I've been needing to take a break from running marathons, so I finally decided to register for this race. People have been praising this race for the fast course and the excellent post race food spread. It has been touted as having Southern California's finest finish line. Also this year happened to be its 25th year!
The race packet pick-up on race day didn't start until 6:30 am, so I left the house at about 6:15 am. I arrived at the Brea Marketplace parking lot at about 6:30. I found a parking spot right off of Birch near the corner of State College Blvd. The parking lot was a bit beat up, but most of the runners parked there. The fog was pretty heavy which should help keep the temperature a bit cooler. I crossed the street and picked up my bib. Then I picked up my shirt and a goodie bag. I went back to my car and went through the goodie bag. It had very little goodies, just mostly advertisement which I threw away at a trash can next to the nearby bus stop.
Flat runner
Race shirt
Goodie bag
The Masters 8k National Championships started at 7:30 am, so I made my way to the starting line at Randolph Ave to watch the start of the race. If I ever get myself in better shape, I should look into joining the USATF. I went back to my car to get ready for the regular race.
Masters 8k National Championships
The regular race started about 30 minutes later at 8 am. While waiting for the start of the race, I saw a guy wearing a Disneyland Half Marathon 10 year legacy shirt. I talked to him for a little bit. I then positioned myself next to the pace sign that said 7 min miles. My goal was to finish anywhere under 40 minutes. However I was unsure how my left foot and right hip would hold up with a faster pace.
The race started somewhat abruptly shortly after the national anthem. The corrals weren't even packed. Most of us just started jogging up to the start line. I tried to take off after crossing the start line and again I ran into walkers. Why would they line themselves in the 5 or 6 min per mile area if they're planning to jog? The first mile was a roller running around a block before coming back heading east on Birch St. We ran along Birch St until we made a left up Associated Rd. It continued to gradually climb as we turned right on Lambert Blvd. There was an extended downhill section once we made a right turn on Kraemer Blvd and head back down to Birch St. After a right turn on Birch St, it was pretty much a flat to slightly downhill run back to the finish line at Brea Mall. I tried to speed up as I got closer to State College Blvd, but instead I felt like I was out of gas. I got out kicked by a little girl as we approached the finish line next to the Olive Garden. I covered her initial move and encouraged her to push harder and she obliged and completed the pass right at the finish line. Man it would be nice to have the speed of youth again. :)
Finish line
Click here for my Garmin data.
I then entered the finisher area for participants, grabbed a banana and a bottle of water, and entered the food court. It was just as amazing as people had described. There was a plethora of food samples being passed out by different local restaurants and stores. If you love getting samples at Costco, you would love this post race food court! A couple of the best samples were the couscous and pork belly banh mi from Mendocino Farms. The Italian ice from Rita's was also very good especially after running a race.
Sprouts goodie bag
Mac and cheese with jalapeño
Couscous and pork belly banh mi
Italian ice
Eventually I had to leave the food court or else I'd over eat! On my way back to the car I got a small bottle of water from a scout trooper at the Charles Schwab tent. That was an unexpected surprise! I usually only get to see them at the Star Wars race at Disneyland. I also saw 3 runners dressed up as Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, and a poké ball.
A scout trooper?!
Who's that Pokémon?!
Would I run this race again? Most definitely! The post race food spread was as good as advertised. The course wasn't pancake flat, so you'll need to do some hill training if you want to do well at this race. Also keep in mind that there are no finisher medals at this race. Only the top 3 finishers in each age division receive a medal.
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