I'll write a more in-length review later, but for now…read more.. Super flat out-and-back course which was really nice but at the same time had some not-so-pristine moments (roadkill...stinky water treatment plant...stuff like that). THE MOST AMAZING post-race snack table ever! I mean seriously. Someone posted a picture of it, and it really deserves 6 stars. This race isn't getting 5 stars because: A) having to pay for parking (THANK YOU to the parking gate guy who worked with me when I couldn't pony up the full bill!) B) I had to pay extra to pick up my packet on the morning of. Not sure where the "VIP area" that was included in my $20 extra charge was supposed to be, but, either way I wasn't going to be able to drive from Lancaster to Ventura two days in a row to so the extra $20 was a necessary evil. C) The final mile was a mess. I'm chugging along trying to tell myself to just keep running, but the course at that point was on the beach path where people were just meandering. It was a struggle to stay in the game and keep focused while dodging strollers and random beachgoers. All in all, I might just have to do this race again next year!

Such a great course to run. Whether you're a seasoned runner or this is your first half marathon,…read morethis race is sweet. This is my second time running the Ventura half marathon, the course changed a bit to make it easier at the finished line. Now is mostly all down hill. Process of signing up is quick and easy. They are great at maintaining you in the loop on updates as the date gets closer. Parking at the fairgrounds was so close to the finish line and $5 was a steal. You get a nice shirt, medal, a bag and some protein goodies as your swag bag. Also, Nuun water and honey stinger where provided through out the run (at designated aid stations). Afterwards you can get your free breakfast ( waffles, pineapple, strawberries- just make sure they're not in your teeth before you take a picture like I did ) pretzels and beer, haha. Walk around some of the tents and visit with local businesses. Check out mile 26 for all your running everything. Photo ops, too. Get your BQ at the full marathon.

Okay... this race? SO good…read more If you're looking for a marathon that's fast, beautiful, and actually fun to run, Mountains to Beach is it. Just so youknow it's not a total free ride (and honestly, that's what makes it even better). You start in Ojai running through orange groves at sunrise, and it already feels like a vibe. Cool air, quiet roads, and just enough excitement to get you going without feeling chaotic. Then you head out into stretches with river views, farmland, cows, and horses -- it's peaceful in the best way and makes the miles go by so much easier. I was in awe. The course had a lot of support from the community with people out in their lawn chairs cheering us on. Real runner talk: The first ~3 miles are a steady uphill (don't get too excited too early) The middle miles has rollers that keep you working. There are some flat sections where it's just you and your thoughts And yes... a little hill toward the end just to test you. I even forgot my name. So yeah, it's downhill overall. But you still have to run smart to earn it. Why I loved it: The scenery is chef's kiss the whole way It never feels boring. The course support keeps you engaged. Some people were stopped on the side of the freeway supporting friends and family. At first I thought something had happened then I saw the signs and was like oh wow!! Perfect for runners who know how to pace and stay patient. That finish line feeling hits different when you know you executed it right. Crossing the finish in 3:25 with a BQ and a solid 20 min buffer made it even sweeter. Would I run it again? 100% yes. Might not be able to next year as I will probably be in Boston. This one is officially a favorite

There was very little good about this race. If I had to say one good thing, I would say that the…read morevolunteers at most of the race stations were good. That is where the good ended. The expo is complete trash. The expo is in some dirty fairgrounds that charge $10 for parking. There is nothing at the expo besides a fortune teller and some other unrelated stuff you can buy. The Race Director was a major fail for this event. 6 weeks before they event, they pushed it back 1 week. Hotels, flights, gas, everything was more expensive for the week delay. The race started 20 minutes late in the hot sun, which also led to hotter time when running. Standing in a packed group for those 20 minutes also gave me COVID 3 days later. The course was poorly marked and due to that error, everyone ran an extra .5 miles. Many missed their BQ. Post race food was minimal and everyone was just pissed because they missed their BQ. I was far from a celebratory mood and just wanted to go home. No pictures, no celebration. Just anger and disappointment. People dedicate months / years for training, and M2B was a complete failure that took goals away. if you are looking for a PR or BQ, I suggest doing a different race until this one has a track record of getting their crap together. Shame on you M2B.

Bottom Line: An awesome triathlon…read more I have had the chance to participate in this event a few times now and it was bigger than I thought it was going to be. Very professionally run but still relatively casual and fun. The venues for all three portions is awesome. The bike leg is longer than most other Tri's that I have done so it definitely benefits bikers, at least for the sprint. Great expo afterwards, lots of community support... I highly recommend this event!!

I have run several of their races over the years. The Pacific Half Marathon (2012); the Old Agoura…read more10k (2013); and the Cheseboro Half Marathon (2014, 2017). The only race I haven't done is the 5k. All the races are very well organized and usually start at the exact announced time. You can usually pick up your bib and bag in the finish area but it's recommended that you arrive early. The alternative is to pick it up at the expo on Thursday or Friday before the race - that's a good option if you're local so there is less stress than if you had to pick it up the morning of. If you arrive early enough there is plenty of parking in the mall parking lots nearby but the later you arrive, the crazier it gets. There is a decent number of port-a-johns near the start area but the lines tend to get a bit long close to the start...so I would like a bit more of these. As for the races themselves, neither of them is particularly fast because each one include a significant number of hard hills or technical terrain. The Pacific Half is entirely on roads and has an almost mile-long hard climb between mile 3 and 4, and some hard rollers before and after that. Cheseboro is about half on dirt trails, with short sections of technical terrain, and a gradual climb from Mile 3 to Mile 8 (steepest part is after mile 7). Miles 9 through 13 are mostly downhill but there are still a couple of climbs that will get to your legs late in the race. The 10k has a gradual incline miles 2-3 and some hard short climbs late in the race. So unless you're new to running and or if it's your first race at the distance, don't expect big PRs on these races. However they are quite scenic and make for a great workout. One cool thing about this race: race pictures are free! Take that, LA marathon and Rock and Roll races... So why not 5 stars? Well over the years they have cut the costs regarding shirts and medals. For instance back in 2013, the Cheseboro Half runners got a very nice tech shirt designed solely for that race. The design, quality and color was very cool. This year, the shirt was generic for all races and it had the logo stuck on the shirt instead of imprinted - it makes it uncomfortable to wear it because of the fact that the logo is not directly "inside" the shirt. Also the medals are the same for all races - only difference is the necklaces.

I ran the Pacific Half Marathon this year and it was a spectacular race. The scenery all along the…read moreroad course is stunning! There are so many hidden gems along the run and the distraction really makes the time pass quickly. The course is quite challenging with lots of long, gradual uphills. I'm so happy that I did hill repeats as part of my training since I saw lots of casualties fall back. The water stations were supplied with lots of friendly, smiling volunteers and no shortage of water, electrolyte drink or energy gels. There were also lots of porta potties without lines. There were several volunteers stationed along the course cheering us on. There wasn't alot of community members out cheering like there are at bigger events but it was still a great event. The finish area at Chumash Park was bustling with excitement. I really wanted some Whole Foods pancakes after the run but the line was a good 30 minutes long. Pretty much all of the brunch food lines were long so in my need for some quick replenishment, I settled on a banana and an FRS electrolyte drink. The lines were so long because all of the different races end in the same location. Parking was a bit chaotic since my husband waited for me at the finish. Luckily we have a friend who let us have his parking spot in his condo complex so we only had a half mile walk back to the car. I'd definitely do this race again since it was so scenic and challenging and the staff were so amazing. Chip Time: 2:06:31

My first Ojai Half…read more Super cool weather. Nice hills and elevations. Not too steep. Gorgeous scenery and I appreciated the great views a lot. It was a combination of straight road,trail and hill running. The CA Highway Patrols were guarding each road for traffic and safety. This was the best part. Awesome medal,shirt and goodie bag. Amazing friendly people and special shout out to the leader of the 2.30 pace for handing me salt pills when left leg cramp attacked me on Mile 11. I could have walked but the salt pills was fast-acting. Lesson: NEVER FORGET TO BRING MUSTARD. Salt pill was an option. But I do recommend mustard. It was not a super crowded event. People were nice and polite. I set a new PR! Will run again next year,it's because I LOVE OJAI and it's Ojai PYXIE Tangerine month!

My first Half...done!…read more And Ojai, it was beautiful! Just north of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara--blanketed with outstretched fields of yellow Mustard flowers and nestled within the valleys beneath the rugged Topatopa Mountains--lies this quaint, little Shangri-La of Ventura County. Beginning at Mira Monte Elementary School, the route hops onto Ojai's paved bike trail and slowly meanders southward, following alongside Highway 33 before banking westward onto Santa Ana Blvd. Continuing onto the bike lanes of Santa Ana Rd., the run (around mile 5) parallels Lake Casitas. If it hasn't already done so, about here, your daydreaming should be settling in comfortably. This relaxation of mind will last throughout the entire course as it loops among scene after breathtaking scene of rolling hills and shady trees, punctuated at times by tangerine groves and local vineyards along the way. Too soon--seemingly much too soon--your 13.1 approaches, and before you know it, you're crossing the finish line with a smile. This run was so well organized. Each and every traffic signal along the route was flashing red, the CHP and the Ojai sheriff's department covering each intersection and assisting runners along the bike paths. Even the roads throughout the countryside were monitored by enforcements: cars requiring passage were police-escorted as to ensure runners' safety. The volunteers were amazing as well. Honestly, it seemed like all of Ojai was here in support. Plus water, Gatorade, and Porta Potties were positioned at the all of the aid stations, each about 1.5 miles apart. This run just kept getting better. And then came the medals. I love the medals! My first Half...in beautiful Ojai...done! (My personal goal was to finish within three hours. I did it: 2:46:57!!!) =]

(Half #6, 2015) Now…read moreTHIS is an Elite Sports run I can appreciate. Actually, any course along California's beautiful coastline scores stellar marks in my book. The ocean breeze, salt in the air; the morning sun stretching over the horizon; crashing waves, golden sand, blue skies: all contribute to an energized run. If you've run the Ventura Marathon, Seaside begins in the same area; however, instead of running south along the coast, Seaside takes you north. The course is relatively flat and certainly scenic. The water stations were well-stocked, and gel packs were made available as well. Parking was simple, as well: there's a structure right on the Promenade. Paying $8 will get you an all-day parking pass; however, we received a quick validation from a nearby restaurant, which knocked off $4 from our parking. What's really cool about Elite Sports' races, though, is their "Endurance Challenge": running seven of their Half marathons awards a challenge medal at the year's end. I want that! For more information about the Endurance Challenge, check here: elitesportsca.com/Endura.... And, even cooler, is that Elite Sports' races are included in the CA Half Series (http://calhalfseries.com), which--if you're into Halfs--awards a 10-, 15-, and 20-run series medal at the end of the year. Running seven of Elite Sports' inches you closer to the halfway mark! TIP: If you plan to run any of Elite Sports' or the CA Half Series' races, check out RaceShed (http://raceshed.com); it gives "race for less" discounts and promo codes.

Incredibly picturesque. Easy run, a good half for beginners. When arriving to the seaside itself…read more.. Stunning. Your mind just wanders away adrift on salt spray in the air. Very nice mix of running paths and city streets. Fairly well attended with aid stations. Not many spectators until the very end but a great reception party complete with beer and tacos. What more can you ask for?

Such a beautiful and serene place to visit. We hiked the Paramount Ranch Trailhead loop. And it was…read morespectacular! The views of this place were breathtaking. We really enjoyed our hike. This trail I would rate as moderate because you do encounter a few steep hills and let me tell you, it's a work out! I loved it, you do break a sweat. So if you enjoy a challenge and appreciate the views, this is the place for you!

First of all, I love a good trail. I like being outside with nature. Why? Bc I grew up in Tennessee…read moreand spent most of my childhood outdoors getting down and dirty. I've been training for LA Marathon for a while now and been road running a lot. So This trail race was such a refresher! It's also my first trail race. This race had mostly rolling hills, some steeper than others but nothing crazy. I personally love the Rosebowl trail and this mimics that but with more hills, more rocky terrain, longer, and WAY prettier. Race started at 7 and the fog was brilliant. The sun came out towards the last leg and the combination of that, nature and fog was gorgeous. Because of the rain prior to the race, the trail was pretty muddy. I felt like Big Foot shortly after the race started. Btw this half marathon course was two loops. There were several water/electrolyte stops throughout the race handed out by volunteers. One station had a yummy raspberry like flavor which was my fave. Now lets go backwards, check in was easy and Keira provided yummy Trader Joes yummies like bagels, bananas, pumpkin butter, cream cheeses, pastries, and Starbucks coffee. The swag bag included some Naked Chapstick, cool tech shirt, and some snacks. When you finish the race, you get a badass medal and Keira knighted me personally. Naked was there to gimme some yummy coconut water. I also got a Subway egg and cheese sandwich. Overall, I LOVED this trail and race. It's more of an experience than a run with me trying To get a good time. I couldn't resist the beauty Around me and stopped several times just to take a picture. I even talked to some nice people throughout the race that actually called me the "picture girl," when they saw me at the finish. How did they know that people have been calling me that since HS?!! Haha. Also word on the streets or trails is that this is a light or moderate trail race of Keira's. I'm definitely down to try one of her other ones!

The Color Run was so much fun!…read more This was my second 5K and there was a lot of people who participated. Parking was a little hectic due to traffic but we easily found a spot in the parking garage in downtown Ventura. Walking over to the race at the fairgrounds was easy. It was exciting to see everyone dressed in crazy colors and costumes. I felt like I was at a mini rave lol It was rough going uphill on the incline in the beginning but a breeze running down the incline towards the middle of the race. We received water bottles halfway and were provided nut bars and beef jerky at the end. I was forewarned by a previous color runner to not breathe when getting tossed and splashed with powder dye throughout the race and it helped because some people were choking on it since it clouded everything. My favorite part was finishing the race at the end where my friends and I joined the crowd at the stage and the DJ was playing dance music. He initiated us to toss our package of dye (that we received at the end of the race) when he dropped the bass and it created a colorful swarm of craziness in the air going with the music. It felt like that exhilarating moment when you go surfing in a wave and it entraps you but you still feel free (even though I've never tried surfing but that's what I imagine it to feel like LOL). Definitely recommend this 5K! :)

My husband and I are looking forward to participating in our first Color Run!…read moreApparently, this is suppose to be the "happiest 5k" ever...so the expectations have been set high! Let's see if they meet expectations tomorrow. :) Just wanted to put in a note here about the communications (primarily email) that have been coming from the organizers of this run; and it's pretty good. I've gotten at least 4+ emails in a span of 1-2 months leading up to this event, so I know what's happening and what to prepare in advance. I'll be back to update my review post-event, to share all the fun we had! (hope I'm not jinxing myself here)