If you are a frequent reader on our blog you know that we love to travel and run races, so destination races are perfect for us. However, as much as it is nice to travel. It is also nice to do races where you live. It definitely keeps the cost down (flights, hotels, food). I am fortunate to live in an area where there is a great race series called J and A racing in the Hampton Roads area in Virginia. They offer many different races. No matter what type of runner you are, you will be able to find one that meets your fitness goal.
Not only is the cost very reasonable, I believe this is the one races series I've run that gives you awesome swag that is included (not just the race shirt). I've gotten tumblers, blankets, wine glasses, hats, etc. Unlike some of the huge destination races that I have been to that have been very costly, you would think they would offer more to the runners. J and A racing is privately owned and was started by a couple about ten years. Before the races there is a decent sized expo, and after the races they even give you food and an alcoholic beverage that is included at a post race party!
They currently have 6 race weekends throughout the year. Virginia is for Lovers 14k, Shamrock full and half marathon ( and 8K), Crawlin' Crab half marathon ( and 5K), Wicked 10k (and Monster Mile), and Surf-n-Santa 10 miler( and 5K). And the inaugural ODU Big Blue 5k this spring.
In the past I have heard that if you completed all of the J and A races throughout the calendar year, you were able to receive an additional item. So I made this my goal for 2013, and I achieved it! I didn't really think the gift was going to be anything special, however I did it for myself for a personal goal. I heard from other runners that you would receive a cooler. I thought to myself all those races you completed and you only get a cooler? I actually saw one of the coolers a friend received the other year that was very small, it was more like a lunch tote. Why not an additional medal?
Well I was quite surprised at what I received in the mail the other week. It was a cooler, but not a small one by any means. It was a huge cooler that will be perfect for those beach days! I was very happy with my gift I received. Even though I did not receive an additional medal, I began thinking at least I got something that I will actually be able to use and will come in handy this summer. So thank you J and A racing!
If you are ever in the Hampton Road Areas you should definitely sign up for a J and A race. You will not be disappointed. Thank you to Jerry and Amy Frostick for creating such a great race series!
Is there a race series that you've ran all of? Do you have a local race series near your home?
~L