Overall
Pre-race
Course
Post-race
Submitted by charisseb
June 3, 2013
Review
This was the EARLIEST I’ve ever woken up for a race. After a 2:45 am wake up (for a half marathon – not a full!), we rushed to meet our shuttle bus because the race emails made it sound as though we would face certain death if we missed our assigned 4 am shuttle. We arrived for the shuttle at 3:45 am and realized that there was no one checking to make sure that people were getting on their scheduled shuttles as assigned (Mental note – next year, get on the later shuttle since it really doesn’t matter anyway). We were dropped off at near the site in total darkness on an empty road at 4 am (for a 6 am race) and told to walk the mile to the start. (I later learned other buses dropped runners off closer.) We then sat in the freezing cold for 2 hours with little to do but wait for the race to begin. No snacks, no heaters, no water, plus music and porta-potties weren’t available until nearly 4:30am. While waiting, we noticed that the start line was set up to run right through the lines for the porta-potties (might want to the re-think that one next time). Despite all of this, the course itself was fun and easy and at times quite beautiful. The actual race and post-race were well organized. If they could get the pre-race mess figured out, this would definitely be a race worth repeating.
Overall
Pre-race
Course
Post-race
Submitted by Beverly O'Neal
June 1, 2013
Review
Pre race we huddled in the dark after being dropped off by the shuttles for over an hour. It was very cold and many runners took the opportunity to meet new people and encourage each other. The commaraderie was an A+. The course itself is very nice, I did this race the previous year (O2O) and who can argue with so much downhill? My only problem this year was the lack of any porta-potties on the course. Perhaps the fact that the pre-race porta potties were on the wrong side of the start line contributed to the number of people looking for them during the race. Yes the porta potties at the start were on the course side of the start line. Crazy! You couldn’t use it once they started the waves without triggering your chip. 13.1 miles is usually doable, but if you need to go you need to go and I was somewhat distressed to learn there were no facilities until the finish line. Shame on you course directors! There were two public restrooms along the route and perhaps they thought this would be sufficient … any ladies out there want to wait in line for 15+ minutes?? Unfair. Should have snuck into the mens room. Post race was wonderful. Lots of grass to sit on, music, stalls, snacks. A++. I seriously hope they consider adding a potty stop or two next year.
Overall
Pre-race
Course
Post-race
Submitted by mitch4
April 3, 2013
Review
I did this last year under the old name of Ojai to Ocean marathon. Ojai is a quiet little town, we stayed near the start to avoid the busses transporting people to the start. Although I did not take the busses, I heard there were some issues with that. Having said that, all marathon runners were at the start of the race. The race was delayed about 10 minutes for reason unknown to me. There were plenty of PO’J’s at the start, although they were located directly at the start and the line had to form into the street. I read they are changing this.
The course was beautiful, the path is narrow in some spots, but it never felt crowded, passing could be a challenge for someone impatient. Water stops were plentiful and only the first one was having trouble keeping up with demand. Around mile 23 though there was no water for 2 miles and this was a rough spot for a lot of people, it was very warm and water was definitely needed every mile at that point ( I also read they were fixing this too). The course itself is slightly downhill up to about mile 20 where it flattens out for the remainder. You pass the back of the finish area where there is a lot of crowd support that’s nice since running the path there is not much room for spectators. Pacers were great, I used the 3:35 and she had us on target the entire time, grabbing several waters at the stops for anyone. Can’t say enough good things about her. Finish line located right next to the ocean, was hopping with music and a general good feeling, there was a big grassy area to stretch out and relax. Medals were cool bottle openers in a rustic metal. I liked it, but I heard people complain. T shirt was a nice tech v-neck. No busses back to the start that I remember, not a problem for me that day.
I’m hoping to do again this year if I can get the miles in this month, wish me luck.
