Author: Antoni Hanus

Race Review: Sun City Half Marathon (Huntington Beach) | Feb 2nd 2020

RACE SUMMARY:

OVERVIEW: After living in Southern California for over 10 years, this is by far the most Southern Californian thing I have ever done in my time here. Gorgeous course (mostly) along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), beach boys playing at the start, Surf themed!! The Full course involves an extra loop of the half course and extends East off the half course a little further up to and around Huntington Beach Park. Fantastic so-cal chilled out atmosphere! They also have a 5k option on the Sunday and 1 mile beach mile on the Saturday.

SCENERY/LOCATION: The half and full marathons are mostly along the infamous Pacific Coast Highway and back, so most of the race has gorgeous views of the Southern California Coastline.

COURSE DESCRIPTION : The course is almost completely flat, all road based (for the half, the full partly goes along the beachfront running path). There is a bit of a hill when it goes East away off PCH into a residential area but then it makes up for it / cancels it out nicely when you come back down and remains flat along PCH after that. The stretch away off PCH and back is around 3 miles More detail here: https://www.motivrunning.com/run-surf-city/race/distances/

SPECTATORS/MUSIC ETC : Great atmosphere and vibe. Huntington Beach is a popular tourist / vacation area, so lots of crowds. Also some great bands and music along the course.

EXPO INFO: Tent in the Huntington Beach parking lot next to the start. If you arrive at the start, just look for huge big marquee – gear check / race pickup etc all in here too.

START INFO : Expected finish Times were posted along the starting corrals for participants to line up in the appropriate section (no designated wave or corral on bibs). Starting congestion died down after first mile. I found a little difficult to get into the corrals as there only seemed to be very few openings towards the back, so work on getting into your desired corral early.

FINISH INFO: Nice flat allowing for a great sprint finish to the line.

PARKING/TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS: Parking was free in the beach parking lots 0.5m, 1m and 2m ish from the start. I parked in the “Newland” Parking lot. Before the race, It is slow and congested to get into the parking lots because they direct cars to spaces, to ensure they are filled up space by space. There was however plenty of space in the Newland lot when I showed up around 615am, and also it is free. Because it was rather congested getting to the lots, definitely allow extra time for that or consider ride share. The beach lots and further parking lots away from the beach all have shuttle buses (they used the yellow school buses) taking folks to the start and dropping back after the finish. Next year I will look for alternative streets than Beach blvd to arrive onto PCH from, as that was very busy, slow to navigate and the ‘funnel’ that everyone seemed to be using to get in. Gear check is conveniently located in the expo tent next to the start / finish.

BLING/TEES/SWAG: Nice Wooden medals with cool artwork. Long sleeve t-shirt although they asked in the feedback if folks would prefer a short sleeve, so this may change. Nice tote carrier bag to keep everything in. Bib was a bit underwhelming and didn’t have my name on which I always like, as many spectators will cheer you on by name , if they see it.

POST-RACE BEVERAGE: 1 Delicious free can of Kona Brewing Big Wave ($6 for additional ones)

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • START CORRALS – Start Corrals were a little difficult to get into at the section I was supposed to be in – but as with any race, the earlier you can get in the corrals the better, to be situated where you want to be.
  • SIGNAGE – As my first time running this I was unclear where everything was. Once I saw the big white tent, I headed to that and found that’s where everything I needed was (bib pickup, gear check etc)
  • PARKING CONGESTION– As mentioned, it can be a little congested getting into the parking lots so although this year I hit the Newland one, I would maybe hit one further away next time as I ended up bussing in and out anyway.

PRO’S

  • SCENIC COURSE – The course for the half and the full allow mostly breathtaking views along the coastline
  • FREE PARKING– Great free parkign either close to the start or with convenient shuttles.
  • BIG WAVE – A very chilled decent can of Big Wave at the finish.
  • SO-CAL ATMOSPHERE – The Surf theme and so-cal location makes for a brilliant atmosphere.

ANTONI’S TIP: Go eat at in-n-out when you’re done!!

REVIEW: Great atmosphere and perfect weather conditions when I ran it on this date (overcast and perfect temperature). Beautiful course and one of my fastest runs due to it being mostly flat terrain. Chilled out so-cal surfing vibe throughout!

Race Review: Carlsbad Double Down (5K + Half)

SUMMARY:

OVERVIEW: The Carlsbad Half Marathon is the first installment of the San Diego Triple Crown which includes the Carlsbad Half, the La Jolla Half and the America’s Finest City (AFC) Half which are all races in the San Diego area. The Carlsbad Half is different from La Jolla and the AFC in that it has a Full marathon option (repeat loop), and also the 5K can be completed by a participant prior to the half. The 5K + half is called the double down challenge. As part of the same weekend, there is a fun (not-timed) kids mile round legoland on the Saturday morning.

SCENERY/LOCATION: The half marathon is mostly along the infamous Pacific Coast Highway and back, so most of the race has gorgeous views of the Southern California Coastline. The 5k doesn’t make it quite to the Coastline.

COURSE DESCRIPTION : Half – there is a small incline at the start (first two – three miles, but after that it is gentle rolling hills along PCH and then mostly downhill at the end (last half to two miles) to the finish. 5K – Same first and last mile as the half, but second is less of an incline that the incline on the half

SPECTATORS/MUSIC ETC : There are a few bands / singers along the course. There are great crowds especially in the central / downtown Carlsbad area cheering runners on.

EXPO INFO: Tent in the parking lot of the Carlsbad Shoppes mall. Very easy to find / park and get in / out of.

START INFO : CHILLY! If you’re a San Diego native or lived here for a while like me, be prepared for cold, chilly weather (for San Diego 🙂 ) at the start. Runners are released in ‘waves’ based on estimated finish time.

FINISH INFO: Nice downhill mile or so finish into the Carlsbad Shoppes Mall. 1 Free pint of Ballast Point at the end (Hard Kombucha was also on offer in 2020)

PARKING/TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS: Parking is free and plentiful in the mall parking lot. The later you are, the further you will be from the start but you’ll definitely get in the mall parking lot, so its not very far to go, given the distance you’re likely about to run. Gear check is extremely convenient at the start and finish, especially if you’re double downing to grab refills or whatever you need in between the 5K and the half.

BLING/TEES/SWAG: The medals are great with a solid feel and cool designs, with nice thought put into them. Also it is the one triple crown event where the organizers In Motion give out long sleeve tees AND a 1/4 zip pullover jacket which is really cool.

This is my one event each year where I stock up on my long shirt running tees that I use rarely, but find useful to have for when I do need them. Also if you run the legoland kids mile, 5K, half and double down, that is 4 medals in one weekend! And don’t forget it is part of the triple crown and the triple triple crown series which potentially give extra bling too!

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • DOUBLE DOWN SWAG – When running as part of the double down, would LOVE a double down tee / jacket as part of the giveaway swag, although it is nice to at least get the 2 long tees and jacket for the 5K and half. Also would be nice to see more double down merchandise available for purchase. However, I’ve loved the first two double down medals I’ve received (first started in 2019)
  • LEGOLAND PICKUP – Would also be nice if there was a pre-arranged option to collect 5k / half / full / double down race materials at legoland for folks benefiting in the kids marathon mile on the Saturday. Otherwise it is necessary to cut the day at legoland short to get over to the expo before 5. Although race day pickup or attending the expo on Friday are alternatives.

PRO’S

  • SCENIC COURSE – The course for the half and the full allow mostly breathtaking views along the coastline
  • SWAG – Medals and Tees always great. Potential 4 medal haul from one weekend (kids, 5K, half double-down)
  • DOUBLE DOWN – This is the only Race I’ve come across where you can run a 5K and then a half the same morning, so the challenge adds an extra sense of accomplishment once complete.
  • KIDS MILE – Fun activity for all the family even those that don’t enjoy running – folks can walk and enjoy free (kids) or discounted (adults) park admission after.
  • BALLAST POINT – A very decent beer worth drinking at the finish!

REVIEW: This is a very enjoyable race for the scenery and it is mostly very light rolling hills and often perfect weather conditions for running. The organizers In Motion do a fabulous job and their attention to detail is clear throughout. The medals are very cool, and this is a shining jewel in the triple crown series. The double down challenge adds an extra layer of fun and effort for those that wish to undertake it.

Race Review: San Diego Holiday Half Marathon

SUMMARY:

OVERVIEW: The San Diego Holiday Half is an almost completely downhill run from the Rancho Penasquitos area, that goes mostly along the 56 freeway bike trail, finishing up at Torrey Pines State Park. It is currently my fastest half marathon to date, due to it mostly being downhill.

SCENERY/LOCATION: Most of this is running along the bike trail alongside the freeway. However you are running towards the ocean and finish up at the Torrey Pines State Park at the Coastline.

COURSE DESCRIPTION : Half – there is a small incline at the start (first two – three miles, but after that it is gentle rolling hills along PCH and then mostly downhill at the end (last half to two miles) to the finish. 5K – Same first and last mile as the half, but second is less of an incline that the incline on the half.

SPECTATORS/MUSIC ETC : There is no live music / entertainment along the course and there are good crowds at each exit of the 56 that you pass by cheering you on. They also have comical inspiring elf-movie themed signs around the course!

EXPO INFO: Expo takes place in the parking lot at Road Runner at San Diego. Typically Road Runner have a good coupon you can use on the expo day, so plan some extra time if you want to stock up on running items.

START INFO : CHILLY! If you’re a San Diego native or lived here for a while like me, be prepared for cold, chilly weather (for San Diego 🙂 ) at the start. Fortunately there is a doubletree hotel next to the start that welcomes runners into their lobby, whilst they’re waiting for the start. Runners are released in ‘waves’ based on estimated finish time.

FINISH INFO: Nice downhill into Torrey Pines State Park.

PARKING/TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS: Parking is free and much easier at the start versus at the finish. There is a big free parking lot opposite the doubletree and there is conveniently a 7-eleven in that parking lot. Shuttle buses are available to the start at the beginning or end of the race.

BLING/TEES/SWAG: Medals and tees are not great quality, but the scenery and course makes up for it. It is typically a very lightweight long-sleeved hoodie tee.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • MEDALS AND SWAG – Medal could be higher quality
  • BEER – There is no free beer offered at the end which would be nice. This may be something to do with it finishing in a State Park though.

PRO’S

  • FAST PR COURSE – This course has a strong possibility of achieving a Personal Record.
  • SCENERY – It’s pretty epic to run down towards the ocean.

TIP: This race partners with the Craft Classic race that also runs mostly along the 56, and there is a Route 56 series medal if you complete both:

REVIEW: This is a great race to finish the year on. Perfect running conditions, beautiful scenery and fast-paced if you’re trying to get that Personal Record in.

Never Stop Running

Thank you for visiting my blog. My name is Antoni and my favourite hobby is running. I also enjoy writing, so I’m going to use this blog to review races / gear and share the tips and tricks I’ve learnt along the way. Please know that I am by no stretch a professional / athlete runner, but I do feel I’ve learnt enough along the way that I can help new runners find their feet so to speak!

I hope you find something useful / enjoyable on here!! Please leave feedback if you did!