This is quite a very late review. This event happened on August 3, 2013. Created by the Runner's…read moreCircle and Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council, this was such a great 5K run with over 200 participants that benefited SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans). I have enjoyed this race because it was challenging. The downhills and uphills were awesome. A cute medal and tshirt were our rewards for participating. There was somehow a mini-fiesta afterwards but we did not stay. I will do such race again.

In benefitting Train 4 Autism and the Culver City Education Foundation (CCEF), this race--now in…read moreits second year--certainly garners strong support! Along with the gracioius donations and heavy sponsorship, runners raised (at the time of this writing) upwards of $59,000. That's big time! And that's what great about getting involved. I mean, you don't have to actually run. You can walk. You can jog. You can "wog," if you like. But the point is that you are getting some exercise, and you're doing it for a worthy cause. (Running for charity is tax deductible, by the way.) Like I said: you could, of course, run. I did. In fact, this chip-timed 10K was my fastest to date: 1:04:44.6. However, there were many others who took a more relaxed approach: they walked, took their time. And on this morning here in Culver City, it was a beautiful morning to do just that. By the time that the 5K began at 8:00am (and the 10K a half hour later) the sun was already shining down upon the Washington Blvd. course, and the temperature was just pushing the upper 60's as runners took their marks. This out-and-back course is flat and fast, and the 10K is a double loop. Generally, I don't favor loops (I prefer scenic stretches) but the run is fun, and it's certainly social: over 1,200 devoted, shoe-laced participants registered, and hundreds of applauding spectators were there in support. Nice job, Culver City! You should be proud! =]

Great 5k and 10k running events (5 stars)…read more The Culver City 5k and 10k events were in its second annual event to raise funds for Train 4 Autism and the Education Foundation for the Culver City schools. -Registration online was quick -Donations were welcomed -Confirmation was quick -Email information was convenient -Facebook info was very nice -Website was really really good with lots of useful information -Morning event was memorable -Bib pick-up was easy -Port-a-Potties centrally located -Pre-race entertainment was fun -Mayor's speech was a little dodgy, but what do you expect from a politician who doesn't run? -Start time was ON TIME for the 5k -Got back just in time for the 10k ON TIME start -5k route was flat and easy and did it in 25:44 -10k route was 2 loops and i ran with friends -Lots of cool runners -Finisher's medal was cute, and I got 2 I really loved this event since it reminds me of a small town feel with about 400 runners. Oh, after I ran both events, and got my two medals, one of the ladies gave me a strange look and asked why I had 2 medals. I told her that I had run both event and showed her both bibs - ha! ha! ha! I definitely would return next year for the 3rd annual Culver City 5k and 10k runs, and run both.

It was the 3rd Annual Leap, but it was also the inaugural run through Tustin's famed Blimp Hangers!…read more Documented as the largest, unsupported wooden structures in the world--each 18 stories high, with a length of over three football fields--the Tustin Hangers made for an impressive and unequivocally unique 5K run this morning at the Tustin Legacy. Over the years, I must've driven by these magestic twins at least 100 times, never exactly knowing why they were built or how they were used, and certainly never believing I would ever set foot inside them, not to mention having the chance to run through them. But today, I was in awe! Respectfully, a "short" history lesson: Originally commissioned by Congress for construction in 1942, they were to house six Goodyear airship blimps necessitated to conduct anti-submarine patrols off the Southern California coast during World War II. So there you go. The race, then--everyone contributing to the surging sea of luck-o'-the-Irish green--couldn't help being amazingly fun! It had no choice! I can't tell you how much I absolutely love rising before the sun stretches over the horizon, lacing-up my sneakers, and grabbing a quick cup of coffee and a banana while heading out my front door toward another exciting running event! The air, crisp and refreshing; the people, excited and smiling. And after a great workout, running alongside others who've also arrived in the name of charity (proceeds benefitting the Tustin Community Foundation and the Tustin Chamber of Commerce), the very cool "Terry O'Tustin" finisher medals--shining amidst the brilliance of the morning--congratulated and applauded all your effort! This 5K, Tustin, was golden! Chip-timed: 32:26! =]

What i liked? Good selection of sponsors. Ample fruit and water. Awesome medals. DJ. Easy…read moreregistration and packet pick up (without groupon). What could have been better? I'd like to have known that I'd be running on gravel part of the time, and not all paved area.... gravel + me = no no. I saw people that had the Groupon having problems picking up their packets, and there being chaos there. I didn't do the Groupon (shame on me), so I didn't have those issues. The organizers should do corral starts, or whatever the proper name is (like they do for the Knott's run). Too many people with buggies and dogs up front.. so if you're a runner, and in the middle, you need to navigate around people... who weren't really moving.... yeeeah... All in all, I'll be back next year. Tustin is my hometown, so will definitely support :)

What an amazing experience!!!…read more Got there bright an early to cheer on the extraordinary athletes in the mornings triathlon event!!! I found my yelp people and we soon headed towards the water where the first event was getting ready to start. The first group to dive in the water was the young men's group followed by the young female group. It was very heartwarming seeing the smiles on the athletes faces as the crowd cheered for them when they passed us by. Next, was the walk to get their bikes and they were soon off for their 11 mile bike ride! yikes!! They looked so determined and focused that it was inspirational!!! The final event was to run to the finish line. I was lucky enough to see the first US men and women to finish the event. USA men was first and USA women came in second place. I was very impressed with Costa Rica cause a lot of their men and women where one of the first ones to finish the race!! I was really happy to be apart of the Special Olympics 2015 even if I was just a crazy enthusiastic fan!! I did get tieried eyed a couple of times because I know they worked so hard to get here and they deserved to be cheered to the fullest!!!

Well organized, small event, only about 100 or so triathletes…read more Fun course, 0.5 mile swim in Alamitos Beach, 11 mile bike ride near Queen Mary (2 loops), 3 mile run along the beach (1 loop). Parking $10, lot opens at 4:30 am. 5:30 am when Registration opens 7:00 am start time of waves. Only 2 waves, 1 for men (less than 49) and the other for females (and men over 50+). Timing chip was huge. Kim Kilgroe was there racing that day! Awards ceremony at the end, all proceeds benefit Special Olympics.

Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon!…read more My first Disney race and I had a lot of fun. Yes the race fee costs an arm and a leg but it's very well organized. They had a lot of volunteers and water stations never ran out of water or Powerade. We ran inside Disneyland and California Adventure and lots of characters and employees were out to cheer on the runners. There was a lot of entertainment outside of the parks as well. Loved all the local high school bands and students cheering us on as well. Lots of port-a-potties and only once did I see a long line. Unfortunately this was my first and maybe my last Disney race. Only because the fees are so expensive!

It's getting closer to the second annual runDisney Star Wars event at Disneyland so thought I outta…read morefinish up this review I started shortly after the first event. How awesome to have been a part of this inaugural event celebrating such an epic franchise. It's really expensive but it sure was a lot of fun. Initially I was planning to take the Rebel Challenge (10k+half marathon) up until I saw it was $330 (without processing fees). I was in shock that this challenge was an extra $21 if you take the price of the 10k plus half marathon. I guess that's the price to pay for an extra shirt and medal. By the time I thought "eff it, it's only one time", the challenge had sold out so I just signed up for the half. At the expo, the bib pickup is underground then you walk back up to ground level to get your shirt and then on to the vendors. I parked at the hotel parking and they give you 30 minutes free but they aren't strict about it. Come race day, there were many runners with cool and creative costumes. Inside the park, the photo op line for Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker was efficient but they didn't use the same process for Chewbacca. I was bummed that I didn't get to take a photo with him because the 16-minute pacer was already passing. (If you fall behind her, you may get picked up.) Had to do my research on who this group of people were outside of the Disney grounds, 501st Legion, in full costume, ready for photo ops. I was so happy to see them, my spirits were lifted and made up for the missed photo ops with the characters in the park. Their costumes were amazing! For those driving in on race day, you're subjected to the $17 parking fee at the Mickey & Friends structure. If you so happen to be interested in any of the Disney runs, you must know that they tend to sell out on the first day of registration. I am a sucker and will be running the half a second time hoping that the 501st Legion will be there again.

Walking down this street always gives me warm happy feelings! It's what you first see upon entering…read moreDisneyland and is designed with that old timey feel. They play Dixieland and you can sometimes see the Dapper Dans

Unsurprisingly, Main Street is the main street at Disneyland. It's the first place you step on when…read moreyou enter the park and it takes you to the center of the park at the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Throughout the street are souvenir shops, candy shops, coffee shops, clothing stores, and other food options. Horse drawn streetcars and old-school cars carry people throughout the day. Parades come along the streets multiple times a day. It's the street that you'll undoubtedly come across.

El Toro makes for a beautiful run!…read more Tour Del Toro, organized by the Boys & Girls Club Program in Lake Forest, welcomes cyclists, runners, and walkers alike to participate in either a 25-mile/50-mile ride or a 5k/10k Run, each race just as colorfully scenic as the others. Touring through the heart of South Orange County, each course winds not only through the neighboring hills and canyons, but in and around the Lake Forest Sports Park & Recreation Center as well. Including 57 acres devoted for active use and 30 acres for passive use and open space, the Sports Park, standing as the Tour's start and finish. really is amazing--heavily populated and fully appreciated by its residents. I'd won a free 5K run from Road Runner Sports' Adventure Run, and although I really enjoyed the 5K, I would definitely opt for an extra 3 miles and run the 10K next year instead. The 10K's course, which at first ran through the Sports Park, also headed toward the hills, just a bit north. On such a beautifully sunny day as this, extending my run into the green would have made for an even better trek. But, again, this run entirely supports the Boys & Girls Club in Lake Forest; I'm always on board for something like that. It's always fun to step outside and get some exercise, and when doing so helps kids, applause is in order. Great job, Tour Del Toro! See you next year!

A great event with something for everyone. This year I wasn't in the best shape, so I opted for the…read more5k walk/run. A nice course around the sports park, finishing with a fun expo that included a bicycle safety rodeo for the kids, and an indi race car (which my son thought was pretty cool!). The year prior I did the 25 mile bike ride, which was a nice, challenging ride. From what I was told the 50 mile course was fun this year, and the more difficult 50 mile course was exceptional for those advanced riders looking for a real test of fitness and stamina. I wish I could have done the 10k this year, heard the trail into the hills was a welcomed change-up from most courses in the OC area, which are typically dominated by concrete and pavement. I will say it's definitely a newer event, so the only downside is that they are building up participant numbers. If you are looking for an event with huge crowds, this isn't for you. But if you're looking for a day outside for the whole family and all fitness levels, then Tour del Toro is an event I would definitely come out for. And I'm always down to support the Boys and Girls Club.

This was my first time running the Santa Hustle. I found out about it through Groupon and decided…read moreto throw in one last race for the year. Packet pick-up: Nice and easy at the Buena Park Mall. You got your bib on one side of the table and went to the other to get your sweater. They warned people that the sweaters ran small and let people try them on. I thought about getting a small and there was no way I could fit in it. Goodies: They gave you a bear and a hat. I did not wear them while I ran. My goal was to try and place in the top 3 to earn a medal for the 5k. Participation medals were not given out. Plus the beard ran a little small. It was fun seeing everybody wearing their red outfits. Race: There was a 5k and half marathon. They need to be a little more clear on the start. Some 5k folks started because it seemed like they were supposed to go and it was for the half marathon race or 10k, it's been a while. You got to run out of the parking lot, into Knotts, back out onto the street and into the parking lot. It was cool to run into Knotts. They had chips and candy at the end with water. I'm used to bagels and bananas, and aside from that there wasn't much else. There were some booths, but not as many as other races. Cool things: They brought out two reindeers, so that was fun. Weather: Cold! For CA it was cold. It was below 60, so I had a hard time warming up.

This was my second 5K in several months and this one was pretty fun. The Santa Hustle had 2…read moreoptions, a 5K and a half marathon. Half marathoners received a special medal and a voucher for free admission to Knotts Berry Farm. I really wanted a medal, but knew there was no way I could do a half marathon. A 5K is just my speed, especially the fun run variety, where there's a silly theme and people come with friends and family to just have s good time. A word to the organizers...consider giving the 5K people a medal too...even if it's smaller. I'd gladly pay more for the entrance fee to get a medal! Back to the event itself...things I liked: it was very well organized. I liked the emails sent out by the organizers spelling out the details of the event (i.e., parking map, packet pick up map, etc.). I opted to pick up my packet the day before to avoid the crowd the day of. It was an easy process and took about 5 minutes. I loved the dri-fit hoodie that I got with my packet. Very high quality and super cute. The only "bad" thing about the hoodie was that it ran very small. I ordered a women's large and it fit more like a medium. My friend's hoodie ended up being too small for her so she couldn't use it and ended up giving it to her daughter. You also received a Santa hat and beard to go with your hoodie. Like the hoodie, the hat was small (or maybe my head is just way too big?). In any case, I had to use an extra Santa hat I had at home which fit better. Not a big deal but just be aware of the size issues here! Other positives: Parking was free and painless. All the volunteers working the event were friendly and would cheer you on as you made your way through the course. They generously gave out choc chip cookies, M and M's, water, and powerade as we sweated away...which is a total exaggeration. We didn't break a sweat at all as we leisurely strolled the entire 3 plus miles. That's the fun thing about this type of run...you can stroll, run, sprint, whatever. At the finish line, we were handed bottled water and a granola bar. Oh, and I really enjoyed the holiday music playing throughout the course. The volume was just perfect and helped get us in the holiday spirit. Some mild disappointments: I wish the after party was on site. Instead it was offsite at a Farrell's restaurant. It was sort of anticlimactic to finish and not be able to immediately gather with fellow Santas to celebrate, cheer and dance. The other 5K I did a few months ago had an onsite after party with a dj, stage and music and it really made a difference in keeping the excitement going for a bit longer. Also the start line prep was sort of uneventful as well. They just had an announcer guy telling us when to line up, when the thing was starting, etc. At the other 5K I did, the start line area was sort of a mini event, with music, several guys throwing swag out to the crowd, getting everyone fired up and excited. I have to say, these pre- and post- run details make a huge difference in the overall fun factor. I still had loads of fun, though. Happy Holidays!