The Camp Pendleton Hard Corps Marathon was held on the Camp Pendleton marine base on April 17. The entry fee was $95, $90 if you register before 2/1/2010. Active military duty can run it for $45.
I don’t have any pictures from the event and it’s a pretty small race so this review is going to be zippy and short.
THE EXPO
I think around 500 people ran this small race, a there weren’t any frills. I don’t even know if there was an expo or not; I picked up my bib and packet race morning with no hassle. There isn’t any need to be there early: no lines for porta potties and plenty of very close parking. The race swag was pretty stupendous: chapstick, a gold coin, a lanyard, a hat, mints, a rubber bracelet, and sunscreen all in a reusable bag. schwing!
It was chilly at the start, high 40′s but it warmed up quickly after that and was 70′s by the end.
The race started right away on time at 7:10. I mean, this is the Marines… like they’re gonna be late. There weren’t any corrals because of the size of the race.
THE COURSE
The race starts at Las Pulgas and heads out 5 miles towards the ocean. Then you run north until the halfway point where you turn around. The whole course is on paved roads or fire roads, but it is all rolling hills. It pretty much killed me, but then again, I’m a weenie.
Yes, you can see the ocean for most of the race, but it’s not like “Hey, we’re at the beach, we’re so close to the ocean!” You can see it, but you’re really pretty far up in the hills, not anywhere near it.
THE SUPPORT
The best part of the race was the Marines who manned the aid stations and also the ones who ran the race. They were so friendly and encouraging! I’ve never heard so many participants encouraging other runners in a race before. It was really rad to see. Plus, the Marines are very polite; they all called me “ma’am”. Should that make me feel old?! They really did create a great environment to run in.
There were water and gatorade stations every mile. Every couple of stations had pretzels, orange slices and bananas as well.
Although the Marines were great, there weren’t many other spectators there. like 10. seriously. That was a bummer.
THE POST-RACE
There really wasn’t much going on after the race. at all. I grabbed one bottle of water and left. If you are looking for the post-race party, this is not your race. If camouflage is your favorite color and the phrase “drop down and gimme 20!” turns you on, then this race could be right up your alley.
THE SUMMARY
Besides the goodies bag, this is a no frills event, but it is run efficiently and well; all the logistics were easy. There were no problems at all, and I really don’t have any negatives to say…. well, the course is boring, and I wished there were more spectators. All in all, it’s very well run, albeit a bit of a “blah” event.
If you need to get a marathon in for training or something, do this race. Or if you’re looking for a very fit future fiance… But if you’re looking for a big event/destination marathon, skip this one and do Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego the following month.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
that sounds like such an awesome race! totally cool that it was so small and yet so supportive
No frills race, sounds like my boy friend’s type of race… but he’s also a Marine, so it would work. I love reading your race recaps. I’m going to share this with with the boy friend and see what he thinks. I think I would enjoy the bigger events and he would enjoy these low key kind of marathons.
The coin is a pretty big deal in the military. When you are commissioned in to the military (at least Air Force) the person to give you your first salute also gives you your first coin (for my husband it was his Navy veteran stepfather). You get coins for different things – deploying to Iraq, serving with a different squadron, etc. You are supposed to carry a coin with you at all times. If you’re out drinking and someone puts their coin down on the bar you better be able to produce a coin or you’re buying a round for everyone in your party.
Hey Sarah!
I’ve been creepin on your blog for a while, and finally decided to comment.
That race sounds awesome.
I was wondering if you heard about the statement Jillian Michael’s made about how she would never want to get pregnant because of her body.
This is what she said on facebook:
“I appreciate all the support on here and while I know I don’t have to justify my position it is necessary to clarify it. I NEVER said I was anti pregnancy or that pregnancy ruins a body. I said that “I can’t put my body through it”. There are emotional issues and physical LIMITATIONS that have resulted in that conclusion – some I have discussed publicly and some I haven’t.”
I think she may have real medical reasons for not wanting to be pregnant, not just vanity reasons…which made me happy. My image of her had almost been tarnished!
Definitely keep the coin on you! My husband & I were both Marines so we always have our highest ranking coin on us. And the whole ma’am thing…if you’re ever find yourself surrounded by Marines again (a. you’re safe b. you’re lucky!) and they call you ma’am, just tell them you work for a living.
Glad you had fun and that the Marines were awesome! It always makes me feel good to hear that. I’ll be running my first marathon this summer with a Marine! Oohrah!