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Submitted by tifortega
February 26, 2014
Review
The packet pick up on Friday (the day before the race) was organized and quite efficient. The parking was near the expo, which was better than the previous years when you had to walk a bit to get to the expo.
The day of the race was a hectic! Don’t forget your ID – it required to even get on base – even if you are not driving base. I had to run all the way back to my car to get my ID. There was soo much traffic that I parked off base and walked a little ways to get to the start line.
There are a lot of events taking place and it is important to get there early!
The race was flat and fast but it is pretty much an up and back course-
I would like a water station between mile 2-5 on the 10k course.
The medals were awesome and the t-shirts are always a keeper.
The only bad thing was traffic build up for getting on base before the start.
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Submitted by pasadena13
February 25, 2013
Review
This was my first year participating in this event and I ran the 10K. This event also included a triathlon, a roller skating race, a 5K, and a 10K.
I arrived at the base around 6:00AM for a 7:00AM race start. Traffic was backed up for over a half mile due to base security checks. There were numerous traffic control attendants (both military and volunteers) which made things smoother, but it was quite a ways into the base and it took about 30-45 minutes to park and pick up my bib. Getting there early is a must!
There were thousands of participants in this race, and the 5K and 10K runners/walkers all started together. This race desperately is in need of wave starts and appropriate signage to encourage people of similar paces to start together (faster runners up front, etc). The start line area is very narrow and even though the event is chip timed, it still takes a long time to make your way to the start line. Once you are on the course, expect to weave your way around all of the walkers, strollers, and people jogging all the way across the path. Don’t try to get off path or you will be running in grass. I almost twisted my ankle. Although this course is definitely “fast and flat”, I don’t think a PR is likely due to so many participants.
The course was entirely on the air field of the Los Alamitos military base. It was really a pretty boring course, especially miles 2-5.5. There weren’t many spectators. There were three water stops (near miles 1, 5, and 6). I didn’t like how there wasn’t a water stop between the first and second water stops and I really got thirsty. There were several bands/DJs on the course, which was nice. There is no shade, so sunglasses are definitely helpful!
Participants were given a black, long sleeved shirt with the ROTB logo. Definitely something I’d wear. Orange drawstring backpacks were also distributed. There was a fairly large expo with numerous giveaways.
The finish line had a lot of spectators, but I didn’t see a clock. You got a medal (which was a really nice oversized dog tag with a plastic cover), then proceeded to get water bottles, coconut water, and bananas. I don’t remember seeing any other food at the finish line.
From there, you could stand in the Johnny Rebs line for your free meal. I stood in line for at least 45 minutes. The wait was awful. When I registered, I choose a breakfast burrito. When I got up to the front of the line, the lady told me they were all out and that I had to choose something else. So, I chose a chicken salad. It was actually very good. It came with your choice of dressing, apple juice, and a bag of potato chips. This was one area where way more volunteers or Johnny Rebs employees were needed. As you stood in line, there were people walking back and forth in front of you to get to/from the expo. It was a mess. The free meal was definitely appreciated though!
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Submitted by Rod Abbott
February 28, 2012
Review
The event was fun. I was excited by the flat 10k, and I hoped to set a personal record (I did). Access to the event was fairly slow (but efficient) because of base security ID-check and the single-lane to the parking area (I was there at 6:30 a.m.). Packet pick-up was quick and well-directed. SWAG consisted of a light-weight backpack and a nice technical shirt. I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t a collection of uninteresting free samples and advertisements many races provide.
The course is flat and well-marked where live music and volunteers cheered us on. Everything I expected.
My post-race review is a “B” because coffee cost $2.00 and it took over 45 minutes to exit the base, something probably impossible to remedy given the limited exit options. The post-race food was good with many options (e.g., bagels, fruits, etc.). The staff were helpful and congratulatory.
Overall a good experience.
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Submitted by nan
February 28, 2012
Review
I enjoyed the atmosphere at this well run event. Unfortunately, I didn’t give myself enough time to arrive on race morning — due to the security and single lane entrance — so was rushed to get to bib pick-up (but still made it because the 10k started about 15 minutes later than posted time). I think incoming traffic could’ve been better handled to make that not take so long. Arrived knowing that the course would be alot of flat run way, the bands made it enjoyable, but make no mistake, this is a stare at the asphalt sort of course! Participants and volunteers had a good vibe about them, and I really like the multiple events (from bladers, to triathletes), it made it feel very communal and spirited.
I did not partake of the free food or spend much time at the expo following the event, but it looked fun. Will definitely do it again.
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Submitted by Heather Rusch Gonzalez
February 26, 2012
Review
Easy packet pick up. Great shirt. Flat, fast course. Good on course support. Easy, close parking. Small expo.
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Submitted by nikkib
February 25, 2012
Review
The expo is small, but similar to others. The pre-packet pickup was not crowded. Coming in to the base on race day was tough – Leave really early. It took 20 minutes to park.
The course is flat, like you would expect, and fast. I like that there was a lot of space to move around people. There was music in a couple of places, which is nice if you like that. It was cool to see the helicopters.
The post race was what really disappointed me. I went to get my free breakfast, but the place was really crowded so I decided to go home. I waited more than 30 minutes to get off the base. Should have stayed and eaten! It seemed that there was nobody directing traffic for a while, because we were just sitting there. Once it started moving, it was fine.
If they fixed the parking issue, I would really like this race.
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Submitted by Rock
February 6, 2012
Review
There is a good atmosphere for the race, good turnout and lots of energy among the participants. While it is a novelty to get to run on an actual Naval Air Base, the course itself is in one word, boring. You circle part of the airstrip three or four times and that is about it. No charachter to the course at all, very flat (as you would expect an airstrip to be) and fast. Make sure to bring your ID or you will not get on the base to park.
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Submitted by runnerdude
January 5, 2012
Review
This race is perfect if you can get out front and stay there! Especially if you want a PR! The course is flat and fast. It has a small town vibe to it.
