(26th Half, 2015)…read more
Elite Sports, its races included in the CA Half series and featuring around Ventura County, has a challenge, the Endurance Challenge:
Complete ESCA events in the same calendar year, and your rewards are...
** 2 Events (same Distance) Half, 5k or 10k--Custom Club tech shirt.
**** 4 Events (same Distance) Half, 5k or 10k--Runner's hat, ditty bag, and water bottle.
****** 6 Events (same Distance) Half, 5k or 10k--Large gear bag with Series logo.
******* 7 Events (same Distance) Half, 5k or 10k--Special Season finale medal presented at Holly Jolly Half in December!
So that's why I'm here at the Holly Jolly Half and to receive my Endurance Challenge medal, one that I've worked toward for the entire year:
1. Camarillo Half (http://www.yelp.com/biz/camarillo-marathon-camarillo?ylist=run-fatboy-run-long-beach-3)
2. West Hills Half (http://www.yelp.com/biz/west-hills-half-marathon-5k-10k-los-angeles?ylist=run-fatboy-run-long-beach-3)
3. Seaside Half (http://www.yelp.com/biz/seaside-half-marathon-5k-10k-ventura?ylist=run-fatboy-run-long-beach-3)
4. Shoreline Half (http://www.yelp.com/biz/shoreline-half-marathon-ventura?ylist=run-fatboy-run-long-beach-3)
5. Arroyo Creek Half (http://www.yelp.com/biz/arroyo-creek-half-marathon-5k-10k-simi-valley?ylist=run-fatboy-run-long-beach-3)
6. Harvest Half (which was sadly cancelled, but runners received credit for the finale medal anyway.)
7. Holly Jolly Half
With the exception of the Arroyo Creek Half, all medals denoted each of the races. (Since the Halfs cost more, the coinciding medal, in my opinion, should stand on its own and not include the 5K and 10K runs.) However, the runs themselves are on the cheaper side, running about $60-$70 for the Halfs, so I just look the other way. I will say that the runs themselves aren't that entertaining, aren't as scenic as I'd like; but, again, they're easier on the wallet. If you're running the Ojai Half, though, it really is gorgeous and completely worth price. (I ran it in 2014: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ojai-half-marathon-5k-and-10k-ojai?ylist=run-fatboy-run-long-beach-3).
The Endurance Challenge medal is a bit disappointing as well, anticlimactic; although the Gear Bag--received after running six events--is pretty cool. Nevertheless, Elite Sports' Halfs are included in the CA Half Series, and that's why I'd also run them, pushing myself to clear 20 Halfs for the year. All said and run, I'm unsure as to whether or not I would chase the Endurance Challenge again. I would just as soon pay a bit more for a more significant end-of-the-year series medal. (Again, Ojai would be the exception.) We'll see. Elite Sports looks as though it is growing. I'll keep my eyes open.