I ran for froyo! My friends and I thought it would be a fun race to do. For about ~$40, we ran…read morethe Froyo 10K in OC. It was held at Irvine Meadows which is really close to my neck of the woods. We checked in to receive our race bib, Dry-fit hat, and Froyo race sunglasses on the day of the race. Parking was $10 per car and carpooling was encouraged. We could have checked in a little later but it was fine to wake up bright and early to get our blood pumping for a run. The 10K started at 7:45 am and the 5K started at 9 am. Check-in started at 6:45 am for the 10K. My boyfriend and I arrived around 6:50 am and parked. The course was supposed to be mostly flat but there were a few decent hills on race day. It was a different course than on the website. Instead of mapping it out so it wasn't boring for the 10K runners, we ended up repeating the 5K course. Don't get me wrong, it was a decent run but the course was a) longer than 10K, b) boring because we ended up running the exact same lap over again, and c) they did a bad job of coning off the street when there was a car coming down the race course, albeit slowly with hazards on. There was plenty of water along the race course which I'm sure everyone was grateful for and there were porta-potties at the beginning of the course. In the middle of the race and at the end, we got to run through water misters, which would have been ideal had it been warmer out but because it was cool and overcast, it wasn't necessary. We finished under the finisher arches, handed a medal in the shape of a spoon, and given a bottle of water. Then we made our way over to the frozen yogurt area, you are given a choice of one flavor of yogurt and up to three toppings. I opted for the original tart with granola, almonds, and Oreo crumbles. They held a short recognition ceremony for the overall fastest runners and the first runners in each age group, giving out golden spoons to the qualifiers. Overall, it was a great way to start the weekend! 3.5 stars.

Likes: + Friendly staff…read more + Decent amount of amenities. + Medals awarded for 1st placers of all age brackets. I won first cuz all other men in my age group were too scared to sign up! xD Non-likes: - The design of the start for the duathlon is confusing. I thought it was just a bike ride and then a run. Turns out there's an awkward short run before the bike ride, and it starts all the way downhill on the sand, and there aren't any clear markers located throughout this first run. I started two min late, and idk who or what to follow. Caught up with a couple other stragglers, we just wandered aimlessly until we decided to return to the bike rack to begin our ride. - No snacks or drinks provided throughout the 24-mi bike ride. Good thing I had my own energy gels. My thighs would've cramped much earlier on and I wouldn't have been able to finish otherwise. - Parking should've been free for all visits related to this event. I paid an unnecessary additional $30: $15 for picking up the packet the day before (when they could've set the pickup at a different location and earlier day where parking can be free and more ample). Man, the Reef Point parking lot was so small for the amount of guests that showed up. Gripes: - I've been to other endurance events where there was a larger variety of snack and drinks provided.

Yesterday was my husband's first experience doing a Duathlon (running, cycling, and then running)…read more We were excited he would get to run and bike along such a beautiful course in the heart of the Orange County beaches. LOGISTICS - I have to admit the duathlon felt like an "after-thought" at this event, because the instructions and signage for the duathlon start was completely confusing. There were at least 10-12 athletes that were standing at the sign that marked "duathlon start" but ended up being in the completely WRONG area when the du started. FAIL. FAIL on the part of the planners. Did someone change the starting line at the last minute? Poor communication and an entire group of people were left behind in the dust & were scurrying everywhere trying to find the starting line. Apparently, the duathlon athletes started at the same starting line as the aquathlon folks? How did that happen? EXPO on day of event - It was a medium size event so only a couple sponsors were out there with drinks, snacks, etc. Not much entertainment going on, so not really worth hanging out too long after you finish the race. REGISTRATION - Registration process was a breeze, if you use the paper form. You don't have to pay any service fees, but it may just take a bit longer for the organizers to process it. It was smart of them to have packet pick-up date on the day before the event, so that no one was frantically trying to pick up their packet on day of. It probably created less problems.

Today was the 27th annual Corona del Mar Scenic 5K, and I set out with fellow Yelpers Lisa V,…read moreMonica P, and Robert C to run the race and enjoy some yummy food after we were done. This was my 5th year in a row participating in this event, and I always enjoy it, even though it's a very challenging course. So I should say that I sometimes ask myself why I torture myself this way WHILE I'm running it, but AFTER I'm done, I feel happy and invigorated that I conquered the challenge. One unique aspect of the Corona del Mar Scenic 5K is that there is a separate men's and women's race. The men always start first, so we ladies get to relax a little and cheer on the gentlemen. Then in return, they get to watch us when their race is over. BF did a good job of going from place to place during today's race and got to see me twice while I was running and then again right before I crossed the finish line. The race is indeed scenic and winds throughout the neighborhood. You see beautiful homes, cute parks, and an amazing ocean view. My only complaint this year, and hence the 4 stars instead of 5, was that there was no more water available after the women's race. That's just bad planning. The line for the food area moved fairly quickly, and we sampled a lot of delicious treats, including breakfast burritos from Avila's El Ranchito, tacos from Islands, pizza from Gina's, salmon pate and scones with lemon curd from Five Crowns, Chinese chicken Salad from Bamboo Terrace, and creme brule from Quiet Woman. I think the Yelp gang was happy to actually eat the creme brule instead of hearing me talk about it the last few weeks. As we enjoyed our post-race meal, we enjoyed the scenery and watched the awards presentation. Those who placed in the top 3 of their age groups received a really nice plaque. BF got 2nd place in his age group. Woo hoo! I'll be there again next year! (I just hope the water situation is fixed, Mr. or Ms. Chamber of Commerce).

This wasn't the 27th annual CdM 5K...I think we are into the 30's somewhere by now...but I'm too…read morelazy to add a new event, so just think "2012" instead of "2008". I am not a runner, per se (*"per se" - a latin term meaning "He's old, fat and slow"), but I run quite a bit anyway. It's a lifestyle choice. And by "lifestyle" I mean that I need to run off all the stuff I eat and drink, or my lifestyle will be "death". In that spirit, I occasionally run in events like this...for the fun of it, for the healthy "lifestyle" it promotes and for the swag (technical fabric t-shirt this year...nice!). The CdM 5K is one of the nicest runs in the good old US of A! I rank the CdM 5K right up there with the Starlight Run in Portland (during the Rose Festival...the only chance most of us will ever have to run a foot race cheered on by 500,000 people). Not because there are so many people running and cheering for the CdM 5K, but because the course, the views, the local environment, the runners, the spectators, the post-race buffet breakfast and the overall "vibe" of this little jog are are almost too good to be believed. I registered online and dropped by the Oasis Senior Center (for which I am membership eligible, although I refuse to do so at the moment...still feeling young, thanks) to pick up our race packets and swag bags...easy squeezy! My adorable daughter, Whitney, moved to Coastal OC in the past week (really, who wouldn't want to live close to parents as "interesting" as the Beautiful Carin and I?) and she ran the 5K with me! We were solidly mid-pack of the 2-3,000 participants (although I did better my time from last year by a solid 2 minutes...I'm not only getting older...I'm getting better...ish). We had a great time and Whitney really enjoyed her first event as an official resident of OC...I look forward to many more of these events with her! If you ever wanted to try to jog one of these kinds of events, (or do the 2K walk or just drop by and look at lovely neighborhood and beautiful vistas), this is the one for you! You won't find a more welcoming group of people, a more helpful and pleasant race staff or a better venue for 5K than this one. And while I didn't avail myself of the post-race buffet at the finish line this year (although it did look awesome), my post race bloody mary and chicken fried steak retox at Cappy's was truly sublime! And that's why I run.

I've been a participant and strong supporter in the Komen Race for the Cure for several years (with…read morevarious chapters), and the Orange County chapter affiliate, by far is the BEST. The best ORGANIZED, the best VENUE, the best PEOPLE to WORK WITH, the best at FUNDRAISING. At this year's event, the OC chapter expected over 30,000 race participants and raised over $3 million to help fund breast cancer research, development and education!! Talk about a driving force!! It was such a warm day! I was the Team Captain again this year and formed a team of about 18 people (raised about $1500!!!) and we all raced the 9:45am. (I regret not choosing the earlier race time, 7:30am). Who knew it was going to be so hot!? Either way, we were all troopers and finished together. The 5K Course: + The event surrounded the outside of the beautiful Fashion Island Shopping Center in Newport Beach. (Near the Pacific Life Building) + The course was on the streets of Newport Center Drive, Anacapa, Avocado, San Miguel, finishing back onto Newport Center Drive. + Finish Line - It was such a overwhelming and emotional experience at the finish line. Not only were there tens of thousands of race participants, but also breast cancer survivors donned in their pink Komen shirts singing and holding hands. A Powerful Sight. + Expo - Who doesn't love free stuff! There were tons of free neat goodies. (I picked up an exclusive designed scarf at the Ford booth, beauty goodies at Planet Beauty, Yoplait Yogurt, and so much more!) Those Interested in Participating Next Year: + Since I formed a team and participants registered before the deadline date, I was able to pick up everyone's T-Shirts and Bibs during the Team Packet Pick up (several dates and times, scheduled before Race Day). This way, individuals don't need to wait in long lines on race day to pick up our shirts+bib. So convenient! + The crowd can be overwhelming, but just have to plan to arrive early. + Parking - There's several lots you can park off-site and the shuttle will pick you up (Corona del Mar HS ando ther places, mentioned on their site) Companies Interested in Sponsoring Next Year: + My company was a Diamond Level Sponsor and I've been in contact with Stacy Davis and Cadance Hinkle (Race for the Cure Teams Coach). + Working with the Komen Office was awesome! They are so responsive to emails and updates and incredibly organized. + The Sponsor reception was a wonderful kick-off event and really highlighted and thanked all sponsors involved with the Race for the Cure event. + The day of the Race, my company had a tailgaiting booth and took official team photos. Everything was so organized. I received the map and my photo time from Cadance at least a week in advance with follow up emails and VIP parking passes. + A worthwhile organization to support ! A wonderful event and race to participate in. I also do the Komen Race for the Cure LA (normally in the beginning of the year). The Komen Race for the cure OC, by far is the BEST and a MUST try for next year!

Having worked in hospitals for several years now, I have seen breast cancer afflict many women, men…read moreand girls under the age of 18. It is sadly an equal opportunity disease. I have lost two friends to breast cancer and have several friends currently living with it. For this reason, the Susan G. Komen OC Race for the Cure is a cause very close to my heart. I have participated in it for the last four years, and I can truly say it is the most inspirational and moving event. I have had such a great time every time I have been there. So many people participate in this event every year. It is fun to see everyone come out for it. This year there were 22,000 people attending with over 1,800 breast cancer survivors participating in the event. Many companies attend as a group and it is great to see them come out to support the race. This year I saw a girl hula hoop the entire 5K race. It was very impressive! There is a 7:30 a.m. 5K walk/run, an 8:00 a.m. 1 mile walk and a 9:45 a.m. 5K walk/run. I would recommend the earlier 5K if you are trying to decide between a time. Parking is much easier and the weather is a lot cooler and more comfortable to be in for the race which has several hills. Along the entire course, there are various bands, youth groups, DJs, cheerleaders, volunteers and well wishers to cheer you along during the course of the race. It is awesome!. Shuttle buses are available at the various parking areas to transport you to the race site also. There are so many sponsors at the event there promoting breast cancer awareness and testing and also giving away promotional goods and free food and beverage samples in the vendor area. You can eat a full breakfast after the meal with Yoplait, Jamba juice, Skinny Cow, Cascadian Farms, etc., giving away free samples and lots of free bananas and apples available. A fun event for a great cause. I look forward to attending now every year!

First time doing Dan Nitro Clark's Gladiator Rock N Run event. Gotta tell ya, I was not…read moredisappointed. Course was around 3.42 miles. I especially liked the balance beam over a 6ft drop into water obstacle. I didn't make it and the drop was super fun! Def get your money's worth. 17-20 obstacles that are both fun and challenging for athletes of all levels. Volunteers were awesome and Festival area was decent. Extra star for Nitro being so approachable and friendly with everyone at this event. I would recommend this run for people interested in doing a Spartan Race or Tough Mudder obstacle course race but aren't quite ready for it. Plus, they donate to TACA so that's cool. Too bad Irvine decided to build homes here as it looked like a decent venue for GRR.

This was my fourth adventure run and by far, the most fun! While some of the obstacles were a bit…read moreeasy (and there were way too many tire fields), it was a great experience. Parking was easy, lots of free stuff from the vendors, and Nitro was out and about and didn't seem to care a whit about the mud we got all over him during our picture with him. I'd like better rinse off options (or more of them, readily marked) for the next time. And more difficult obstacles. I think this event will only get better as it gains momentum!

It is so much fun for the entire family. Beautiful tree-lined course and costumes and a thousand…read moreplus Santas running around.

This run is a great way to further celebrate the holiday season with friends and family. It's not…read moreso much that I love the course (as beautiful as the UCI campus is, the course doesn't really afford much of a view), but there are many, many other reasons to include Run for a Claus as part of our family's tradition. First, I love that everyone receives Santa caps and beards upon registering. Hundreds of runners, bearded white and dressed up in red, is somewhat of a rare sight. It's funny to see and to be a part of. Santa is at the run, by the way, and if you are willing to wait in line a bit, you could possibly get a picture of what could turn out to be a fun Christmas Card. Also, there's hot chocolate waiting at the finish line for everyone, to be poured into Run for a Claus coffee​ mugs, which all registrants receive. I do wish, however, that Christmas carols and music could be played aloud throughout the 5K route. After all, who doesn't love Christmas music, and how often is it that you get to run when listening to it? Parking structures are close by, and I suggest getting to the race early, as it's an easier way to experience the expo and the atmosphere without feeling rushed. Love the snow globe medals!