I have been participating in ERS events for a few years now and each one is super fun! The races…read moreare well organized, fun swag and great food after. If you enjoy trail racing, or want to try it, I highly recommend ERS events!

From the owner: Whether you are a competitive racer, an avid runner, or a trail newbie, the ERS has what you are…read morelooking for... Challenging yet beginner friendly courses, spectacular views, family friendly atmosphere, and a fun post race celebration. Oh... and free race photos for all runners to enjoy post race. With a total of 11 events combined in the 2 regions, the ERS hosts more than 7000 beginner, intermediate, and experienced trail runners each year. ​ Whether you are looking for a stroll along the water, some scenic single track, or a challenging hill/ mountain course, the ERS prides itself on offering the best trail race experience and atmosphere in the industry. Every event within the ERS offers multiple race distance options, great course support, kid's races, and finish line festivals that the entire family can enjoy with music, food, games, raffle, and plenty of beer (for those over 21 years, of course)

The San Diego Half Marathon is an annual event held in Downtown San Diego that has a starting point…read moreon Harbor Drive and ending the In the historic Gaslamp quarter. I signed up for the race online, which was fairly easy to complete, and they had an expo at the Hilton hotel 2 days before the race to pick up your BIB. At the expo, they had many vendors selling items as well as free energy drinks. They also handed out the free shirt you got for entering the race, which was really nice, and the quality was great! On race day, which was on a Sunday, the run for the Half Marathon started at 650 am. From all the emails I was receiving, we were told to show up at least 40 minutes or even 1 hour prior to the race due to all the runners being in the location, giving you enough time to find the wave your in. The Half Marathon or 13.1 miles course had a beautiful layout that started by the convention center, bringing you up through the Embarcadero to Harbor Island and through Point Loma. The course was a nice flat course until mile 9, where you are running up Washington Hill, gaining elevation into Hillcrest and throughout Balboa Park finishing in the Gaslamp. When we finished the race, we were giving our medals or bling and were handed a goodie bag with a Monster, crackers, and a protein bar. They were even handing out chocolate milk, water, and bananas. They had photographers on-site taking pictures and a small after party in the park aside from the finish line. This was absolutely my favorite race I have run, and I had a blast doing it. The course was perfect and well organized. They had volunteers handing out water and Gatorade approximately every 2 miles. They had porter pottys all throughout the course, and the crowd was very motivating. I'm looking forward to come-back and doing the exact race next year as well since I had an amazing experience. Thank you to all the volunteers and the organizers who made this race possible.

Sadly, along with other events of this magnitude, this event was canceled and made into a virtual…read morerace (to be ran on your own). I was really looking forward to running this particular half marathon for the first time. There was no expo with vendors, just a pickup at the Gaslamp Hilton. What was really special is the volunteers/organizers did a cheer as we were handed our medal so a big thank you to them! Besides the medal, what was picked up was the bib, shirt, and tote bag which included the Friar hat, snacks, and chocolate milk. The tech shirt was pretty unique. In my collection, it's the first to be patterned in camo style. I'm signed up for the challenge which consists of completing the Mammoth Half Marathon in June, thus receiving an extra medal. Crossing my fingers that event is allowed to take place. I crave the crisp mountain fresh air.

This was my second tough mudder and I did the 10k. This tough mudder is better than the previous…read moreone I went too with the obstacles being more thought out. Easy checkin, enjoyable people, great music, and overall fun. Hydration stations and snack stations everywhere through the course as long as porta potties everywhere. Get ready to get muddy!

Crawling through mud under barbed wire, climbing over walls, swinging from monkey bars, jumping…read moreinto ice water, and running through electric shocks. Who's in? This was the third Tough Mudder that I've participated in, and I'm not exactly sure why, but I couldn't convince any of my friends to sign up with me this time around. So I hauled it over to Lake Elsinore to do the SoCal TM on my own. Fortunately, the camaraderie on the course was as strong as ever, so there was always a helping hand when I needed one. This event was held near the lake behind the Lake Elsinore Diamond. No elevation, but plenty of Southern California heat (even in November) to make up for it. When I did TM in NorCal a month ago, check-in was slow and lines were long. At SoCal, check-in went a lot faster, and the check-in and bag drop lines weren't too bad. Though my earlier start time might've also helped. TM now consists of three distances that overlap and share some obstacles: 5k, Half and Full. Only the Full has the crazier obstacles like ice and electricity. The Full course here was 21 obstacles over 9-miles. I felt like the spacing between obstacles was good, and the lines at each one weren't too long. There was an ample amount of water stations, half with food. Plenty of fuel to get you through. Plus the reward of a headband, tech tee and a Guinness beer at the end. Oh, and the showers have warm water now. Aww yeah. The obstacles weren't easy per se but were pretty doable. Any training you do will help, but you don't need to be a beast to get through the course. Unless you're doing the competitive wave, in which case we're talking about a different level of athlete. TM is a great team building event. If you have any interest in obstacle course racing, I recommend doing a TM at least once. Any joiners for 2019?

If you want to do a race filled with hills, this is the one for you…read more My husband and I did the half marathon a few years ago and this past weekend, we did it again with my little brother. The race starts and finishes at Peltzer Winery. Tip 1: get there early because parking takes a while. We were waiting in line to enter the winery on Rancho California Road for about 30 minutes. There was no traffic enforcement personnel to facilitate the four-way stop. Tip 2: trail running shoes are a plus as you will be on dirt for more than half the race Tip 3: train for hills! Temecula has lots of them. Just when you think you're done with one, another one comes Tip 4: enjoy the scenery. The course winds through wine country, past vineyards, with hot air balloons in the sky. There were aid stations with water but no electrolytes, so, if you need them, carry your own. This is a challenging, but fun race. Add it to your bucket list for a unique event.

Delayed entire run for folks that were late. Everyone that showed up in time were penalized.read more

Disappointing race. I have no idea why this was called the avocado half marathon. I was expecting…read moremany booths with avocado post race stuff but no :( There were no avocados at the end. I did see some people with one avocado but they were all gone by the time half marathoners arrived. I think they should have passed them out with the medal. The course was all right. I didn't like that some parts of of the road were slanted, which affect the knees. The end of the race was too abrupt as it was preceded with a sharp turn. Won't do it again.

Fallbrook's "First Annual" fell a bit short…read more.. I realize this was the first Half Marathon and 5K for Fallbrook's Avocado Festival; and, as such, inaugural events are usually then prone to glitches, misfirings, snags, and snafu's. I get that. I do. Neverthesless, out of all the runs I've registered for over the past three months, I was most looking forward to Fallbrook's. I mean, c'mon, avocados will make everything better, won't they? After all, Fallbrook is the unofficial "Avocado Capital of the World!" So running amidst groves upon groves of avocado trees; being included in their Annual Avocado Festival; and, upon finishing, expecting a blissfully fruitful avocado saturation (the run promoted "plenty" of avocados for everyone) was what I had in mind. However, we didn't run among farms of avocado trees (we 5Kers ran down one road and back up again,) we didn't arrive during the famed festival (it was the following day,) and there weren't "plenty" of avocados awaiting us (there were about four, small buckets full.) I noted, in fact, that the Half Marathoners didn't even receive avocados. I do feel bad, but there didn't seem to me to be any 5K runners with armfuls of them. We just picked up one or two. No one policed those efforts, and I'm sure that no one understood that so few avocados were being made available. The word "plenty," it's relative, I guess. I mean, there could just as easily have been four buckets of bananas, and we could have run the "Banana Half Marathon & 5K" instead, right? The "Avocado Capital" ran out, did they? Uh-huh. Having run the 5K, and because we were redirected to park at a church three miles away from the event--then to be shuttled in--I wish I had opted to purchase a parking pass for the Live Oak Park lot nestled directly next to packet pick-up and registration. I assume there was an email inviting runners to do just that, but I parked at the church anyway. The problem was that after running the 5K, we weren't shuttled back to our cars until over two hours later! No one--not any of the volunteers--seemed to have answers to this. But we--with many frustrated others--waited...and waited...and waited... (By the way, our bus--when it finally did arrive--broke down en route to the 5K church parking. Add another 20 minutes.) And the medals... Wrong date, on those that had a date; others were dateless. And the ribbons: some were simply green (like mine) and some were more colorful, promoting the race itself. I don't know... This run, it just didn't live up to what I was hoping for. So Fallbrook, I'm sorry for the 2-stars. But that's what updates are for. And if you didn't receive criticism such as these, you wouldn't have the need to improve. And improving is what I expect will be on the table for next year. I congratulate your hosting this what-could-have-been-so-much-better run. This is constructive, by the way. Mistakes allow for growth. So...keep growing. Having an uphill run, 30:36:3. (Seems wrong though. Maybe it was gun time.) O.o

I love riding my bike, I love watching the pros ride, but until the last few years I had no…read moreinterest in watching local/regional bike races. All that changed with the Carlsbad Grand Prix. It all comes down to the amazing bike culture we have here with local teams and local sponsors coming together to promote the best of cycling. Unlike 5k's and tri's which we all known more as individual sports. There is an aspect of cycling that is communal which separates it from other races. The fact that we do group rides, compete on strava and learn from other riders make us even more competitive. First off the view is unbeatable (above the flower fields with 100 degree view of the ocean. The crit is flat (basically) and fast with only 1 corner to really worry about. The last corner sees crashes of people positioning themselves. The recent edition was wet and saw wipe outs. It's a closed course blocked by CPD. The sponsors have really grown and provide pace cars, trail moto, on course ref's and officials along with expo. With most of the big races in San Diego, Long Beach, Ontario, Redlands. This and the recent SLR put racing back in NCSD and with such an abundance of talent training locally. This race has sparked my interest to upgrade from a Cat 6 racer. For other fun races check out Belgain Waffle Ride, SLR over more recreational rides like Bike The Coast.

The inaugural Encinitas Half Marathon was held March 26, 2017 in the lovely seaside city of…read moreEncinitas, CA in northern San Diego County. The Start/Finish line was at Moonlight Beach, with the majority of the course heading being on The 101, complete with 7 miles of oceanside running. This was my first time running a course of this design where you head out one way, then backtrack and come back to the start line area before heading out the opposite direction only to return again to the finish line. There are several steep downhills, which then become steep uphills on your way back. Oh, and the starting line is on a hill going up, so you'll start the race going up a hill. Once turning left after crossing the starting line, you will immediately encounter a very steep downhill only to enjoy a longer but not as steep uphill climb just around the next corner. I personally found this race to be a little boring, but the citizens of Encinitas sprinkled throughout the course were fantastic. I'm sure the excitement will only increase as the race continues and crowd support grows. The finish line festival was great and offered many vendor booths. The only critiques that I would offer is to provide aid station locations for water, electrolytes,and gels on the course map to allow for runner planning, and a more accurate elevation chart. Also, final instructions and bib number information could be emailed to the runners. Perhaps they did send, but I received no correspondence other than my registration confirmation. Nor,did I receive the tech shirt when I picked up my bib on race day morning. All in all, it was a very nice race with plenty of aid stations, port-a-johns, and a large and colorful finishers medal at the end. Shout out to the organizers and volunteers on doing a great job. I totally recommend.

The posted pictures of runners coursing along the shoreline are NOT part of the Encinitas Half…read more I'm, uh, not sure as to why the promoter placed them here, unless it was simply a mistake. Because those pictures are actually from the Surfing Madonna Beach Run, which is run entirely on the sand. (Both races, same promoter.) However, what is surely important to note is that if you run both the Surfing Madonna 15k (now, a 12k) and Encinitas' Half, consecutively and in that order, you'll snag not only two awesome-looking medals from the runs themselves, but also the badass combo medal for completing the Challenger Series. And it'll be worth it. Now, to the Encinitas Half... When I ran it this year, like it continues to, the out-and-back course simply follows for the most part the PCH as it runs alongside the beach. There's about a 560 ft. elevation gain, a hill, one tough to tackle, that's at the end, but 2019's course changes that: no more monster hill! That'll make things a bit easier. The course begins and ends at Moonlight Beach's parking lot, so if you get there early enough, parking will also be a bit easier. The run is ok, and I'd run it again, but it's not one of my favorites. The medals, though, from running both included in the Challenger Series, they make up for it. They definitely have eye-catching appeal!

Not even going to lie. While this may have been a 5K breeze for many, I found myself huffing and…read morepuffing throughout. It doesn't help that I didn't train what so ever for this lovely 14 obstacle course mud run. Registration was done online and we quickly hopped on it because as time progressed, the prices increased dramatically. We were able to find a discount code online so it came out to around $30 something. The highest it can go up to is $68 which is the last month before the run. So you may want to quickly decide or you'll be paying a lot more than you originally want to. Although you sign up for a specific wave time, they aren't super strict about the time you actually start the race. Granted that it's not a few hours after your initial time but I don't believe they will turn you down. So if your buddies get a time that isn't exactly as yours, you can all start in the same wave together. Waves of runners start off every 15 minutes and it can be up to 300 runners at a time. Your bib has this small gps thing attached to it in case you want to have they keep track of your time. Another way is to remember your personal # because they will ask for it at the end. Parking was $10. I highly suggest you arrive early, at least one hour before your scheduled start time. The process to grab your bib and free stuff wasn't well organized. The lines were long and VERY slow. To do your part, you should print out the waiver from their website, fill it out entirely and sign it before you show up to the booth. It'll save some time at least. The beginning of the race was mostly filled with running in the dry heat. You'll run into some obstacles like hay stacks or hopping over k-rails. After you have been running for some time, your skin will be burning if you haven't applied any sun block. At that point you'll be asking yourself, where is the stupid mud or water from the lake? Your wish will be granted when you arrive at some mud pools that you have to jump into. They expect you to plow through it neck deep even though if you stand it'll only be about waist high. The first pool was as raunchy as a nasty gas station's restroom. That one stunk like crap the most. The others weren't as bad but I guess you start to get use to the smell. Don't give up yet, there's more mud and more obstacles to face. From their website they showed a picture of the tunnel crawl obstacle big enough so you can kind of crouch through it. Don't get fooled, those tunnels were super tight. Claustrophobia instantly settled in even though I don't really suffer from it. That was where I received most of my cuts and bruises. I would recommend you doing it on your back and push your way through using your feet. Much easier that way. Too bad I didn't know that until afterwards. Their best obstacle was probably the slip n' slide into the lake. I actually wanted to run back and do it again. Also, be careful when you run across the rocks, you can easily slip and crack your head open especially when your shoes are wet or filled with mud. Although you may want to treat this like a time race, remember to have fun and don't kill yourself. I did like how they had volunteers throughout the race feeding you smart water as you passed by. For my first mud run, it was pretty cool. I don't know if I would want to be a regular at this. I did find it to be challenging, exhausting at times, but since my buddies were there to mess around with me, we just had fun with it. Definitely not the greatest time, but at least we got done with it while still having a blast. The final three obstacles and finish line was located in the baseball field so everyone is watching and cheering you on from the bleachers. They were giving out bananas and Fuse bottled drinks at the end of the run. Plus for you 21+, you get one free beer voucher if you registered and paid to run the event so don't lose that voucher! The fire department was out hosing us down under while we were washing up under the showers. I would recommend bringing a change of dry/clean clothes and shoes/slippers to change into after the race. Also, if you have a water proof camera then I would also recommend it. Remember, have fun and be safe! Try not to get the mud in your mouth because it looks like that gunk that appears when your toilets back up.

This was pretty cool. Especially at the end - the "surprise" mud pit that you have to slosh to get…read moreout of. You come out looking like the mud monster in icky yellowish brownish mud. I won't say it, but the mud smelled terrible and stuff. Plenty of obstacles. Only thing I would really complain are the rock area where I almost slipped and died. Those rocks weren't stable and secured. Someone could have really injured themselves. The packet pick up wasn't bad. Flowed well, as long as you had your waiver signed Parking was $10 - carpool!!! :) Highly recommended. Just don't go to that McD's nearby. Terrible service! We waited forever for a coke and coffee. SMH

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!

Bree was awesome! We had a great time. Can't wait to come back. I never knew I had a hidden talent…read morewith throwing axes.

Bree was great! Our whole family had a great time. We would definitely do it again. Highly…read morerecommend to anyone.