All runs are generally for charity, so I run…read more Even better, the iCureMelanoma 5K was in Fullerton and very local, so I ran. As far as the event, I was actually pretty impressed with the abundance of vendors: Medii Kitchen, Zpizza, Snail's Pace, Sports Clips, Mother's Market & Kitchen, The Butchery, The Vitamin Shoppe, and Chick-fil-A, to name very few. Why, even S.W.A.T. was there in support! And the goodie bag, completely full: CeraVe, Eucerin, and Dove samples; and coupons for Hopscotch, Matador Cantina, The Vitamin Shoppe, Wow! Nutrition, TLC Mobile Spray Tanning, Medii Kitchen, The Butchery, Snail's Pace, Muscle Milk, etc. (The list lengthens.) It seemed as though the locals really pull for this event, really stand by it. Pride, you know? And that's the beauty: everyone coming together in support of a cause. Again, why I run. There are two 5K runs, by the way: the "Competitive" and the "Open." If your mile is 9-minutes or less, you are welcomed to run the Competitive. Everyone else--including strollers, walkers, and kids--race the Open an hour later. In between runs, you're not only afforded extra time to enjoy the event's freebies (Mother's Market's kale salad and The Butchery's BBQ chicken were delicious!) but there was also a dove release ceremony--very beautiful and touching--families and friends releasing doves in the name of hope. The run was refreshing as well: beginning at Laguna Road Elementary School, hopping onto the Juanita Cooke Greenbelt & Trail, and then looping around Laguna Lake before heading back. I had never before explored this area of Fullerton, so the run became somewhat adventurous. After now having been, I'm certainly returning. So, then, why the 3-star? Again, I run for charity. And if only a T-shirt comes with registration, that's fine. If there are no medals, fine. My problem, however, is that this event promised "medals" for all finishers. Again, that's great. But you cannot promise medals, and then distribute tags (see photo): http://raceshed.com/coupons/icuremelanoma-5k/. The medals, if they're offered, make such a difference: that's why they're called "bling," right? Runners are so proud of them. But upon the heals of such a great event, one for such a worthy cause, the tags--the ones touted as "medals"--were disheartening. I would rather the event had possibly called them "awards" instead, or maybe not even had them at all. I would have been happier to not have expected anything. It just wasn't the memory I wanted to leave with. That said, Fullerton, this was a fun run! But let's not stop there. Let's have another! My time: 31:08. Overall place: 11.9% =]

For the last two years my husband and I have journeyed down to southern CA for a one day 5K event:…read morethe iCureMelanoma 5K in Fullerton. This fundraising event holds a special place in the hearts of my family. We lost my cousin, Erik Halonen, to melanoma in 2014, the first year we participated in the run. That same year our cousin Staci took 1st place for women in the competitive run. They have an early competitive run, and then a walk/run that starts an hour after that. No matter which time you're run begins, be sure to get there early because parking is limited (pssst - carpool if you can!) Lots of vendors are passing out samples and coupons and sunscreen. Dermatologists will also schedule free cancer screenings for registered participants the day before the event. Everything about this is geared toward a healthier today AND healthier tomorrow. The run was well-organized and finishers receive a medal as they cross the finish line. It was a lot of fun and we look forward to participating for many years to come. Registered teams also get custom shirts with your team name. Go,Team Erik! xoxox We love and miss you everyday.

I was so extremely nervous about my first triathlon! Well, as nervous as somebody who can't really…read morebike and skipped the information session for first time triathletes in lieu of hanging out with friends who were visiting can be. I went on yelp to find any tips or strategies for this particular race, but alas, I am on my own 10 hours before race time. Before the race: + Register early! Individual costs $90 and relay costs $130 six months before the race and the prices make their way up to $115 Individual/$185 relay. The relay teams consist of three people passing off the ankle timer to have each person compete in their strongest leg. + Swim clinic: An hour long session on all the info you need to compete in your first triathlon. Free, but a $12 USAT one-day membership fee is required for non-annual members. + Information sessions are available the day before the race for newbies. Triathlon 101 Clinic (30 minutes): "Learn more about the tools of the trade - a race day check list and the top 10 things that a triathlete should never leave home without" and Transition Clinic (30 minutes) "How to have a fun, safe and efficient T1 and T2 triathlon transition." + Emails/Website: The website is super informative (race course with street names) and the customer service line was very prompt (1 day) in returning my inquiry. Emails weren't needless, which was good because all three emails sent out were important, but I had to actually call to see if I was registered because I didn't get a confirmation email when I first registered. + Packet pick up: You can pick up the day before race day and attend the info session or you can pick up before race time. You and only you can pick up your packet. I would pick up on race day next time. + Parking: Street parking is free until 10am, or you can pay to park in the lots which are described to you in the emails. + Don't forget a towel! Make sure your bike tires are pumped. Yellow tag goes on your wrist and time chip goes on your ankle. Race day: + Set up: Your yellow tag allows you to get into the transition zone to set up your bike. Your left arm (bib number) and left leg (age) need to be marked. The front end is the best place to set up because everybody elses' bikes aren't all up in your space. Set out towel, running shoes and socks, and helmet. I wore my tri-suit under my wetsuit with my bib already pinned on it. Bananas and waters are served before the race. + Swim: Swims are set in waves and the provided caps are mandatory. So my cap color, the light pink, was wave 7, after all the men have gone. You are allowed to get in the water and do a few laps before your actual wave time. Should have been an easy swim but for some reason I kept hyperventilating if my head went under water. My body didn't think it was that cold, but my brain sure thought it was. + T1: Run from the water through the sand to the transition zone, towel off your feet and get into biking gear. Roll your bike out to the street past a white line before you can mount. Stay on right unless passing on left. - Bike: The bike course goes up Pier Ave, but the hill wasn't actually that bad. The course itself loops three times, and you will know when to turn down Pier Ave again when you've seen the BIG "3 laps" sign 3 times. The roads can get narrow on Ardmore so it will be hard to pass, and your bike number could possibly fall off so make sure you secure it somewhere you aren't hitting with your thighs. The cheerleading volunteers were dancing and singing to lift our spirits. My results tells me I took nearly an hour to bike 9 miles, fifth from last from the looks of the split times. When passing on left, yell "Left!" but I passed exactly zero people so I was on the right the whole time. Biking sucks! + T2: Dismount by white line and roll your bike back to your row and re-rack. Take off helmet and start running! + Run: Easy flat course that is made harder because your thighs are all beat up from biking. Water at mile 1 and a guy stands behind four orange cones at 1.5 miles and tells you to turn back. There are doggies to watch and normal people to pass by - not everybody on the course is racing. After the race: + Expo: There were 2 vendors, one for wetsuits and the other to promote another triathlon, a Longo team tent and tents giving out water, bananas, oranges, OREOS and shot blocs. + Awards: At 9:45am, but I ain't winning no awards with that bike time so I left. + Leaving transition zone: The volunteers will check your yellow tag with your bike number to make sure nobody else is leaving with your bike. My bike is old and lame, but I'm sure the ones with the tri bikes sure appreciate it! + Email: You get an email with your time and a link to see your splits and how you stack up. Overall this course is built for triathlon newbies who have no idea what they're doing because I and multiple others followed along pretty well. Will do again!

I had a friend sign me up for this tri as my first tri ever! I couldn't have been more ecstatic to…read moreget the first tri under my belt. Unfortunately, I immediately realized I had a conflict that weekend. Naturally, I called the headquarters (w/ in an hour of the purchase!) to see what they could do to help. The person I spoke with was rude, inconsiderate and left a horrible taste in my mouth. I even asked if they could apply this to the Malibu Tri in September at which point I was hung up on. I called again and was met with the same rude demeanor. MESP inc. and the Hermosa Day at the Beach Triathlon has deterred me from the triathlon and racing worlds. What a horrible way to end something that could have lasted a lifetime.

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!

A free 2 hour workout run by the Spartan race group to give you a taste of what you can expect from…read morea spartan race. There were tons of burpees, squats, push up, lunges, & laps around the track. The workout was basic enough for fitness beginners to get through but also challenging enough for people at an experience fitness level. There were about 500 people on the football field at redondo high with 8 trainers/coach going around letting everyone know the next exercise coming up. After the workout they had a drawing & two people won a free Spartan race, there was an after party at the near by road runner shoe store with free beer & a $10 off coupon for anything in the store. For the large workout events like this is suggest showing up an hour before the start time since the check in process take a while. This event started at 9, we showed up at 8:30 & it took 50 minutes to finally get checked in, but then they ran out of shirts. But other than the long check in issue the workout event was a great time.

Running a 5k or 10k with an energized band of laced-up Santas doesn't happen often. In fact, it's…read morequite a sight to see: a rolling blanket of Christmas red coursing along the California coastline, sun shining brightly, runners' wispy, white beards waving in the salt air while the December morning surf crashes upon sandy beaches. It's a lot of fun! And what's even more fun is that all of those Santa suits you see running around are part of your registration. You may choose a Christmas t-shirt, or, if you'd rather, full Santa get-ups--beards, caps, pants, and jackets--are available instead. Here, everyone's getting into the holiday spirit! And to top it off, after your run, the finishers medals are also themed and unique: gift wrapped presents with dangling name tags identifying the race itself and the year you've run.

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.

Hometown marathon, it's the best. I had been a water captain for the last 5yrs and every year, the…read morefeeling for this event is just getting stronger and surreal. The volunteers are amazing and through every things they're cheering the runners non stop for hours. Seeing the runners through different group are just a great life motivations. Can't wait for next year.

The Marathon is so much fun--we had a great time watching the runners last Sunday…read more Frankly, I don't know how they do it?--I can bike ride 26 miles--even more, but I can't run down the block. That's why I like this event so much--all the runners amaze me--they do something I can't do. I just found out that you are allowed to walk the LA Marathon--you have about 8 hours to do it and I understand they will wait for you at the finish line--but by that time don't expect the news trucks to still be there or win any prizes. One of the few Marathons that allows walkers. I may look into that? Right now I can walk 8 miles-- at about 4 miles an hour--but I kind of get tired approaching 10 miles walking--so I don't know about 26? I have to get in better condition--maybe next year? I don't know? I do miss the days they allowed the bikes before the runners--I used to do that--was my favorite LA event--wish they would bring that back.

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.