Review: Twilight Half

What: Twilight Half
Where: Vancouver Lake

When: July 11, 2015

Distance: 5K (10k + Half Marathon races available too)

Saturday was a great day for taking part in a foot race.

After what felt like weeks of hot, hot, hot temps (ok, I might be bending the truth a little but it sure has been hot), the weather was perfect for running and walking. Not too hot and not too cold. In the upper 70s. It was just right to take part in the first every Twilight Half festivities.

I had thought about signing up for the 10K, but I decided just to go with the 5k.

This event, organized by Good Sport Promotion, happened at Vancouver Lake. It was the perfect location. Lots of parking and super flat course. We basically went up a roadway near the lake and then up a trail. The trail was paved and out and back. 

One of the things I really liked about the trail was is nice and wide so you didn't feel like you are going to collide with people going the opposite direction. There was also ample room to pass other walkers and runners. I really appreciated that.

What we got:

A glow-in-the-dark T-shirt and flashlight, as well as an owl medal. I must admit that this medal is probably one of my favorites that I've received.

No matter what distance you ran (or walked), you got the same medal.

There were also coupons attached to our bibs for a free burrito and a free glass of beer or wine.

Final thoughts:

If you are thinking about taking part in the Vancouver USA marathon or half marathon, this would be a great race to train on. You cover some of the same terrain those who do the marathon cover. Also, if you are a slower mover, this is a good race to take part in. Sign up for one of the shorter distances. Since the half marathon is happening, you are able to really take your time getting through the course. 

Review: 2015 Red White & Blues

What: Red White & Blues
Where: Downtown Portland

When: July 5, 2015

Distance: 5K (10k race was available too)

It was no question whether I'd sign up again when I saw registration for this year's Red White & Blues race open up. It was pretty much done upon learning it was open. 

Like last year, there were two distance options (5k and 10k). I opted for the 5k in order to give myself a little extra room to take my time.

The 5k course was one loop. The 10k course was 2 loops.

The course was right along the Portland waterfront. It started and finished near the fountain. The course took us up Naito Parkway, over the Morrison bridge, up and down Water and then over the Hawthorne bridge to the Finish Line. It was relatively flat other than over the Morrison bridge and then going up the ramp to the Hawthorne bridge.

My favorite part was the Finish Line. Ok, and let's just be real for a minute: Who doesn't love the Finish Line? He he! 

What was cool was it ended right at the fountain on the Waterfront. So being a hot day and all, if you desired, you could have run through it. I resisted ... but, boy, was I tempted. ;) Of course, not seeing any other adults doing it, I figured I should hold off. But still... wink. 

What we got:

Each participant received a Finisher's Medal and flag at the Finish Line.  

We also received a race shirt and some assorted goodies (a Franz pie, chips of some sort, beef jerky, a Clif bar and some papers with special offers from places in the local area. 

We also received two coupons attached to our bib to redeem at the Finish Line. One was for a beer or wine and other other for water or a soda.

Final thoughts:

If you are looking for a stress free 5k to take part in, this is a great one!  You get the whole experience of a timed race, but you have the comfort of knowing that a 10k is happening at the same time so that time is built into the race. That way it's OK if takes you a little longer to get it done.

Review: Freedomthon

What: Freedomthon

Where: Beaverton, Ore.

When: July 4, 2015

Distance: 5k

2015 marked the second time I've completed the Freedomthon.

I am a fan of all things Uberthons so it didn't take much to get me to sign up again.  It went a little like this: "4th of July? Yep. I'm there."

What I love about Uberthons is they offer family-friendly races that have a competitive edge for those who desire that but they also offer an atmosphere for people like myself who go slow but really just want to get out there and complete the race no matter how long it takes them. I appreciate that they offer that for us who just want to do it. I also appreciate that they encourage folks no matter what they want out of their personal race experiences.

This year's race was in downtown Beaverton. We started right by the library and then worked way up to Western where we turned back. It is a very flat course, but enjoyable. It on the city streets all the way. (No trail! Yay! Sometimes I crave that.)

I went really slow (like almost ridiculously slow) this time. Even though the race started at 7:30 a.m., it was supposed to be a hot day. I told myself ahead to just take my time and not push it. Not push it I did. (Wink!)

Not too far from Finish Line some volunteers handed up flags so we could carry one over the Finish Line. That was such a nice touch for the 4th of July! I liked that a lot. 

What we got:

Each of us received a Finisher's Medal. It, just like all Uberthons medals, did not disappoint! It's huge... and pretty.

I can't remember the cut off date, but if you signed up by a specific date, your name would be engraved on the back of the medal. I made the cut off. My running buddy didn't. We were both pleased with our medals... name or not.

We also received a ticket for breakfast. Breakfast consisted of pancakes, sausage and fruit. It was rather hearty... and yummy!

Final thoughts:

This race is pretty much on my "must do" list every year. Family-friendly, not over-the-top and just plain enjoyable. Two thumbs up.