Costume Party Run Half Marathon Race Report

Costume Party Run Half Marathon Medal - The World's Largest Half Marathon Medal

The Green 'Team Superhero' Girl ran the Costume Party Run Half Marathon dressed as Buzz Lightyear last weekend.

Last month, I announced I had been selected by the Superhero Events Super Crew to be a Team Superhero ambassador.

As a member of Team Superhero, my responsibilities are to represent Superhero Events at endurance events, spread the word about Superhero Events through social media, distribute flyers in my hometown, and volunteer at Superhero events.

The Costume Party Run Half Marathon World's Largest Half Marathon Medal

The Costume Party Run included a half marathon and 5k option. The courses started and ended at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

Half marathon finishers received the 'World's Largest Half Marathon Medal' - a giant Costume Party Run 6" 45 record with a mini disco ball in the center.

Instead of a race shirt, at the bib pick-up, all participants received a Costume Party Run Half Marathon Trucker Hat featuring a disco ball with headphones.

Costume Party Run Half Marathon Trucker Hat

Saturday night, I stayed in the Gaslamp Quarter and took the Trolley light rail system to Qualcomm. It was convenient because the trolley station was in the parking lot of the stadium.

This was my first time dressing up for a race so I put a lot of thought into a costume that would be comfortable to run in.

Egg and Bacon at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon

Ultimately, I went with an inflatable jetpack that I attached to my Nathan Intensity Race Vest bungee cords, a solid white shirt, a purple Bondi Band, and lime green Zensah Calf Sleeves.

Near the starting line, I saw my friend, Busta Groove. She was dressed as Wonder Woman. That turned out to be a popular costume choice among the female participants.

I was in the porta-potty line when the race began so I had a late start.

Costume Party Run Half Marathon Runners

The morning was humid and I started sweating immediately.

As I headed out onto the course, I met up with a fellow Team Superhero ambassador, Wilmer, dressed as the The Cat in the Hat. I couldn't help but think about how hot he must be dressed like that in the humidity.

The course looped out and back from the stadium on Friars Rd. so I got to see all the faster runners in their fun costumes coming back as I was heading out.

Faithful Costume Party Run Half Marathon Supporter

One faithful spectator cheered us on from the center divider in the road.

There were a lot of running Batgirls, Batmans, Robins, Supergirls, Supermans, and Wonder Womans.

I also saw creative costumes like bacon and eggs, a tube of toothpaste, and a scantily dressed guy in an unidentifiable costume.

At one point, I spotted a fellow Buzz Lightyear with a matching inflatable jetpack running in the opposite direction. We raced towards each other and I tried to snap a quick shot of him but it turned out to be too blurry.

Misty Diaz being interviewed at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon Finish Line

I caught up to another Team Superhero runner, Misty Diaz, on the course.

Misty, a runner with spina bifida, was dressed as Batgirl and running with bright pink walking canes.

Misty's mantra is Winston Churchill's 'Never, never, never give up'. Her energy was contagious as she yelled and cheered on fellow runners.

Superheroes at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon Finish Line Party

I saw fellow Sole Runner, Scott, on my way to the finish. He was dressed as Batman.

I got tired the last couple of miles and stopped to walk a few times. I could see the finish across the parking lot but it seemed to far away.

Right before I approached the finish, I slipped on my Buzz Lightyear gloves to complete my galactic outfit.

The Green 'Buzz Lightyear' Girl at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon Photo Credit: Busta Groove

The finish line was a giant costume party. Costumes became more elaborate now that the running portion of the event was over.

Race director Ken's alter ego, Michael Blackson MoonRunner, congratulated all the runners on their finish and posed for pictures.

Team Superhero at the Costume Party Run Half Marathon Photo Credit: Lorrie Mancillas

It was fun to see so many superheroes walking around with their colorful capes.

I was pleased that my foray into the world of costume running as Buzz Lightyear was a success.

'To infinity ... and beyond!'

The Green Girl's Ragnar So Cal Race Report

The Green Girl participated in her second Ragnar So Cal with team 'Happy Endings'.

The 193 mile Ragnar So Cal course was divided into 36 legs of varying difficulty and distances between 3-11 miles, with designed exchange points. The teams consisted of 6-12 individuals split evenly into two vans.

For teams of 12, Van 1 contains runners 1-6 and Van 2 contains runners 7-12. Van 1 Runner #1 begins at the starting line. Once the race starts, Van 1 goes to the first exchange point where runner #2 will prepare to run. Runners from Van 1 continue to run in order up to exchange point 6; this is the first major exchange in the race. At exchange 6, Van 2 should be waiting. At this point, runner #6 from Van 1 will hand the slap bracelet off to runner #7 from Van 2. Then, Van 2 continues along the race course rotating runners until the next major exchange point, exchange 12, where they will hand off to Van 1 again. This pattern continues until the Finish.

Team Happy Endings Van 1 at the Ragnar So Cal 2013 Starting Line

All the race costs were shared evenly among the 12 Happy Endings runners. The total out-of-pocket for each teammate was $255.

This covered the $1,560 team registration, both van rentals (including post-race car washes), gas money, and a food/beverage fund.

Ragnar So Cal Course Map

Team Happy Endings comprised Sole Runners and friends of Sole Runners:

1. Babak - Legs: 1, 13, 25
2. Sarah (Team Captain)- Legs: 2, 14, 26
3. John- Legs: 3, 15, 27
4. Mary - Legs: 4, 16, 28
5. Krishna - Legs: 5, 17, 29
6. Scott - Legs: 6, 18, 30
7. Russ - Legs: 7, 19, 31
8. Kathleen - Legs: 8, 20, 32
9. Billie - Legs: 9, 21, 33
10. Kate -Legs: 10, 22, 34
11. Paul - Legs: 11, 23, 35
12. Suze- Legs: 12, 24, 36

Prior to the relay, each team plugged their respective 10k paces into a Ragnar calculator and the results determined the start and estimated finish time.

Ragnar So Cal Safety Check

Happy Endings's official pace was a 10:51 minute mile (all teams must average an 11:00 minute mile or less). We were assigned a 5:00 am race start and our estimated finish was 7:30 pm the following evening.

Team Happy Endings arrived at the Ragnar So Cal Starting Line in Huntington Beach at 4:00 am for the requisite safety check with our respective headlamps, reflective vests, and flashing lights.

Ragnar So Cal Ragmag

After the team safety inspection and briefing, we received our bibs, van magnet, copy of the official Ragmag which contained runner and van route information, and a pair of reflective flags for street crossing.

Just before 5:00 am, our first runner, Babak, lined up at the first wave Start. We all cheered Babak on and then headed back to the van to drive to the first exchange.

Our strategy was to text the group when we had a mile to go so the next runner would be prepared for the hand-off.

Ragnar So Cal Leg 4 along the Santa Ana River Trail

Runners 1 through 3 completed their legs and before I knew it, it was time for me to run.

Leg 4 took me along the Santa Ana River Trail.

Tallying up roadkills on the side of the team van are a Ragnar tradition and each hash indicates a runner you passed. After a total of zero roadkills last year, I was determined to make at least one.

Green Ragnar Jacket

I stayed off the pavement and ran on the dirt shoulder. Unfortunately, my legs were heavy and I struggled to run.

I managed to make my first roadkill when I slowly shuffled past a girl who had slowed down to text. Hey, a roadkill is a roadkill, right?

Exchange 6 was the first major exchange where Van 1 handed off to Van 2. I stopped at the makeshift Ragnar store and purchased a green jacket before our van headed off to get some lunch.

The Green Girl in a green tutu

I was looking forward to my second leg because I love running at night.

Leg 16 followed city streets, weaved through a residential neighborhood, and then led us runners through the Fallbrook Golf course sprinkler system. In the darkness, it was difficult to dodge the spraying water so I just focused on my footing.

At one point, the course went off onto the grass but I got confused and continued to follow the path. When I spotted blinking lights in the distance up on what appeared to be a mountain, I turned around and darted across the damp lawn.

Instead of a dirt trail, the ground was loose like sand. As I ran uphill, my feet sunk slightly with each step.

Team Happy Endings at Exchange 18 at Welk Resorts & Spa

Team Happy Endings had completed our share of the night legs when we did the hand-off at Exchange 18 at Welk Resorts & Spa in Escondido, just south of San Diego.

Unfortunately, our 3rd runner, John, had fallen on his night run and his right wrist was hurting him.

Injured Happy Endings team member, John

Like a trooper, John completed his final leg. A visit to the doctor the next day would reveal he'd fractured his wrist.

Our van had gotten about 2 hours of shut eye in the Welk Resorts parking lot when Van 1 called us to let us know their last runner had taken off and we needed to head to the next major exchange.

Happy Endings Van 1

In a daze, we somehow managed to navigate to Exchange 24 and Babak headed out for his final leg.

Leg 28 was my final run. It was sunny and warm by this time. The route was mostly uphill so I instinctively leaned into the incline and jogged at an even pace.

The view from Exchange 30 at Torrey Pines Gliderport

Our van exhaled a collective sigh of relief when we reached Exchange 30 and we handed off to Van 2 for the last time.

We stopped at the nearby Gaslamp District for some lunch before we headed to the Finish Line at the Embarcadero Marina Park South.

Team Happy Endings

After my last team, 12 peas in a pod, placed 3rd from last the year before, I'm pleased to report Team Happy Endings finished 366th out of 646 teams.

I want to thank all of my fellow Happy Endings teammates for another successful Ragnar Relay!

The Green Girl's Runners United To Remember Run

The Green Girl and fellow Sole Runner, Krishna, joined runners across the world today to participate in a Runners United To Remember run.

The RunJunkEes helped organize this virtual event to honor the victims of yesterday's tragic events at the Boston Marathon and display an act of unity and solidarity among runners.

The Green Girl on her Runners United To Remember run

Participants were encouraged to wear a shirt from a race on the memorial run.

As Krishna and I ran along The Strand, the gusty winds whipped sand across our faces. I was grateful for the company.

Our words echoed those of runners all over the world as we struggled to understand the senseless acts.

Sunset from The Strand

It's heartbreaking. Why a marathon? It's the last place you'd expect an act of terrorism. Can you imagine after running 26.2 miles? They knew when the most runners would be finishing. The finish line is where family and friends wait for you. There are no words...

We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves. The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable.
Sir Roger Bannister

The Green Girl's Ragnar Packing List

The Green Girl is preparing for her second Ragnar Southern California relay.

The Green Girl's Ragnar Packing List

Three outfit changes ([stored in individual gallon zip bags in which the dirty clothing can be sealed] in North Face Recon backpack)

• Sole Runners shirts
• Running capris/shorts
• Drymax Mini Crew Running Socks
• Underwear
• Champion Double Dry Shiny Seamless Sports Bras

Safety (stored in a single gallon zip bag)

• Road ID Ankle ID
• TIKKA PLUS² headlamp
• Spare AAA batteries for headlamp
• Green Nathan StrobeLight
• Reflective vest

Nathan Intensity Race Vest

• Driver's License
• Credit Card
• Cash
• Camera
• Mobile phone
• Succeed S! Electrolyte Caps
• PowerBar Energy Blasts cola gel filled chews
• Gatorade Prime Energy Chews
• Water
• Gatorade
• Copy of leg maps in zip baggies

Other items (also in North Face Recon backpack)

• Copy of Ragnar Southern California bible
• Spare car key(s) [one hidden in a magnetic hide-a-key]
• Mr. Green Garmin
• Sunglasses
• Sole Runners cap
• White long-sleeved thermal
• Black moisture-wicking hoodie
• Jacket
• Flip flops
• Sunscreen
• Sports tape
• BodyGlide
• Dickinson's Witch Hazel Daily Facial Towelettes
• Giovanni Peppermint Surge Sanitizing Towelettes
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Baby wipes (I highly recommend Target up & up Sensitive Skin Wipes)
• Antiperspirant/Deodorant
• Travel toilet paper roll
• Feminine products
• Travel brush
• Spare hair elastics
• Spare Bondi Band
• Lip balm
• Vitamins
• Ibuprofen
• Peaceful Mountain Muscle Ice
• The Sprinter Stick
• MP3 player
• Mobile phone charger
• Mobile phone car charger
• External battery pack
• Digital camera charger
• Ham radio
• Eagle Creek Inflatable Neck Pillow
• First aid kit
• Instant ice packs
• Towel
• Gatorade powder

Other hydration/food items (in small cooler)

• Water
• Chips
• Meiji Gummy Choco
• Avocado Roll Sushi

Hollywood Half Marathon 10k Race Report

The Green Girl and Benson Cheruiyot with Hollywood Half Marathon Race Director, Ken Nwadike

The Green Girl and her friend, Benson Cheruiyot, spent the Green Girl's pre-birthday weekend running the Hollywood Half Marathon.

The event benefited the Los Angeles Youth Network, an organization that reaches out to homeless youth.

We ran the inaugural race last year and Benson had finished second overall.

Hollywood Half Marathon Course Map

The course started near the intersection of Hollywood and Highland and ended at Hollywood and Vine.

Hollywood Half Marathon Elite Start

The morning air was comfortable - not too hot and not too cold.

I cheered Benson and our other friend, Philemon Terer, at the elite start and then headed to my corral to prepare for the wave start.

Many runners were dressed in fun costumes. There were many superheroes and even a Joe DiMaggio with a group of Marilyn Monroes.

Hollywood Half Marathon Starting Line

My strategy was to take it easy from the start because I was still congested from a two week old cold.

After crossing the Starting Line, I was immediately out of breath and sweating profusely.

I somehow managed to run the first mile in 11 minutes but coughing fits forced me to stop running. I was also frustrated that I had to keep blowing my nose.

Benson Cheruiyot at the Hollywood Half Marathon

The only thing that kept me going was the knowledge that my friend, Janey, was waiting for me at Mile 2 - if not for her, I would have followed the 5k turn around. I told myself I could manage a 10k.

Janey walked with me and kept me company the rest of the race. I even got winded walking the inclines.

At around Mile 3, we saw the elites go by. I was disappointed to see Benson and Philemon trailing Alene Reta.

Benson Cheruiyot, Philemon Terer, Everlyne Lagat, and Joseph Mutinda at the Hollywood Half Marathon

After I crossed the Finish Line, I met up with Benson. He'd finished in 3rd place, Philemon 2nd, and Alene had won. Their friend, Everlyne Lagat, had come in 1st for the women.

We hung out with the other Kenyan athletes and enjoyed the live post-race entertainment while we waited for the awards ceremony.

Hollywood Half Marathon Awards Ceremony

T-shirts, hats, and jackets were tossed out to the crowd. I was thrilled to get one of the red Hollywood Half Marathon running jackets.

Race award ceremonies rarely start on time so we were grateful that we didn't have to wait that long for it to begin.

Michael Blackson MoonRunner at the Hollywood Half Marathon Awards Ceremony

The race directors, Ken and Sabrina Nwadike, presented the awards from the generous prize purse to the top 3 female and male finishers.

Race director Ken's alter ego, Michael Blackson MoonRunner, made a 'surprise' celebrity appearance to present the age group awards.

The Green Girl's favorite Hollywood Half Marathon costume - 'Free Hugs'

As a runner, I feel what sets race directors Ken and Sabrina apart from other organizers of comparable-sized events is their level of dedication to the running community.

Ken and Sabrina are committed to continuous improvement. Their events are not only fun and unique but participant feedback is considered and thoughtful touches are included that enhance a runner's overall race experience.

I look forward to participating in future Superhero Events.

Second Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run

The Green Girl and her friend, Janey, joined the Sole Runners for the Second Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run.

The Rose Parade is an annual event held in Pasadena on New Year's Day (unless New Year's Day falls on a Sunday and then it's held on the following Monday).

The theme of this year's 124th Rose Parade was in honor of Dr. Seuss' book, 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!'

The Unofficial Pasadena Rose Parade Bandit Runners

The 5.5 mile Rose Parade procession begins at South Orange Grove Boulevard and Green Street and then heads east on Colorado Boulevard. The parade ends by turning north on Sierra Madre Boulevard and stopping at Villa Street.

The unofficial start for our Bandit Run was just east of the parade route.

We casually seeded ourselves based on running speed and headed west on Colorado Boulevard in our respective, informal pace groups.

Spectators camped out for the Pasadena Rose Parade

Since curbside viewing space for the Rose Parade is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, adventurous spectators camped out up along the route starting at noon the day before.

The majority of the businesses along Colorado Boulevard boarded up the front of their stores with wood for protection. Some stores saw this as an opportunity and transformed their window reinforcements into billboard advertisements.

The Green Girl, Janey, and Sole Runner Mary at the Rose Parade

The experience is best described as running a race with lots of spectators but not a lot of runners.

Unfortunately for us runners, the weather was unseasonably cold so there were a lot of fire pits. Which made it nearly impossible to breathe at times.

Celebratory confetti, giant marshmallows, tortillas, and silly string were splattered across the ground.

Beverly Hills Pet Care Foundation Rose Parade Float

On occasion, our heels would stick to the ground as we ran down Colorado Boulevard.

When we reached South Orange Grove Boulevard and Green Street, the floats, marching bands, and equestrian units were all lined up in preparation for start of the parade.

China Airlines 'Cycling Through Paradise' Rose Parade Float

According to the Tournament of Roses rules, 'each float must conform to certain regulations in the areas of height, width, length and thematic design and the entire surface must be covered using a variety of flowers, seeds, bark, leaves and other natural materials.'

I was in awe of the level of detail the float designers were able to achieve using only regulation materials.

The 'Destination Cars Land' Rose Parade Float

I'm a huge Pixar fan so my favorite was the 'Destination Cars Land’ float.

It featured Lightning McQueen and Sally racing above the 'Welcome to Cars Land' sign along with Flo’s V8 Cafe and Cozy Cone Motel signs.

The Second Annual Unofficial Rose Parade Bandit Run was the perfect way to kick off the New Year.

Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

Really Big Free Half Marathon Las Vegas Race Report

The Green Girl did the inaugural Really Big Free Half Marathon Las Vegas at Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the beginning of this month.

This race was the brainchild of the io events race management company. The strategy was to offset the registrant costs to the race sponsors.

A refundable deposit of $50 was required during registration.

Really Big Free Marathon Las Vegas Starting Line at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

According to the Really Big Free FAQ, all runners who crossed the Starting Line with their timing chips will be refunded in the form of a $50 check four to six weeks after the event.

Fellow Sole Runners Barb, Kerri, and Sandy, also participated in this race.

Sole Runners Sandy, John, and Barb at the Really Big Free Marathon Las Vegas Starting Line

We arrived at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area just before sun rise to see Kerri off for the marathon.

We quickly discovered the fortuitousness of already being there for Kerri's early marathon start when the half was delayed due to logistical parking and traffic problems.

Really Big Free Marathon Las Vegas Half Marathon Starting Line

At one point, the race organizers even announced there was a possibility the race could be cancelled.

The course was along the scenic rolling hills of the River Mountain Loop Trail.

I went into this race undertrained and without any expectations since I'm still dealing with the Achilles tendon bursitis (retrocalcaneal bursitis) in my right heel.

The course was along the scenic River Mountain Loop Trail

To avoid aggravating my heel, I started off easy and maintained a steady jog throughout the race.

The slower pace enabled me to relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Mead.

Since the course followed the River Mountain Loop Trail, it was easy to follow and all crossings were clearly marked.

Sole Runner Barb taking a post-run dip in Lake Mead

The aide stations were well stocked with water but there appeared to have been a shortage of sports drink.

At the finish, a number of runners took a post-run dip in Lake Mead in lieu of an ice bath.

I really enjoyed the inaugural Really Big Free Half Marathon and look forward to participating in future Really Big Free events.

Update: As of Friday, January 4th, 2013, the following message appears on the Really Big Free Half Marathon Las Vegas Race website:

This is the hardest message we have ever written.
You would think that business is business but THIS business represents years of real blood, sweat, tears, memories, and sacrifice. The past year we’ve pushed ahead with the attitude that failure is not an option, emotionally vested in a business and industry that has slowly realized it is not as recession proof as was once touted. Our emotional commitment to our races blinded us to some serious problems such as significantly increasing race organization costs, increasing regulatory red-tape, declining participation numbers, sponsorship cut-backs, and our burgeoning debt.
We forged ahead, investing in the races waiting for the economy to improve, sponsors to follow through on their promises, and for there to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel – yet the reality is, at least for us, there is no hint of glow coming from the path ahead. Aggregate participation numbers have been significantly down for the past year and numbers going forward look even worse. And it’s a struggle many race organizers our size are sharing. At this point, our credit cards are maxed out… and with some vendors having been paid and others still waiting we find ourselves in a tough spot with our backs against the wall; we’re broke, and we’re facing a dire and unfamiliar situation that appears to have only one solution; after nearly 7 years of organizing races, we’re closing our doors. This closure means the cancellation of the Really Big Free Series.
As for refunds - we're working on it and we hope to have a time table available in the coming weeks.
For those of you who have supported us through the years we are so grateful – we wish we could push on; we’ve poured our hearts into this company and the prospect of not organizing races is just heartbreaking.
See you down road,
~Karen & Richard
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You may email us at contact@ioevents.com / or call our office at (928) 855 - 4887.