Race Reviews

I have done a lot more races then what’s posted, but here are the links to my race reviews. Some are awesome and I will do them each year, but others are one time only types of races. I am trying to figure out what works the best for my race reviews, so feel free to post a question or suggestion. I myself, LOVE to see pictures of the swag and the MEDAL, as I want to see what all I am going to get for my money. Let me know your thoughts about them and keep on running! Remember you will get there… 1 mile at a time.

2009

Whiskey Row Marathon/Half Marathon – I like this one. Don’t know if I would do it again as it was HARD!!!The elevation gain plus the brutal hill you come down will guarantee a lost toenail or two.  Nice long sleeve Tech tee, somewhat cheesey medal, great finish line party.

Valley of the Gold Half Marathon- I would do this one each and every year if possible. To bad it’s in Tuscon. Nice medal, short sleeve tech tee, decent finish line goods.

2010

PF Changs’s rock n roll half marathon- I will do this one each year. The course is dull (running through downtown Phoenix) but it is just a favorite of mine. I think it is because it was my very first half marathon. Awesome medals, tech tees, great finish line festival.

* They just changed the course. I won’t be running it in 2011 but will return in 2012.

Lost Dutchman Half Marathon – I LOVE this race. I intend to do this race each year if possible. The volunteers and the medal make it well worth it. Even the long sleeve cotton T-shirt won’t keep me away. Register early and it’s cheap! Did I mention the awesome medal. Starting 2011 they have finisher medals for the 8k & 10k races. The course is amazing! Beautiful scenery!!!

Lifetime Fitness Indoor Tri- Good idea if you want to know what you are getting into with a tri. I never realized how hard it would be.  Got a cotton t-shirt & swim cap. No medals. They let family come in a take pictures of you if you wish.

St. Patrick’s Day Run 4 mile run- Course is on the canal. It is VERY crowded. Cotton t-shirt, decent finish line goodies. This run is at 4pm. The organization that runs it (four peaks racing) is amazing!

Red Rock Half Marathon- For a small town race (not like the RNR races) this was awesome! Cool medal and tech tee. Low race prices and decent course support! I will totally do more of their races (Calico racing)

ARR Road Racers 20k/5k- cotton t-shirt, no finisher medals. This year they were a little short on their finish line goodies or all the runners were hungry.

Xterra Series #1-  Nice little medal, Cotton T-shirt, Swag bag w/other goodies, AWESOME finish line goodies!!!

*Update 2012- They now have HUGE medals. Very classy!

Cave Creek Trail Race Aravapai Running Events – Great Tech Tee, Nice Sticker medal (really nice for a sticker medal), FANTASTIC finish line goodies!!! For trail races these guys are up and coming. Awesome series!

*Update 2012- No more sticker medal, but they have finisher mugs/glasses. Collect the entire series. Also have gender specific race shirts. Bonus: If you don’t wanna spend the money on the shirt, you can opt of of buying the shirt. Save some $$.

Cactus ChaCha- Cotton T-shirt, no medal, good finish line goodies (small swag bag).

*Update 2013- Check to see if this race is going to continue.

Das Foot Race- Very crowded. It seems all races, held at Tempe Beach park battle crowd issues. Cotton t-shirt (only guaranteed for pre-reg), no medals, disappointing finish line goodies. I had gotten a coupon for a free beer (but got water instead), I didn’t see any food (except melted cookies).

McDowell Mountain Frenzy- See above for Cave Creek Aravapai race DRT series..AWESOME Tech Tee, Finisher medal, YUMMY finish line goodies

Iron Girl- Sadly they are looking for another place to have this one. MAJOR crowding issues!!!! Race Day Expo with AWESOME SWAG! Tech T (tons) & finisher medals. Medals were same for 5k & 10miler. YUCKY finish line goodies. (I can’t eat cheese/dairy & that was it). Otherwise it would be great for the non lactose challenged.

Anthem Turkey Trot- Cotton T-shirt, no medal, no swag, so-so finish line festivities.

Women’s half Marathon/5k   - Race expo, decent swag, Tech Tee, Finisher medal for both half marathon & 5k.  AWESOME finish line goodies!!!

Pass Mountain Trail Race- Aravapai – AWESOME Tech Tee, Finisher medal, YUMMY finish line goodies.

Rock n Roll Las Vegas- RNR event- Race Expo. A little swag (not much freebies) Awesome race, tech tee, lovely race medal. Good finish line goodies. For 2011 they are doing it as a night race.

2011

PF Chang’s half Marathon-This one falls under the category of “one I will do each year”. Better shirt then last year,  some free goodies at expo, tech tee, spectacular medal. Decent finish line goodies. (totally wish they had a bag for us to carry it all as you walk away with your hands full and can’t eat or drink it)

ColdWater Rumble Trail Race- Aravapia- Tech tee, Sticker finisher medal, Yummy Finish line goodies.

Xterra Trail Race #2- Swag bag, Cotton T-shirt, finishers medal (small but nice). Decent goodies at finish line.