict California weather.

The 10K is two loops around the 5K course – which is my least favorite kind of 10K. It’s in a pretty residential area so there’s not much in the form of cheering or scenery unless you’re passing the high school. I remember thinking there weren’t enough water stations, but that might have been because it was crazy hot out & it was my first 10K.
I was bummed that there is no medal for running this race on its own, only as a part of the OC race series, and the shirt is cotton & nothing special.
I will give it to them, it was very well-organized & the popsicle along with banana/etc. at the end was very worth it. It’s not very big and the course is flat, so I can only improve!