With my first marathon complete I had time to reflect on everything that just happened. I loved how active on FB/emails Long beach marathon was. They kept you in the loop and up to date on anything you could have ever had any questions on. That makes it so easy on us.
The expo was very large and had lots of great freebies and vendors. I always just grab my bib/shirt and go. Parking was easy and available everywhere for $10.
They have the most awesome HUGE medals for the marathoners. Im very proud to hang up that bad boy! The shirts are a little obnoxious with boats and palm trees all over it but I rarely wear my race shirts anyhow since i have so many.
The only problem I had with this race at all was corrals, they were self served so Im not sure still why walkers think its okay to go to the front of corral 1 and walk 4 across. This bothers me so much. I have no problem with walkers just ask they be considerate of us trying to chase a pacer. With the half and the full started together I think it causes a bit of a cluster. Full should start at 6 half at 7. I got stuck behind a slower group on the beach path and lost site of my pacer and had to even run in some sand to try and get around people.
The best part about the race was the spectators and volunteers! I have never seen so many wonderful volunteers loving what they are doing. All of them were so nice and caring. Marching bands and cheer squads out at cal state long beach got you pumped up. I am glad I picked this race for my first 26.2!
