Got this run through zozi ..thanks for the active life and cheaper runs…read more No fee for parking. Score!!! Pretty easy packet pickup. Look up your number sign and go. Was able to exchange my tech shirt for a smaller size. The 'packet' pickup was a breeze. So cool!!!! :) Can't wait for tonight. 3.1 miles of glowing madness, a huge screen, and edc like type of music? Sign me up again! The only thing is that - if you're a walker - can we stay in a single file so people can pass through? There were places where it was easy to pass and not have to say excuse me, then there were the trail parts where walkers were blocking people. AND there should be a wave for runners, joggers, woggers (walk/jog) and walkers. There were people who were just walkers, which is fine. :) Just be courteous of those behind ya that want to jog :)

What a fun way to gather a group of friends and RUN for 3.1 miles!! The Firefly Run is truly unique…read morein the sense that it's occurs at night, there's fun & motivating electronic music playing all night, and runners are dressed like fireflies! No really....there are runners that are dressed in wings, glow-in-the-dark necklaces, bracelets, wigs, neon this and neon that. It's a party run!!! Hosted at the Home Depot Center in the city of Carson, for my first 5K, this was very exciting! The entire event was extremely organized. From the parking attendants, to finding your name, filling out waivers, getting your bib number, free t-shirt, and all other materials that you may have bought. There were plenty of visible volunteers that were more than eager to help you out in case you were blinded by all the neon lights and giant LED screen....Anyways....Pre-Registration occurred online but if you wanted to register that night, there was an area designated for that. The course starts in the parking lot and guides you all around the Home Depot Center. The highlight of it all was being able to run through the stadium where the LA Galaxy play. The light shines down on the field and kind of created this magical ambience. Many runners stopped to take Instagram selfies. After all the runners cross the finish line, the fun doesn't stop there. There's a costume contest that's actually pretty cool because you get to see all the creative and kooky things that people come up with. Prize was a Go Pro!!! What am I going to dress up as next Firefly Run?????? The ONLY thing that sucked was the food vendors ripping you off after the run. TEN DOLLARS for 3 tacos and a soda??? TEN DOLLARS for a small tray of carne asada fries??? I'd rather load up on 10 bananas that they pass out for free after you cross the finish line!!! Other than that, I had the most fun running with my Team Scrambled Legs. I got the best of everything...a good run, good music, good company. A great way to spend a Friday night. When's the next 5K? Sign me up!!!!

I used to participate every year when there was still a marathon and the race started and ended at…read morethe Point Fermin Lighthouse. I returned in 2018 because it was now part of the Lexus LaceUp Running Series. Currently, the distances that they offer are 5k, 10k, and half marathon. I ran the half marathon. The race now starts and ends at the Pelican Cove Park just West of the Terranea Resort. *Parking* For parking, they have 3 locations: Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall, Salvation Army College, and Point Vicente Interpretive Center. Each of the locations are close enough to walk, but they'll have shuttles going around to pick-up and drop-off people. *Course* It was beautiful and just as hilly as I remembered it to be! Most of course was kept in the residential area about a stone's throw from the ocean just off of the main Palos Verdes Dr. Be sure to do your hill training or else be prepared to suffer! They even have a short steep section just after mile 10 that was a timed hill challenge. The fastest male and female will each win $500. Overall it was a well organized race. Although the race had a few quirks such as confusing separate starting lines, I liked the improvements that they've made with this race. The packet pick-up was quick and they had plenty of portapotties. Gear check was a bit chaotic as they were swamped with runners dropping off bags all at the same time. One of the bright spots with these Lexus LaceUp races was the post race food from the food trucks! That was some good quality food all included in your race registration!

If you are a new half marathon runner don't do this one first :) if you want to run a marathon or…read morehalf marathon thats a little more challenging this is for you! I ran the 2010 event, it was my third half marathon ever. I will do it again next year. It's gorgeous, my bum and legs are still feeling the hills. They had yummy coffee and fruit at the start and finsh, and it had a very intimate feel. The parking was a bitch. The restroom line was long. That didn't matter though because i loved the run! Must add this to your run list. See you there in 2011!

Gloomy weather and cool temperatures all throughout the run were everything I had hoped for. The…read morerest was up to RnR LA and they mostly delivered! This is a great race to run for those who like to get creative and dress up. Runners start off according to their corrals, but we found that it was easy to sneak into earlier corrals if desired and that is what we did. We also avoided any parking nightmares by taking an Uber to the LA Convention Center. Highlights: -Course layout makes it easy to spot friends along the run. -Overall fairly flat course, but with some gradual inclines and declines. -Mile markers at every mile. -An abundance of snacks, drinks, and freebies at the finish line. -Beefy medal + above average quality t-shirt. -The expo/packet pick up takes place during LA Comic Con. -Live music during parts of the course. -Race photos were available later that day to view online. Lowlights: -The amount of water stations weren't lacking, but more energy gel/gatorade/snack stations would have been nice. -Once you leave the finish line area, you can't go back in! So get all the stuff your heart desires before leaving. -Free light beer. Meh. Can I at least get an IPA? :) -Race photos are expensive should you choose to purchase them.

As of 2018, I've run this half marathon all 9 years since it became part of the Rock n' Roll race…read moreseries. The course has changed throughout the years with the majority of them starting and ending in Downtown LA. This makes the logistics for this race very easy. You can actually take the Metro rail to get to everywhere you need to go and save a few bucks. Currently the expo is at the LA Convention Center. You'll need to pick up your race packet at the expo on Friday or Saturday before the race. They don't allow you to pick up bibs for other people so be sure to plan ahead! Since the race normally takes place around Halloween, it is appropriately themed. That includes the shirt as well as the finisher medals. They have almost always been pretty good designs. They provide post race drinks and snacks in the finisher chute. The post race celebration has been on the top level of the West Lot just next to Live LA. There will be a concert up there. You will be able to pick up your gear bag and enjoy 1 free beer in the beer garden. Make sure to bring your ID if you plan to drink.

I've been running this course since it was the Santa Monica 5000, and it's still one of my…read morefavorites. There's just something about an oceanside race that never gets old--great energy, beautiful views, and a course that feels both fun and fast. I especially love that the 10K is now part of the Conquer LA Challenge! That adds an extra layer of motivation and makes race day feel even more special. The whole event has such a strong community vibe, whether you're racing hard or just soaking it all in. Only wish? That the LA Marathon would bring its finish line back to Santa Monica. There's nothing quite like ending a race by the ocean

I started on my running journey about a year ago. I initially started to help with losing weight,…read moreand found out I really love the running sport. I'm more of a back of the pack solo runner so I would mostly run on my treadmill. Of course as I got more into running, i started following other people in the running community on social media. Eventually, I decided I wanted to sign up for my first 5K. Living in Los Angeles my whole life, I knew I wanted my first event to be local. I am so happy I signed up for the Santa Monica Classic. It was an amazing event. Running by the beach was beautiful and ending at the pier was amazing. It was great weather and a great course and I could not think of anything more perfect to have done my first 5k with. Now, as I'm doing this review, I'm addicted to the training and running these races. I have done 3 5K's and will be doing my first 10k in 2 months. Then on to half marathons and hopefully a marathon.

A two-day event combining bike rides, dog walks, kiddie walks, and regular ol' walks/runs. I…read moreparticipated in the 10k about three years prior during the Year of the Rabbit and again a couple weeks ago for the Horse. Many folks enjoy returning yearly for the full 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Lots of vendors in the festival area, including local school programs, community clubs, electrolyte packs, chewy vitamins, Yakult, and street food with grilled and chilled offerings. Parking the day of is no joke, as traffic is limited near the race start. I had to head up to the hilly residential areas for a spot. Lion dance and firecrackers were set for the 5k at 8am, while the 10k started about 45 minutes after. Even though it's been three years since I ran this, I still remember the hills. Sometimes I'd be Kate Bush-ing it while other times taking a much-needed breather. Passing through Elysian Park and grazing the edge of Dodger Stadium, there will eventually be a downward slope along with one or two more uphill battles before heading back to Chinatown. The finisher medal matches the shirt design of a horse with antlers that burns, burns, burns in a ring of fire. In addition, we get an apple, a banana, a bag of chips, a bottle of water, and if you're early enough some of Ohtani's Syncron. Alas! it had all but ran out by the time I reached the finish line. Overall, it's a fun run with good vibes from fellow runners and the local community.

Firecracker 10K & 5K is such an incredible annual event and a true community favorite. What makes…read moreit even more special is that the proceeds go back into the local community, which is something I genuinely appreciate and support. That's actually what originally got me into participating -- knowing it benefits the area makes it so much more meaningful. It's truly a family event. There's something for everyone -- a cycling event, 5K, 10K, kids' run, and even a dog-friendly event. The energy is always positive, well-organized, and welcoming for all fitness levels. It has become a family favorite for us, and we look forward to it every year. Highly recommend getting involved -- whether you're racing, riding, walking, or just cheering others on.

I have ran this 5k 4 times because of the "double play" medal given after LAM. (I'm a sucker for…read moremedals) I've never had an issue with parking and getting into the stadium. There are plenty of clean porta pottys and water along the route. The route is mostly road but there are some trails after the 1 mile and there are hills. You start at Dodgers stadium, go around Elysian park and end back at the stadium.

Good Afternoon form sunny Los Angeles , its about 1348hours over here and I wanted to give a review…read moreon my first LA BIG 5K it was a fun and beautiful route , I unfortunately did not race it but walked it as I had the LA Marathon that next morning . So I would say from the walk it was a very nice route a little hilly here and there but not anything too wild. The only thing that is wild is the parking if you decide to sleep in and try to get to the dodger stadium around 530-6am and after just sacrifice and come early and sleep in your car!

Myself, son and friends really enjoyed ourselves today…read more I may need another 5 showers and couple bottles of shampoo and conditioner before all of this color is off of me and I'm not sure how long I'll be blowing blue color from my nose but was it all worth it??? F yes! it was :) After finally parking the car around 845A at Dodger Stadium and making our way right to the the very front of the start line to meet our team for the 9A wave, we were ready to get wild, crazy and colorful! We had an amazing morning during the run itself and the finish line party was the BEST! Packet pick up at Sports Authority in Burbank was EXTREMELY slow (I race quite often and have NEVER had to wait in a line so slow moving to pick up bibs/shirts) PARKING was a complete cluster! One of the most asinine piss poor planning disasters I've encountered in quite some time which can really take away some of the excitement leading up to the race but as soon as you are parked and out of the car - you are ready for fun, I suppose... at least we were. The course is around the stadium area, which clocked in at 2.7 miles on mine and my friends Garmin, not 3.1 - so a 5K it really is NOT but I don't think many people are concerned with this aspect since it's a Fun Run and you aren't time chipped. This race is tons of fun! As I had originally suspected, I still believe it's a great race for all ages and fitness levels. My son exclaimed "this is the most fun run I've ever done" :) All in all - I'm very glad this run came to LA! Awesome fun experience :)

First time runner of color here and now a fan! Papa Panaflex has been to a few of these and been…read morewanting me to join him in his adventures of organized fun, so there I went. Now for my organized thoughts: *Save yourself some time and pick up your race packet a day or two in advance. You get a shirt, temporary tattoos, headband, racing number, coupons, and samples. You get your medal after the race. *Bring a change of clothes and shoes for the ride home. We just brought towels and still made a mess . Also, bring some wipes! *Wear a fanny pack or jogging belt so you can take pics. I brought a baggie for my phone, but didn't use it. Too cumbersome. *Remember where you parked. It's Dodger Stadium and even though you've probably been a million times, the parking people will direct you to a section you've probably never used. Lot's of runners were wandering around looking all sorts of confused. *After each color station, grab a water bottle at the hydration stations and rinse out your mouth. Unless you like that chalky powder feeling in your mouth, you'll need to rinse and spit. *Treat yourself to Guisados down the hill once you're done!