Review for the 5k – packet pick up was super easy and not crowded at all.
Day of the race – parking was ample and very easy. I arrived about 50 minutes before the start of the race and had no issues parking or with traffic.
Lining up was a bit discombobulated. If you were in the middle or end of the pack, it was impossible to hear the announcer and many people seemed confused. the course was uphill for the entire first half which was a bit difficult, but a nice challenge! Weather was overcast so it was very cool and nice to run in – the only downside was you couldn’t see the ocean or the golf course which we were running along!
There were not very many people along the race course cheering on runners and the ones that were there were not enthusiastic at all. I’m not sure what the “tricks or treats” along the trail they were talking about in the race description. When I got to the 5k turnaround, I had to cheer for myself before the volunteers got the hint. I was expecting a lot more excitement and encouragement. I did not see any of the volunteers along the 5k path dressed up in costumes – which would have been great since it was Halloween themed!
There was one big tent of people maybe a quarter mile from the finish line who were cheering nicely. I was trying to listen for the finish line for a bit of extra motivation, but it was fairly quiet. Not much commotion or noise at the finish. As I watched other finishers, there were not many people making noise for them – not even for the 10k and half winners.
Post race was mostly people milling around wondering what was going on. It was hard to hear when they were announcing awards. There were free 5 minute massages though so that was quite nice! I enjoyed seeing everyone in costume, but the overall word I would use to describe this race is “lackluster.” There were just certain excitement elements missing from it. Maybe if there were speakers along the starting line-up and dispersed in the tent area that would have helped everyone know what was going on and to feel more like a part of the event.