I've been running this race since back in 2016. I've skipped this race only 3 times. In 2017, I was already registered for the defunct Run to Remember Los Angeles Half Marathon. In 2021, the race became a virtual event due to the COVID pandemic. In 2022, the event was once again virtual due to a surge with the Omicron variant. I had always taken the Metro light rail to this event. I would pick up my race packet on Saturday and partake in their "carbo-load" snack (i.e. a small take-out container of noodles). This year, I decided to just drive to Chinatown on race day and forego taking the Metro as doing so last year was not a very pleasant experience. I left the house at about 5:15 am and arrived at about 5:45 am. I found street parking next to the Alpine Recreation Center. There was some street parking that was a bit closer, but I didn't want to be too close to the event just in case it got too busy when it came time to leave. It was still dark as I walked over to the Chinatown Central Plaza to pick up my race packet. After the volunteer scanned my QR code, I was assigned bib #8786. I was also given the usual race shirt and a drawstring bag. Both items looked great this year for the year of the dragon!
Bib pick-up
Nice clean design for the race shirt
Sweet looking drawstring bag
Goodie bag contents
Since the opening ceremonies weren't scheduled to start until 7:30 am and the 10k wasn't to start until 8:40 am, I decided to walk over to the Starbucks at the corner of Broadway and Cesar Chavez Ave to get coffee. It was a pretty peaceful walk over, but I did notice that there were huge piles of crap at the base of some of the trees that lined the sidewalk. Not sure if it was from a dog or a person. No matter how much the city tries to gentrify the area, there are people out there that seem to go out of their way to make the place a dump. Prior to entering, I placed my order for a grande pistachio latte on the mobile app. Normally, I only go through this area when I take the bus from Union Station up to Dodger Stadium for a game or when I run by during the LA Marathon. After getting my drink, I found a spot at the counter along the wall to eat my CLIF bar and to drink my coffee. Once I was done with my breakfast, I got the code for the restroom from one of the employees. I then headed back to the Chinatown Central Plaza to check things out before the ceremonies began. I finally remembered to stop by the Foo Chow Restaurant near the Chinatown West Gate. It was the location that was used for one of the scenes in Rush Hour.
Grande pistachio latte
Chinatown Gateway
Southern California Teo Chew Association
Peking Poultry
Foo Chow Restaurant
Chinatown West Gate
Bruce Lee
Eventually, I got situated at my usual spot, on the east side of Broadway just across from the Chinatown East Gate. I noticed that the dragon decals on the Longo Toyota Lexus official pace vehicles looked pretty badass! Once a couple of the local politicians had said a few words, the firecrackers were lit! Boy, were they loud! Thank goodness, there was no wind this time. I had learned to make sure not to stand downwind whenever there was wind!
Chinatown East Gate
The Immortals Lion Dance Team
Lighting of the firecrackers
Once all of the firecrackers had been spent, a few guys came by with push brooms and shovels to clear the street of the debris. Then at 8 am, it was time to send off the 5k runners. I ended up chatting with Shelley (Bib #7604) who was wearing her LA Leggers gear. Eventually, I excused myself to go back to my car and get ready for the 10k race. Along the way, I used one of the portapotties that was on the Hill St sidewalk. I thought that it was much better to have them here versus over on College St.
5k start
Per the usual, I found my friend near the front of the starting corral. I don't see her much these days. As we were catching up, I noticed that the timing mat was about 15 meters ahead of where we were lined up as the starting line. Although that looked a bit odd, it seemed to be the norm for this race. In the end, it's just a fun event, not to be taken too seriously. Per their mission statement on their website: all proceeds are reinvested in the community, in support of elementary schools and non-profit organizations, providing service and programs that benefit local neighborhoods.
Luisa
I was caught a bit off guard as the 10k race actually started right on time at 8:40 am! Most years, there was a delay. Fortunately, I had acquired a GPS signal earlier, so I was able to start my watch on time. This year, my plan was to run at a pace where I could refrain from having to take any walk breaks. I resisted going out too fast in that first mile (7:53). The next 2 miles (8:28, 8:13) would be my slowest as it had the bulk of the climbs for this course. The next 3 miles (7:58, 7:51, 7:51) would have most of the downhills. I tried to take advantage of them, but my hips were still not liking them. I was glad that I was able to cover that final climb past the Dodger Stadium Downtown Gate before crossing over the 110. I really had to fight the urge to take a quick walk break especially when having to dodge those 5k walkers. Once I made that turn onto Bishops Rd, it was time to empty the tank. All that was left was a straight shot down Broadway for the finish line.
From Jack
Finish: 49:00
Click here for my Garmin data.
2023: 55:13
2022: Deferred due to Omicron variant surge
2021: Virtual due to COVID
2020: 50:06
2019: 50:20
2018: 53:35
2017: Participated in Run to Remember Los Angeles Half Marathon
2016: 49:54
Compared to the 5 other times that I had run this race, this was my best performance. Those climbs were every bit as difficult as I remembered them to be, but I was able to cover them all with a controlled effort. All of those daily hilly hikes around my neighborhood paid off! I had not gotten faster, just smarter with my pacing.
I received my finisher medal and the volunteer marked my bib. They really upped their game this year with the medal. Per the usual, the medal had a great design. However for this year, the lanyard was exceptionally beautiful! I continued down the finisher chute where I collected some drinks, fruit, and a couple of fortune cookies. I took one of the empty fruit bags that were laying around to carry everything. After giving away my free beer ticket to a random race participant, I continued through the Chinatown Central Plaza to see what else there was to offer now that all of the vendors had shown up to their booths. I was hoping to see if they were handing out noodles, but I guess they were only giving that out on Saturday. During my walkthrough, I bumped into my friend Laura. She placed 2nd in her age group for the 5k! As I was heading out, I was able to get a quick selfie with Miss Los Angeles Chinatown queen and her princesses right before they were going to take the stage.
Finisher medal
Post race drinks and snacks
Beer garden line
Laura, 2nd place in her age group for the 5k
Sun Yat-Sen
Miss Los Angeles Chinatown queen and her princesses
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