Latest reviews by Brett Mayekawa
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Expo - I didn't spend too much time at the expo due to work, however, it was well organized. Packet pickup was towards the back of union station, so basically halfway through the vendors. Lots of great vendors including - KC Running Co, Run 816, AfterShokz and more. Had I had more time to spend, I definitely could've come away with (too much) new merch.
Parking - My wife and I parked up by the library district and took the street car down. Even though Kansas City is (somewhat) lacking in public transportation, the street car was a huge help. I would recommend giving yourself plenty of time if you plan on taking the street car as there are only 2 of them and they run from union station to the river market.
The race - I knew this 10K would have more hills than the Plaza 10K. The first mile was basically a gradual uphill and there were rolling hills throughout the course which made pacing a touch more difficult than I anticipated. Aid Stations were well organized as well letting us know that Powerade was first and water was second. This communication made it so there were in surprises in my nutrition. The crowd was great throughout the race. The amount of runners + the amount of spectators made for a great race with lots of energy... until the 10K turns off from the half and full marathon. Once we made the (well marked) turnoff from the half and full, the amount of runners was cut by almost 75%. There were 3 runners in front of me and 3 behind me. It was quiet and I knew we were almost done with the race and it would just be a mental grind to the end. The finish was by far the best part. As you made the turn to the straightaway towards the finish, it was straight downhill. A perfect time to turn on the after burners and finish fast.
Post race snacks were solid. The usual fruit, water, chocolate milk, and even chick-fil-a sandwiches (which I did not partake in). On top of that, there were tents and food trucks set up around the finish for more food.
There were no awards ceremonies after the race as times were calculated in the days after and verified to ensure proper awards.
Overall, a great race and depending on my 2019 race schedule, will be back again.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Expo - There really was no expo, just a packet pickup at Kansas City Running Company. However, it was well organized and I don't mind a reason going into a running shop. The T shirt quality was fairly nice. It was a cotton/performance blend with the Plaza 10K logo on the front and sponsors on the back.
The Race - Parking was great. There are enough parking garages on the plaza that it makes it fairly easy. The sponsor area was great too with lots of tents in the middle of the street on the plaza. Made for a great "race village" feel. The race itself was flat and quick. The view were great as you ran around the area surrounding the Plaza and finishing on ward parkway in front of the plaza.
Overall a quick and flat 10K with a not overwhelming amount of runners. A perfect tune up race leading up to your fall races.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
A very small and new 5K that runs the marina of Heritage Park in Overland Park.
Overall the scenery is great. The entire race is on paved road trails throughout the park and has a turnaround at the end of the marina which is where the only water aid station is at. The course is flat and fast.
The medals were... super cheap... however, a nice surprise as I typically don't expect a medal after a charity 5K. I will always cherish the medal however as this was my first race back since hiring a running coach and this race marks the first on my journey back to racing.
Not necessarily anything to write home about, however, a great last minute tune up race to gauge your progress leading up to bigger races in the fall.