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!

This 5k run has been an annual event for quite some time on the Joint Expeditionary Base Little…read moreCreek. The event is organized by MWR and free due to sponsorships and open to military and civilians. Thank you to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, 5 Nutrition and Driving Defense Law. All runners need ID to enter JEB. The runners begin at Rockwell Gym where hot chocolate was flowing and generous portions of snacks and drinks. The theme of course was Christmas given the name and timing. So it was suggested attendees wear something in the spirit of the season. I was a Stooge and had nothing fun and was trying to figure out how to be warm in 38° and pouring rain. There was an introduction by the base commander thanking participants. The route takes runners by the golf course which I've played many times and around the beach to a finish of 3.1 miles. The turnout was still good, but probably off with inclement weather. The group was still festive in spite of rough conditions.. Although runners were not chipped a clock was present. Finishers got a reindeer medal and invited back to Rockwell Gym for water, snacks and comrade. But of course post race photos too. This was my first time attending, but hope not my last. Thank you to the organizers for putting on a Christmas fun run. I was personally satisfied with a best time.

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!

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.

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. :)

ve have been playing here for approx, 20 years, was a great little 9 hole mostly par 3 golf course…read more The wait times have gotten really bad. On Sunday August 2nd 2020 at approx 0800, the course folks allowed a 5 some walking and all employees of the course (or so they said) go in front of everyone, they had no one in front of them, and they refused to let a 2some play through. They had no golf etiquette at all. Very slow and very poor players. the course was backing up badly. with 3 groups behind us and all waiting on the 5some. The course is lacking care the greens are not cut properly and very bumpy the course lacks upkeep. Perhaps the employees should be working and not playing golf!!!!!!!

This is a fun, well maintained course that is very suitable for novices. It's only a 9 hole course,…read morebut they normally have the blue and white tees in different enough locations to keep it interesting if you want to play 18 by going through it twice and switching tees. 6 out of the 9 holes are par 3, including the first hole that is no more than 100 yards. You get most everything on this course that you would want to train to go up to a full size course. Dog leg par 4's, a 200 yard par 3, a green nearly completely surrounded by sand, and a hole that requires you to shoot over water. I shoot in the high 90s on regular courses, so this one is my favorite in the area. I don't give it 5 stars only because I'm not sure how well it would suit a low handicap golfer.

Wonderful spot for families limited parking it's in a neighborhood however there is a full…read moreplayground a rec center that hosts, different activities and plenty of rocks to fish off of the water is shallow and the beach is Sandy. There's a grill available for cooking out.

On August 17, I attended an onsite training and introduction to the club with Jason, the trainer…read more After about 20 minutes of discussion, we discovered an issue: Jason explained that only five boats are available for after-hours rentals per day, with occasional exceptions. I informed him that this limitation had not been communicated to me. When I initially inquired about any restrictions on after-hours boating, I was told that the only limitation would typically be bad weather. Given this misunderstanding, we agreed to pause the training, and I was scheduled to return for a face-to-face meeting with management. The primary reason we signed up for the club was to have access to after-hours boating, as this is when we primarily intend to use the boats--for entertaining friends during dinner and enjoying sunsets. This benefit was heavily sold to us and what excited us the most about joining. On August 20th, I had a meeting with the GM, Billy, to discuss what I believed was a miscommunication regarding after-hours rentals. Unfortunately, the meeting was unproductive. Billy was adamant that the terms regarding after-hours rentals had not been misrepresented and that I remain under contract, with after-hours rentals only allowed if there is availability. While he acknowledged that the club typically does not mention any quantity limitations, he did not consider this misleading. I have attached my text message history, in which I clearly asked for details regarding after-hours rentals. As you can see no limitations other than weather were mentioned. I believe there were other potential resolutions, such as approving our after-hours rentals as long as we refuel the boat, imposing a higher penalty fee if the boat is not fueled, or removing the privilege if abused. However, the meeting was quite combative, and no negotiations were possible. Why the GM would want to keep me captive in a hostile contract is beyond me and I had to reach out to my credit card company as Billy denied my request for a refund. After sending my credit card company the photos I have attached here I was refunded my money immedietly and my dispute approved. I was initially optimistic of a resolution, however the meeting with Billy did not go well and he was more interested in enforcing the contract and told me a could cancel after 12 months.

Very clean and organized! Dock staff is caring and quick working! I highly recommend becoming a…read morenew! It truly makes owning boat easy!!