5 Fall Races You Can Still Get Into

Happy Friday Folks! The theme of this Friday 5 is all about Fall! I don't know about you, but we are certainly not ready for fall yet. In fact, we are at the beach today! We'll be running the Rock n Roll Virginia Beach series of races this weekend!

Speaking of races, do you have a fall race or two on the schedule this year? If not, it's not too late to register for one. Here are a few races that we've found that have not sold out yet!


1. Atlantic City Marathon Series. Do you want to run on the boardwalk and along the ocean front? If so, you might like this race series!

We've done the Atlantic City April Fools race series ( which takes place in the Spring) and have found that this is a good course.  This race takes place  the weekend of October 19th and includes a 5K, 10K, Half  and Full Marathon. This race has a distance for everyone and would make for a great family weekend. We haven't done this race yet, but hope to next year.



2. Hershey Half Marathon It just might be the sweetest race on earth!

Although we won't be able to do this one this fall, one of the Hershey races is on our list to do for sure!

3. Runner's World Half and Festival

This race weekend also takes place on the weekend of October 19th. That must be a popular race weekend!

I did this race last year and had a blast.  Runner's World really does put on a fantastic race weekend. There is so much to going on during this weekend that the races are just a small part of it.

You can read my Runner's World Experience HERE and HERE.

3. The Wicked 10K  - October 25 

The J and A Series of races have become quite popular in recent years. The Wicked is one of our favorites for sure.  We've participated in this race for the past 2 years but because of some conflicting schedules we will have to pass on it this fall. We are kind of bummed too because this year, the post race beach party is back. The first year we participated the party was moved to the convention center because of an impending storm (AKA Hurricane Sandy).  The following year they played it safe and scheduled the post race festivities at the convention center. I'm glad the party is now back to the beach!   If you cant make the Wicked 10K but want to experience a J and A race, don't forget about the Inaugural Harbor Lights Half marathon and 5 K on November 22 and 23.

4.  The Biggest Loser Series

I first heard about the Biggest Loser series of races back in 2012. They started with road and off road races, and now have moved to Amusement park races. That's right, the biggest Loser now has a race at Six Flags Great Adventure! This is a 10K, 5K, and kids mile!

Six Flags Dallas, TX - October 5

Six Flags New Jersey - November 2

Six Flags San Francisco -November 9

Six Flags Las Angeles November 23

Six Flag San Antonio  -( not a Fall race but will be December 14)

If running through an amusement park isn't your thing, the Biggest Loser series has plenty of other fun races throughout the year. You should really check them out to see if there is one near you!

5. Richmond : Apparently this is America's Friendliest Race!

This looks like a great family friendly weekend with races of all different distances. A marathon, half marathon, 8k, and kids mile and half mile will all be on tap the weekend of November 15th!

So which races will we be doing this fall?

So far, Disney Happy Haunted Trail Run, Disney's Tower of Terror, Marine Corp Marathon, and Rock n Roll Las Vegas are all on our schedule!

Which races are you doing this fall?

Which Races Give You The Biggest Bang For Your Buck?

With the price of race registrations increasing every year, what type of things do you look for in a race to feel that you are getting your monies worth?  A big Expo? Scenic Course? Great race shirt and fabulous medal?  Here are 5 races that we've run throughout the years that we really felt were worth the registration that we paid.  ( In no particular order)

1. Disney Races: We all know that Disney races are very expensive, but what all are you getting in exchange for those high race fees?
1. A top notch Health and Fitness Expo: Exposure to some great running products, commemorative picture opportunities, and speakers from personalities in the Running/Fitness industry.
2. Race shirts that I would actually wear again. Swag bag, sample treats.
3. Nicely designed race bibs.
4. A top notch course! Running through theme parks while closed! Character opportunities (if you take advantage of them). Plenty of amazing on course support.
5. Over the top Start and Finish line complete with fireworks. ( I've never seen one better).
6. Great medals ( enough said).
7. Free Transportation to and from events.
8. Post race refreshments ( Great snack boxes)
9. Such a fun opportunity to dress up and see others who have amazing costumes!

So is all this worth it for the price that you pay. Some people would say yes  some say no. I for one will never complain about the price of a Disney race because I truly believe it's the opportunity and the environment you are paying for, and as for now, I am enjoying it!

But on the other hand, it is a LOT of money to pay for the race and it would be nice for Disney to offer finishers a free park ticket! I don't know this for sure, but I have heard that everyone gets a medal at a Disney race whether they've finished the race or not. I think giving the finisher's a little something like a free park pass would be a nice gesture. If they can't afford to give park passes, how about a voucher for a free breakfast after the race? Wouldn't that be nice?


2. Run For The Dream : Williamsburg Virginia. (Lots of Extra)
This race has got to be one of the most generous races I have ever completed!
1. Registration for the 8K starts at $40 ( there was a half marathon option too)
2. There was a Runner's expo but it was small and nothing to get excited about.
3. We did get T-shirts but it was cotton and not one I ever wore, again and a drawstring bag.
4. Great race medal.

Okay, so here are the best parts of the race:
5.With our registration we got a 2 day pass to Colonial Williamsburg.
6. We also got a one day pass to Busch Gardens Theme Park.
7. We got a $15 meal voucher for lunch/dinner in the park.
8. Free transportation to all events and to downtown and Theme park.
9. Great post Race party on the lawn with vendors, free food, and beer.
10. Fireworks that evening.

3. April Fools Race: Atlantic City ( Great Medal)
1. This race starts at $45 for the 7K and 11K  ( There is also a half available)
2. No race expo but very organized packet pick up.
3. Great race course right on the boardwalk.
4. Great race tech shirt that I have worn over and over again!
5. The medals. These were huge spinners. ( They were actually the same medals that were given to the 11k and half runners). 
6. Post race snacks. First time I've been given a soft pretzel at the finish line!
7. Free post race massages!  Yes, I said FREE!

4. J and A Races : Virginia Beach (Lots of Swag)
(Crawlin Crab, Wicked 10K, Surfin Santa, VA is for Lovers 14K, and Shamrock half and full)
1. Registration for the Wicked 10K starts at $35
2. Great courses ( love running along the oceanfront)
3. Medals are always great.
4. There is always great entertainment watching all the costumes for the Wicked.
5. Post race drinks and snacks.
6. Post race party at the convention center.
7. Always food ( Chili in a bread bowl for Wicked)
8. Always some sort of swag bag, thermoses for Wicked, blankets and hats for Shamrock.
9. Smallish Expos, but not bad.
10. Always great tech shirts ( nice long sleeve ones for Wicked)

5. Rock n Roll Series: Virginia Beach ( Plenty of Entertainment)
1. Half marathon starts at $85.
2. A Large Expo ( These expos Rival Disney's)
3. Great Tech shirts I've worn over and over again
4. Super Cute Medals ( the ones from VA Beach always have some beach theme, last year was a Star Fish)
5. On course entertainment
6. Racers get free admission to the Music Festival: Some great concerts.
7:  We have been fortunate enough to be invited to some of the VIP events over the years ( pre race breakfast/ post race brunch/ Pre-concert party) . These events aren't included in registration but they certainly added to our experience. I believe you can pay extra for these events but we are not sure how much it is.

                               What make the steep cost of race registration worth it to you?



We are linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for another Friday 5 where the theme is "Gone to the Races". Make sure to check out their blogs too!

April Fools Race in Atlantic City- April 2013

 

What an exciting weekend!  My mom and I participated in the April Fools Race in Atlantic City on Saturday.