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Submitted by pbrosnan
July 8, 2014
Review
Well organized and all the important things they got right — pre race info and packet pick-up, shuttles, course info and markings, organized start, water and aid stations, finish line water and fuel replacement even for the back of the pack.
My only negative is that just when the course starts getting pretty — (yes) vineyards and distant mountains and cows — instead of downtown streets past random houses — it is time for the Half marathoners to turn around. Definitely consider doing the full marathon to get the beautiful course.
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Post-race
Submitted by pasadena13
April 7, 2013
Review
This was my first time running the San Luis Obispo Half Marathon and my fifteenth half marathon total and I had such a great experience! I was surprised that it was so organized for only being in its second year.
The expo was held outdoors in a large tent at the Madonna Inn in SLO. The expo was on the small size, but had lots of enthusiastic vendors, mostly from local businesses. I had no problem picking up my bib, gear check backpack, and shirt. The shirts were really nice (tech material and long sleeved), however, they ran about two sizes smaller than usual. I usually wear a small in shirts but had to exchange the shirt for a large (you could exchange your shirt after the race in the expo tent).
Being from out of the area, I stayed at a hotel in Downtown SLO and walked a little over a mile to the start line, which was at SLO High School. I got there about 45 minutes early and it was super, super windy. There were plenty of volunteers handing out cups of water and “Fluid”, the electrolyte drink of the race, near the start. Much appreciated! Gear check was at the start line and was very easy, it was arranged by bib numbers by UPS truck.
There was music playing and everyone was really excited. The race started on time. There weren’t any corrals or wave starts, which was fine because it was a smaller race (I had heard there was around 4,000 runners in the half marathon). But, there was plenty of signage so you could line up according to your estimated finish time.
The course was great, lots of turns through Downtown SLO and roads winding through hillsides. It was a challenging course with rolling hills throughout. There were many spectators. I could tell SLO was an active community that supports running. Many of the residents along the course set up sound systems with music playing for the runners.
The aid tables were awesome – cups of water, Fluid, and Clif shot gels were at just about every one. There were mile markers at every mile.
The finish line was at the Madonna Inn. As you crossed the finish line, your name was read and you got a really nice medal. From there, you proceeded to the food tent, where there was cups of water, Jamba Juice oatmeal with brown sugar and berry topping, Jamba Juice smoothies, and various other Jamba Juice snacks (crackers, chips, puffed corn, etc). It was great!
From there, I picked up my gear and walked another mile back to my hotel. It was a long drive home (3-4 hours away from where I live), but I’m so glad I participated! Definitely recommended!!
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Submitted by Leah Rindner
June 20, 2012
Review
I still can’t believe this was an inaugural marathon. The course support and organization were both absolutely fantastic. Water stations, port-a-potties, availability of gels, volunteer enthusiasm – everything was perfect. The course was beautiful and I really enjoyed the town of SLO. Make sure to leave yourself a day or two to check the town out. Highly recommended marathon!!!
Overall
Pre-race
Course
Post-race
Submitted by Rocky Morales
April 23, 2012
Review
Fantastic race on a challenging course that was tougher than the course profile would suggest. Luckily, it was overcast the entire day or else it could have been brutal out there.
The course started just outside San Luis Obispo High School and then ran into the winelands area of SLO, through rolling hills and then finished at the beautiful and wide open space of the Madonna Inn hotel.
Race organization was absolutely perfect. I have never seen either an expo or aid stations so well run and the post-race was also great with a beer garden and a post race concert (that I did not stick around for after my race).
I was the 4:30 pacer for this race and started out with a group of about 15 runners and had a great time out there.
Nice medal, great shirt, plenty of aid at the aid stations and, best of all, great community support to cheer us on throughout the race whether in Downtown SLO at the start and near finish or even while running through the winelands.
I cannot recommend this race highly enough! 🙂
