This is only the second time I ran this event. First time was in 2003 (I think) and didn't know the course or know what I was doing at that point. Ignorance is bliss in this event.
It is a tough run with Cardiac Hill @ the 2 mile mark. A second minor hill is at the 3 mile mark in this cross country and park pavement race. All runners start at the gun with a chip attached to record your ending clock time.
THE GOOD:
(1) Always a large turnout and very well organized. (2) Course is 50% sun along the boardwalk and LI Sound and 50% shade thru the cross county trails and picnic areas. (3) Plenty of bathrooms for that last minute need. (4) Day of race registration was terrific with loads of volunteers in tow. Officials and water stops were everywhere. (5) A very challenging course and a good workout with great atmosphere. (6) Plenty of viewing spots for family members to watch and cheer the runners on.
THE BAD:
(1) No chip starting time. You'll need to clock yourself. (2) The runners all converge into an entry way leading to the boardwalk. This congestion brings people to a stand still. Once onto the boardwalk the race tends to spread out. (3) Cardiac Hill is a killer. Bigger & longer than Cow Harbor's James street. It ruined my timed run. Consequently I'll need to re-visit this trail again for a better training run.
I'm re-thinking and notice there were very few bad issues. This could be a premier running event on LI (Or maybe it already is and I don't know it).
No comments:
Post a Comment