Review #1500 My +1…read moreand I made the early morning trek from south OC to Alamitos Beach in order to cheer for the Special Olympics World Games triathletes. We met with Jennifer T. for our Yelp goody bags while meeting up with fellow Yelpers. We made our way down to the beach as they started the first portion of the triathlon: swim. We were amazed and inspired by these athletes as they swam, biked, and ran to the finish. We were at the finish line as Noah Dellas (Team USA) became the first person to ever win a gold medal in Triathlon at the Special Olympics World Games. It was fantastic and the energy was amazing. All eyes were on the top medal finishers and it was great to see Team USA take home gold! Thanks to Yelp LA, Katie B., and Jennifer T. for setting up cheer squads for the Special Olympics. Congratulations to all the athletes and I wish them luck in the rest of their events this week. There are Special Olympics World Games events happening around LA all week, so check them out as it has been a while since LA has hosted an Olympics.

My second Half…read more Supporting the Special Olympics, especially with respect to the upcoming 2015 World Summer Games in Los Angeles, made me feel great. But just getting out-of-doors and into the crisp, early morning air, just being surrounded by other early risers anxious to rack up some mileage is motivation enough. You see, what I've found is that morning people, they're different: they're more courteous, more polite, encouraging. Morning people smile, and they have no reservations about offering an abundance of "good morning's" to those around them. This scenic run--in the heart of downtown Long Beach, along the Shoreline Marina and across from the majestic Queen Mary--it was a good morning as well, completely as expected: exhilarating, fun-filled, refreshing! But really, this race had no choice. I mean, we ran ocean side, up and down sandy Alamitos Beach, with many other runners, bikers, and walkers also enjoying the smiling sun and the fresh ocean air. Added, this race was very well organized: streets were blocked off and monitored by the Long Beach Police Department, parking (a $10 fee) was directly adjacent to the expo and early check-in, water stations were manned and frequent during the race, and medical stations were positioned, prepared, and even mobile! (It was very cool to race along Shoreline Drive without a car in sight.) The effort put into this event was evident, and easily this will be a run I look forward to again next year! My final time -- 02:52:35 My place -- 102 out of 131 runners, 9 of 11 in my class. =]

Man how can you be a runner from LA if you haven't done the LA Marathon the one and only LA…read moreMarathon. From start to finish this a party regardless of where it ends. This is a tough course especially now that it ends at Avenue of the Stars with the last couple of miles being rolling hills but don't fear LA got you. I always enjoy this marathon but sign up early so you don't have to pay a crazy fee. I also get the refundable insurance just in case I learned my lesson when I got injured and had to walk most of the marathon in 2023. This has to be my favorite Road running race!

The experience of running in the LA Marathon was both unbelievable and unforgettable. The entire…read morecity showed up to support runners like myself in a way that felt downright transformative. Every mile was packed with supporters, live music, drag queens, and grab and go grub, so the energy through all 26 miles was amaze. The race itself was also thoughtfully organized, with friendly staff and signage throughout the entire race. My only quam is that after the finish line there was around a quarter mile walk to refuel and get to bag check. Although it's only a quarter mile, it did feel like an eternity on shaky lactic acid legs. With that said, I'm absolutely going to run it again next year. Only love to you LA (hearts)

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.

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.

I've read a few reviews about this race being dangerous, and it can be. The event coordinator…read morewarns everyone about the bike portion, yet there is always some YAHOO who wants to set his personal record and decides to get too aggressive in the cautious zones. The course is well marked and has tons of volunteers, thanks to all those who give their time, including the Sheriff officers. Generally speaking, this is a BEAUTIFUL backdrop for a race, it's Malibu! There is strong sponsor support so lots of booths with things to see, try, drink, and eat. I usually do the Olympic distance with a co-ed team of family members. This weekend was our 3rd time participating, and we got 2nd place, which was good, but last time we got 1st. :( My biggest gripe is the challenge of getting out, it takes a long time because Malibu is such a desirable place for everyone to visit.

Seven months ago, after completing my first (sprint) triathlon a half a year previously, I thought…read moreit would be good bang for my buck to sign up for the $200 International distance that is the Nautica Malibu Triathlon. As was what I am suspecting is turning into a habit, I started training two weeks before the triathlon and stopped training the week before due to unbelievably extreme busyness and lack of priorities that had me looking up logistics of the race (ie how far is an international distance anyway can't be too bad) before sleeping 4 restless hours before heading to the race at Zuma beach. Parking (free): If headed up to Malibu from the south, use the tunnel entrance before Busch Rd and follow parking instruction from staff/volunteers. When parking on Zuma beach, you have until 12noon to get out or get ticketed. The pdf sent with the email is visually helpful for the directionally impaired. Before start: + Grab race packet (bring ID) and stroll off to the side to put at least your racing band on (can't get into the transition area without it on your wrist) + Drop off your gear at your numbered rack - very spacious! +/- Go back to the packet pick up area to get a timing chip and swim cap + Wave times and cap colors are announced over and over and over until 6:15ish. + Make sure your bike has bar ends. One of mine apparently fell out and I had to buy another one for $1 or be disqualified. + Keep hydrated and fed! Cliff bars and cubes are available during the mandatory pre-race meeting Swim: 1.5k + Water is so warm. 70F on a Saturday and honestly didn't need a wetsuit. + Use some lubricant for the back of your neck. Getting a wetsuit burn must be a total newbie move. + Get in the water and get used to the water before your wave + Keep your eyes on the orange balloons. Saw lots of zig zag swimming. - Not sure if motion sick or just sleepy. I kept having to tell myself, "You can't sleep now! You'll drown!" + Cut off time is reasonable, though it probably sucks for the later waves. Never understood how cutoffs were fair. Bike: 40k + Biking in bikini saves transition time + Take the time to put on sunblock. Those bike shorts tans just aren't pretty. - So bored after 12miles. Some hills, but nothing to write home about. + Have an empty bottle holder for the bottle of nommy herbalife electrolytes at mile 12.5/turnaround - Cycling etiquette is nonexistent. If slow ride on the right, don't ride three abreast and then not point out debris on the ground for crying out loud, and shouting "On your left" ensures that I know you're behind me and I won't accidentally careen into you. As another racer mentioned this year, if everybody had followed cycling etiquette he probably wouldn't have broken his arm. Run: 10k - I don't know how people run for more than half a mile. I was so sleepy and slow and tired. Running sure is hard! + Course is flat, should have been easy. + There is a volunteer named Ryan hollering at walkers to run to the next cone. He was hilarious. Good job! + Lots of water and electrolyte stations. Not quite enough trash cans around the 5-6th mile. + Bathroom at the 3 mile station. + Beautiful view of the ocean + If slow and tired and sleepy, examine license plates on parked cars. People apparently came from Colorado and Nebraska and all sorts of gnarly places to participate. Post race: + Pasta salad. I love pasta salad and this was some good pasta salad and I have never been so happy to be eating pasta salad in my life. + Bagels with spread, muffins, pastries, fresh cut fruit, bars available for finishers. - Finisher medal was a silver gray square and was not cute. Dad says it looks professional, at least more so than my flashy Disney medals. The top finishers medals are cute though! - Driving out of the parking lot was a nightmare with people walking in the two way, single lane path for cars instead of walking in the parking lot. Traffic was also worse than usual on PCH. Tips from a second time triathlete: - Get proper rest before race. Obtain race logistics sooner rather than later. - Pre-race pickup is wonderfully convenient for those without the luxury of a unencumbered Friday - Sunblock is your friend - Lubricant for the back of your neck during the swim portion is a must. But you really don't need the wetsuit. - Know how to change an intertube, which I didn't need to know for this race but others did (they didn't need help, but thanks they said) - Quality race photos are provided for free! Make sure your number is legible at all the times you look pretty. I don't usually do any race twice, but this particular race is friendly for newbies, supposed to be easy considering the course, and I think if I straightened my priorities I could be a contender. As always, I promise to train next time.

A run that ends with an ice cold craft beer?!?!…read more Sign me up! That's all it took when I saw the flyer for the LA River Greenway 2020 10K at Golden Road Brewery. $50 felt kinda steep for a 10K, but supporting the LA River Revitalization effort (come on LA, let's do this!!!) while running the jogging path from my old Los Feliz days and cracking a beer at the end eliminated the need to ask any more questions. To sum it up... best 10K EVER!!! I loved it. Every second. The run was pretty... starting near the zoo, the first part was along the 5 Fwy, which sucked but that's LA for ya. We then looped back on the North side of the river to finish at Golden Road Brewery. I liked the part running through the neighborhoods too... a ton of residents were out on the curb cheering us on or glaring at us to hurry up so the streets could reopen. (I do think the street closures were a little excessive... the group of runners was small, so I hope that next year they'll be able to facilitate at least one-way traffic on the route for our Angelenos.) For all the schwag lovers, you will be in heaven. Logo tech-tee with vine screenprint around the side (cute!), a pint class sporting the sponsor Waiakea Water's trademark, several energy bars, organic shampoo & conditioner samples, Golden Road Brewery wayfarer-style glasses, finisher's medal, a tallboy of Golden Road beer, Waiakea Water at the finish, and a finish festival stocked with food trucks. This year was the first year and they plan to increase the distance each year as the river revitalization progresses. I plan to participate in every one and support this effort. I can't say it enough, best 10K I've done and I hope to see even more supporters out there next year! https://www.facebook.com/greenway202010K http://www.lamayor.org/restore_the_la_river

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.

The Long Beach Marathon organizers are disingenuous and duplicitous. For the longest time they…read moretold Bike Tour participants to hold on because registration was coming but they intentionally deceived all the faithful Bike Tour participants for the last twenty years who rode faithfully every year! It's sad that they pulled the rug from beneath us by not telling the truth!

I'm writing as a spectator. I love/hate Long Beach, but just know the parking here is nuts on a…read moreregular day. I parked at the court structure off Magnolia and Ocean and walked to International Tower which is about a 15 minute walk. Look at the course map at least a day in advance and get here at 5 am to get a decent parking spot otherwise you're walking a couple blocks. Things to bring as a spectator supporting the runners: sunblock (even if it starts off cloudy, it always gets super sunny at some point), water, a sign, a cow bell or air horn, SNACKS! My sister ran the half marathon and said that they don't really provide snacks along the route and that regular citizens were out there handing runners water, shots, shot blocks, nuts, etc. Another thing to bring is some sort of totem or sign that your person can see and find you in a crowd with. Last thing is a battery pack or charger. I forgot mine in my car and my phone died whilst tracking my sister using Find my iPhone. I reconvened with my other sister after the race and people were parked crazy like on a normal day in Long Beach. One truck was parked at an angle facing the corner of an intersection. I know it's a thing at night if there's no parking on the street you can park in a red zone out here and just move your car first thing in the morning. Seems like that was the vibe still for the marathon. Not saying you won't get towed, but a lot of people were parked in loading zones, passenger loading and unloading (my sister parked in front of a church loading zone and miraculously did not get towed), etc. Park at your own risk, I paid $15 for parking at the court house for peace of mind but it's not unusual to see people parked in any available spot that's not a designated spot.