I jumped on a plane and traveled to California for a race at the end of October.
And it WASN’T a runDisney event!? Gasp!
I know- I know.? But it was at the beach and offered a costume option and had cool bling.
Close enough for me!
I arrived a little late, actually, due to a sleepless night.?? My hotel was great (shout out to the Courtyard Marriot!) but my mind wouldn’t settle.? I had a lot going on that weekend and traveling out of town probably wasn’t the wisest option but I am SO glad I made the trip!
Since I was late, I watched the 10-Miler start without me.? I needed 10 miles on the books that day anyway and this was the way I planned to get them in for training.
Instead I decided to run a bit before and after the 10K in order to get a total of 10 miles in.? I had 45 minutes between the start of the races so plenty of time!
This is a GREAT location for a race.? The course was a flat (mostly- one small overpass type “hill”) and right by the ocean.? I had a gorgeous view the entire 6.2 miles and probably ran with a stupid grin on my face because of it!
Once we got started I settled in behind another runner in a Sparkle Skirt and decided she would be my “pacer”.? It worked out well.? At the end of the race I ran up next to her and we ran in together discovering we were both on the same Facebook runner/skirt related boards.
It’s a Small World, you know!
I believe this was the 10 Mile Woman’s winner blazing past me.? I was around mile 2 at this point.? Ahem.
The runners in So Cal:? fast.? And so fun to watch!
My only negative to this race was the entertainment.? The website mentioned surf music and bands at every mile.? We had a couple of speakers.? No bands.?? A little disappointing when I realized that but the race itself was fabulous so I managed with my own entertainment!
And there were the costumes.
This guy was my favorite.? I saw quite a few super heroes and many runDisney inspired costumes.
Me?? Yeah- I didn’t go there for this race.? Mentally I was just happy to show up and even though I packed Nemo, he didn’t make an appearance.
Sometimes it’s ok to just be a runner, you know?? But it made me smile to see all the costumes in a non-Disney event!? Go Surf City runners!
After the race I was handed my medal and a ton of food and drink.? The back of the pack was completely taken care of at this race!
I spent a few minutes walking around the finish expo eating and drinking.? The band was FABULOUS and I loved the runners who got up and danced together in front of the stage.? It was a very early but very fun party atmosphere at the beach!
All good things must end and I had a few miles left.? So I stashed my leftovers in the car and I headed back down the beach to get my final miles in for the day.
Pros:
The beach location is awesome.? I spent a lot of time hanging out pre and post race (which I almost never do!)
The medal is brilliant.? Easily one of my top 3 favorites!
The race distances gave something for everyone.? 10-miles, 10K, and a 5K too!? Perfect for families.
The costumes.? LOVED the costumes!
The weather stayed perfect for me.? Overcast until the end and nice and cool in the low 60s.? Love So Cal!
Cons:
Just the lack of entertainment.? But no big deal if you had headphones or a buddy to run with!
An out and back course.? Not my favorite.? But for a 10K at the beach it REALLY wasn’t worth complaining about.
I’ll be back next year!? It’s a great race and perfect time of year to head to Huntington Beach.?? Don’t forget about the half and full marathon happening in February!? There’s till plenty of time to sign up for those races!
Did you run the Surf City 10?? What costume did you like the most?
Patty Holliday is the owner and creator of all things No-Guilt Universe. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.
Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness
Wednesday 5th of November 2014
Am I understanding this correctly, you were meant to run the 10 miler but because of a late start ended up running the 10K instead? I suppose it ended up better this way cus you could do those extra miles at your own leisure and not have to worry about being on the course. But that is still a bummer. Overall it looked like a great course. I missed out on running on the California coast when I missed the Big Sur marathon this year. I doubt I will ever get a chance like that again :( I will be running at disneyland in May, but obviously that is not the same thing. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself!
patty
Wednesday 5th of November 2014
Yes! They had the 10miler start at 7 and the 10K at 7:45. Which I thought was smart! But I showed up to pick up bib right as the 10miler kicked off so I went ahead and did my own thing- then jumped in the 10K.
Hayley
Wednesday 5th of November 2014
There were bands on the 10 mile course! They were kind of tucked away to the side. I almost thought that they were just playing recorded music on speakers, but then I caught a glimpse of guitars. But that aspect of it wasn't quite what I had expected.
You are right, this race was good to their back of pack runners. :)
I wrote a race recap too.
http://runningwendybird.com/2014/10/31/surf-city-10-my-longest-race-yet/
patty
Wednesday 5th of November 2014
Maybe I just went past them and was looking toward the beach and not to the right where bands might have been? LOVE your recap Hayley- so glad you got to run the race!
Julie @RunWalkRepeat
Wednesday 5th of November 2014
I would love to run that race, I do have family there HMMMM. But so many races, so little time and budget. Looks like a great time!
patty
Wednesday 5th of November 2014
I know- coming from GA it would be hard, but it was wonderful!