I’ve run Long Beach twice now and I like it more each time. The packet pick up at the Convention Center is fairly easy if you don’t bother parking at the Convention Center itself. I waited until the last minute on Saturday and was able to easily pick up the packet and avoid crowds. Packet itself was ok–t shirt fit much better this year than in years past when the shirt was too short or tight. Otherwise not much in the packet. I was part of a charity team and got a bunch of free Cliff stuff in addition to the Cliff stuff which was mailed to us a month or so before the race. The course itself is great–the first mile and mile 3-4 are fairly boring, but the rest is super scenic and filled with plenty of spectators. I think of the Beach Cities races, Long Beach has the best course and the best spectators.
I didn’t partake in much post-race festivities. I got my Beach Cities medal and got out because I hate crowds.
Overall, A- for Long Beach. Would do it again, especially given that next year will be 30th year. Won’t do Beach Cities Challenge again due to my dislike of Surf City course and the terrible OC post-race experience last year.
