Latest reviews by Mark
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
OVERALL - This race seems to survive by a dedicated following of locals, and others that use it for a training run. Overall it was definitely not worth the cost, especially since I had to travel and pick up a hotel room. I love the charity but very doubtful I will do this race again - route yes but race no.
WEBSITE - There is no dedicated website for this race and what is provided by Active is not that good.
PACKET PICKUP - Done prior to the race. Was easy, quick and efficient but there were hardly any runners so that made it a lot easier.
EXPO - N/A none
PARKING - $5.00 paid on site. Large amount of parking that is shared with boaters, bikers and visitors to the lake.
PRE & POST RACE
Restrooms - Plenty
Entertainment - Had an old rock band playing that was very entertaining. Maybe 2-3 tent/booths of interesting items.
Race MC / Announcements - No microphone just voice that was barely audible, at least get a megaphone for next year or how about using the bands mic. It was nice the folks that run the race gave props for everyone involved but it was done so "Off the Cuff" that it delayed the start by 20min, wasn't able to heard and pointed out the lack of planning.
RACE
Route Quality - Fantastic route. Used it as a training race, usually I don't have trouble with not being in marathon shape and just push through but this one has large stretches and some hills that really made me pay for not being ready. Burnt out at 23mi mark and hurt finishing it off. Just a wonderful run.
Start - Would've been much better to start 30min earlier and on time - or close to it. As that would've really helped with the long stretches with direct sunlight.
Timing Points - Very good. Enough to get a good understanding on your pace if a runner doesn't utilize a watch, etc.
Restrooms - Plenty available along the route.
Water/Electrolyte Stops - Plenty available along the route offering both electrolyte and water - but runners that have done it in the past said it dependent on the number of volunteers year-to-year. One of the dedicated annual runners said one year there were no water stops. Scary considering the length, heat and route/terrain.
Medical Area - Didn't see any at the staging-finish area but I believe there was 1-2 along the route.
Race Food/Snacks - Girl Scout cookies before the race and some midway, I think? Seemed like most everyone came prepared for the route/weather.
GOODIES
Swag - Terrible
Medal - Worst ever in 10yrs. They glued a piece of engraved plastic on top of a cheap looking medal from another race. Probably would've been better not to have one at all.
Photos - N/A or none that I know of being offered.
Race Results - Not posted at the end of the race nor any way to find out on a website.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
OVERALL – Great route in Mission Gorge and wonderful folks that run it and volunteer. My only complaint is my timer did not work. They needed to have the award ceremony sooner, and it was a little costly compared to other races the same price with far better swag, etc. Still, a great time and look forward to running it again.
REGISTRATION
Website – Used for all the Xterra races but pretty good overall and it shows that post-race results are available.
Pre-qualify Requirement - None
Qualifier – Unknown
COST
Registration ($25 increments) – ≈ $75.00
Refund Insurance Offered – Can’t remember
PACKET PICKUP
Mailed (offered) – No
Pre-Race Pickup – Not offered
Day-of-Race Only – Quick and efficient.
EXPO – N/A None
Number of Vendors
Race Shirt Size Exchange
RACE DAY
Parking (amount, cost, distance-requires bussing) – Free parking located next to packet pickup and finish area but wasn’t too big so if you want to park close and not on the road, that requires getting there early.
Pre-Race Staging & Finisher Assembly Area – Small but more than enough size to comfortably fit all the runners.
Restrooms – Good amount of port-a-potties so there wasn’t too much of a wait in line.
Bag Check – None but not required if you get there early enough for the main parking area.
Race Results at Site – Not offered so if you didn’t write it down off the big timer at the finish then you’re going to have to wait till the results are posted on the website.
Food – Plenty of fruit, snacks and even a good tasting small meal offered by a local Marine Corps league youth group.
Entertainment – None but local masseuse offering 5-10min post race massages.
RUNNING ROUTE
Type – Trail run with plenty of elevation changes. Good amount of hills and wonderful views, especially because all the rain in 2017 made it really green.
Start – Non-stages single start for the group but wasn’t too bad because it started in an area with enough room to accommodate everyone without stepping on each other.
Runners – Near full run but not crowded. Friendly and courteous.
Timing Points – Timers were the old ones that attach to the shoes. Mine never worked, probably because of the big puddle at the beginning we had to run through. Not a big deal but it is nice if the timers work for finishing time / results.
Restrooms – Plenty available along the route
Water/Electrolyte Stops – Plenty available along the route offering both water and electrolyte.
Medical Area – Only noticed 1-2 but there were EMT’s assigned so plenty of help available.
Race Food/Snacks – Offered at 1-2 points during the run
GOODIES
Swag – Ok, good cotton shirt but nothing fancy.
Medal – Ok, from the looks of it, it appears as if Xterra uses the same medal for all their races
Photos – Saw a photographer but didn’t see any race photos offered on the website. One of the runners said they are available if you sign up on their social network site but I don’t remember seeing that when I registered.
POST RACE
On-Line Race Results – Website does offer the race results but I can’t find mine whether I put in my name or bid number.
Photos – Same as above.