This is going to be the shortest race review known to SkinnyRunnerdom because all my racing pictures I took are on my other broken down, yet to be fixed laptop. Oh, and I’m in Alaska and supposed to be working right now… not blogging.
So let’s get to the facts: Palos Verdes Marathon, half marathon on May 15, 2010. 7am start. $60 for the full. even if you sign up race morning. That is a cheap marathon race!
This is a small race, about 350 marathoners, so there’s no need to get there early or even sign up in advance.
Good Stuff:
*Beautiful course ran all along the ocean. You pass Trump National Golf Course and sone other really nice neighborhoods.
*Great course support for how small it is: water or gatorade every mile and probably about 5 different areas where they gave out (nasty) Powerbar energy gels.
*Very friendly volunteers.
*It was ran efficiently, no problems with parking, starting, bib pickup, etc. Easy logistics.
*Plently of free parking around the start at a park along the water.
*Fabulous overcast, 60 degree running weather. It was perfect for running.
Not so Good Stuff:
*If you’re not into hills, this race will tear your butt up. IT IS HILLY. the whole thing. Be prepared.
*Parts of the race are run in a bike lane with the road next to it still open. Hello dangerous. I actually would look for oncoming cars before passing someone at these parts. Definitely needs to change in the future. lawsuit waiting to happen…
*Not a whole lot of spectators.
*The website kinda bites, it actually really bites. It’s old and information-less.
*No chip timing.
The verdict:
Small, no frills race. You get a little medal and cotton t shirt but not much else. But I’d recommend doing it because its HARD and SCENIC. Although I love big city, exciting, huge races, I really enjoyed this smaller, more “natural”, outdoorsy race. I’d give it a 8.94 out of 10. Try it next year.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks like a great race! I just signed up for my first 5k! Maybe one day i will get to where you are at!
Looks like a fun little race. What was your time??
Please come home. The blog world is no fun without you. That is all.
LOL to Jenni. Hang in there Jenni…
Thanks for the recap! This really helps. I am going to run my first marathon next year and am trying to decide between Palos Verdes, the OC Marathon and Big Sur… leaning towards Big Sur but not sure if I can handle it! Any advice??
Very concise review
I can’t believe how expensive your half and full marathons are in the States. My jaw drops every time I see your entry fees. You’d be rich in the UK
the course looks beautiful!
Sounds great!
I wake up at night and scream out “skinny runner”.. I hope you hear my screams in Alaska. Xoxo
FISHING PICS!!!
Your fishing hiatus = nothing good to read in blog land.
just wanted to tell you I mentioned you on my blog today and tagged you in a blog award. Possibly you could turn it into 10 things about running?! Love your blog!!!
PV is one of my favorites — have done it 7-8 times. The weather can be fickle, but usually it’s foggy till noon and rarely higher than 70*. Only one real HILL at miles 2/24. As you said, very good support provided by the Kiwanis. This was a BQ for me in 2010.