I didn't run the Shamrock 8k in 2021, but I applaud them for their efforts to adapt Shamrock…read moreWeekend to the strange times we're living in while keeping the runners safe. The 2016 Shamrock 8K was my very first race and it will always have a special place in my heart because of that. The race is around the Oceanfront area so the crowd support is awesome! You even have people cheering for you off their balconies in the hotels. Since it's such a large event that means no matter if you're walking it or truly racing it you're going to have a good time. You have some people who go for PRs, but I'd say most dress up and have fun with it. If you're looking for an extra challenge you can sign up for the Dolphin or Whale Challenges which has you run the 8K on Saturday and then either the half or the full on Sunday. The swag you get at the finish and the quality of the after party hasn't been matched by any other race I've attended. Everything is five-star from start to finish.

2018 Yelpie 100 Challenge One of the most fun runs to do…read morewhether you live here or are just visiting!! Lots of music, fun, entertainment, and most importantly, FOOD!!! Crowd support is unbelievable! The police and organizers are wonderful with security and coordination, so such a smooth-running event!!! The medals are great! The Irish stew nourishing!! And, of course, for all you beer drinkers, lots of Yuengling at the finish!!! But make sure you have your ID or wrist band with your beer tickets (on your bib), otherwise, none for you!! The post-race party inside the tent is amazing! Great band playing great music !!! Great way to start your day and end your race!!!‍ but why should the adults have all the fun...bring the kids for the Final Mile!!! Then you can all get your day off to a great start!

I will say that J&A Racing has it going on, and the org definitely knows how to organize a great…read morerace weekend. From registering for the Shamrock Half, to the expo, the race itself, and the post-race after party, I thought everything was amazing. The Expo (Va Beach Convention Ctr): I picked up my bib on the 1st day, so it was somewhat crowded; however, things moved pretty smoothly. While I did not stick around to enjoy the festivities, there were plenty of vendors and things to do with the family to get the full expo experience. Like most expos, there were plenty of things to buy, but I did not get a sense that I was going to be harrassed to buy anything. Race day: This is a great race because the course is pretty flat. While most of it is a bit in and out for the half marathon, there are plenty of fun sights to see while running. The fluids stations were fully stocked, and there were not any major bottle necks at the start line and during the course. If I could make one change to the course, I wanted to spend more time running on the boardwalk. Other than that small complaint, everything was great. Post-race celebration: Here is where the real party was located. I was 100% pleasantly surprised that J&A Racing hosted the post-race party INSIDE of a huge pavilion tent because the temps were in the mid to high 30s. Swag: You definitely will get a lot of cool stuff with your registration fee. Pre- and post-race swag included a long-sleeve tech shirt, beach towel, cap, four beer tickets, a cup of a Irish stew (technically, soup), bag, and a bunch of snacks. *I feel like I'm missing something.* A couple of tips: -Be very careful with parking. Some of the tow truck companies were very predatory and towing cars left and right. -Arrive early to find well-priced parking. A few places were charging $35+ for day parking. This was disgusting because I'm sure they jacked up their prices because it was marathon weekend, which occurs during the off season. Fortunately for me, the parking garage at 25th St charged only $10 for 24 hr parking.

I didn't run the Shamrock Half Marathon in 2021, but I applaud them for their efforts to adapt…read moreShamrock Weekend to the strange times we're living in while keeping the runners safe. I've done all of the Shamrock Races, but the half is always my favorite. Well except in 2017. If you know you know... that race was BRUTAL! It's a flat and fast course. The scenery changes every few miles which is so great mentally and I've pushed myself to multiple PRs year after year. The crowd always comes out in force to cheer you on too. Everything is so well organized from packet pick up at the amazing Shamrock Weekend expo - full of vendors and world-class speakers to the finish line. I hope you're ready for a party- the Shamrock Weekend races have one of the best after parties in the business. It's a true celebration. I look forward to returning to Virginia Beach to run this one again and again!

Five Stars. Great job with the kids. Getting them ready for fall season. High energy coaching…read more Well done.

Another year! Another 5k on 4th of July!…read more I especially loved this years race as they added a kids play zone and change the route just a bit so the track ends right at the finish line!

If you want a fun run this is one for you. If you're a competitive runner wanting a staged start…read morebased on you speed you might not like it as much. Organized: Check-in went very well with a decent race goodie bag and nice race shirt. The 2015 t-shirt choice was a patriotic tank top patriotic. The race is controlled start with Team Hoyt going first (as it should be) then 5-10min later the launch of everyone else. Orange cones and race personnel kept everyone on track and the whole event following. I never saw or heard of any hiccups. Parking: Plenty of parking next between the Y and Mt. Trashmore. No problem getting in or out. Race Route: Start (and end) on South Blvd. in front of Mt. Trashmore YMCA. From there you'll enter the park on Mt Trashmore Blvd for about 1.5mi around the back area between the two lakes before popping back on the Mt. T Blvd and South Blvd. Pre and Post Race Activities: For being a small race of approximately 550 to 600 runners it had one of the better set-ups for activities. Child play area, DJ, fruit (oranges, banana's, apples), water bottles, vendors with goodie items. Good job YMCA! Overall: It was a nice fun run supporting the YMCA's programs or for training for a competitive run but not much more than that.

Forward Fitness Performance Running Club was popping up on my Facebook feed during the fall of…read more2016. I was very excited to see a running club starting in the Great Bridge area. Unfortunately, I was in physical therapy for an injury and knew that I was not ready to join. I noticed that this club was also part of Forward Fitness Performance (FFP). I decided to get in touch with FFP at the beginning of 2017 to see if they could help me strengthen areas that were weak, in hopes of being a less injury prone runner. I started working out in February 2017 with Michael and Haleigh 3 times a week in the group strengthening class. I greatly appreciate Michael's knowledge and passion for all aspects of physical fitness. He is a stickler for form and is very patient and attentive to each person in our class. He always has a way of making the exercises a bit more challenging as our fitness improves, and modifies exercises if we are faced with an injury. The facility is always clean and Michael and Haleigh are very conscientious with regards to starting and ending each class on time. They genuinely care about each person's fitness and wellbeing. They work very hard to accommodate their clients with Personal Training, Group Strength Training, Group Conditioning Training, Sport Performance Training, Zumba, Running Club, and classes on nutrition. They continually offer new challenges to help motivate each person towards their fitness goals. I can honestly say that I look forward to my workouts at FFP and I'm very excited to be a part of this gym. I'm doing things that I never imagined that I would be able to do. Everyone is very friendly and encouraging. This is a great environment to move you in the direction of being a healthier and stronger person. Christina P.

Love this place and the staff! They have personal training, group sessions, running club, ect. Come…read moreand try it out!

My sons and I have been attending classes here for a few months. Instructors are top notch. They…read moreteach a variety of historical fencing and modern combatives. I love the Irish stick fighting class. And you get to try some classes for free.

This was a beautiful day for a wine festival!…read more I attended this park this past Sunday which was May 3rd for the 2nd Annual Portsmouth Wine Festival. My friends and I got a VIP table which said eight comfortably. We were able to bring in food and decorate our table...all in all this was a great event. Again the weather was super beautiful it was a little chilly but as we begin to dance drink wine and have a good time it warmed up very quickly at least in my mind. A nice park here ...open field... I have attended this park before for a church event where you are able to set up a stage and have open ground where people can either bring chairs or have tents set up. Beautiful area located steps from the water... It's not a park that features any type of activities for kids it's just an open space that one can turn into something beautiful. Parking is all around street parking I believe there is a parking garage about a half a mile away if not closer. Have fun and enjoy life. :)

I've walked passed Cape Story Park for years when walking the Cape Henry Trail…read more Today was really cool with the unseasonable warm weather and timing of kids out of school. It was busy! So what's at Cape Story Park to enjoy? A full basketball court and a play area with swings. Also space to play a pickup football game that I witnessed today. What makes the park a four star is location off the trail. It's absolutely ideal for nearby residents. It's not a park I would recommend unless walking the trail as there is no parking. 3.5, rounding up.