I love this race. I did the 5k in 2013 and the 10k in 2014. They made a few changes from 2013 to 2014 that really improved the value of your race fee. In 2013 I would’ve given the race a B-/C+, but in 2014 it’s gotten bumped up to an A. Since it’s a nonprofit race run by volunteers, the race fee is much lower than other 5k or 10ks in Los Angeles, which I like. A big complaint in 2013 was the medals, and the race organizers heard the feedback loud and clear. While I’m not the type of runner who really runs for a medal, I will say they substantially upgraded this year. They went from medals that were the size of a silver dollar to medals that were the size of your palm. And the designs were much better too. If you’re someone who goes for the “bling” this medal will definitely be one you’ll like. It’s one of the nicer medals I have. Another big complaint in 2013 were the shirts. They went to tech shirts in 2013, but the fit was rather weird and was small on a lot of people. This year they went back to cotton shirts, but rather than the generic Hanes beefy T’s a lot of races give out, this was a premium cotton bamboo blend on par with an American Apparel shirt. And the design was really nice, so much so that I actually wear the shirt regularly.
Onto the race itself. The 5k course is basically a run from Chinatown up to Dodger Stadium and back. While there’s definitely an incline to get up to Dodger Stadium, it’s manageable. The 10k course. Man. It’s a beast, but worth it. It takes you from Chinatown up to Elysian Park and takes you up to the top of Elysian Park. It’s not easy, but man is that view worth it. Breathtaking views of Los Angeles at the top, a nice overview of Dodger Stadium, Downtown LA, and since it’s early in the morning and pretty clear it’s quite nice. The first mile is fairly flat, but miles 2 & 3 are basically entirely uphill so you’ll really feel the burn. I did some incline training to prepare but still got by butt kicked. Miles 4 & 5 are basically entirely downhill, and mile six is flat with a rolling hill or two.
Pre course- I always just pick up my packed the morning of. Well organized and easy. Parking is the standard parking in downtown LA routine. You will have to pay to park in a lot, but if you’ve ever been to downtown LA you know there is no such thing as free parking in downtown and roll with it. I love the race opening festivities. Before the start of the races they light of a few thousand firecrackers and have dragon dancers.
Race itself- I like that the 5k and 10k have staggered start times. Often when doing an event that offers both a 5k and 10k they have them start at the same time and you’ll get clogged up with 5k walkers slowing you down. 5k starts half an hour before the 10k so it helps immensely. Still a bit of a logjam for the first quarter mile due to sheer volume of people, but it spreads out pretty quickly. There are taiko drummers playing along the course as you head out of Chinatown towards either Dodger Stadium or Elysian Park on both the 5k and 10k courses, so that’s fun as they are drumming right when you start to climb hills. The taiko drummers are also there right as you are coming down the final hill for both courses too to bring you home. Nice touch to get you pumped. Overall It’s very well organized, good course support, and good support from the local community. A lot of people cheering along the course and well stocked water stations.
Post race festival is less health/fitness expo you get at most runs and more cultural celebration, which I like. Stage has different dancers and singers to enjoy. And since you’re in Chinatown, awesome food options too. I like going for dim sum afterwards, it’s actually what motivates me as I run. I just thing to myself… 4 more miles to dim sum, 3 more miles to dim sum, etc.
After trying out the 5k and 10k course, I’ll definitely be making this an annual thing… although only doing the 10k course if I have time to do incline training to take on that beast.