Just finished the Color Run 5K this morning. This is an untimed (no clock) run, starting at Dignity…read moreHealth Sports Park, and runs around there and on part of the campus at CSU Dominguez Hills. I ran it with my son (we took about three steps together at the start before he took off and finished WAY before me ). If you are a "serious runner", know that this event is very low key. Lots of families, first time runners, strollers. I appreciate people getting out and doing an active event like this, but if you are looking for a "race" and some of the other elements of competitive races, it's not the same. I did okay, my pace was better than earlier this week, so I am happy. I realized I like running with the community - it made it fun. I also felt more confident during this run, although it was hot. The course itself was varied and interesting - I liked running through Dignity Health Park and also through the building that houses the new Velodrome (there was a cyclist on it when I went through). They had one water station (bottled) and many restrooms along the way. The color powder is thrown at you maybe every half mile or so - different colors each time, but lots of blue/green powder used. I wore sunglasses and put my color run microfiber over my face when I ran through, and made sure my mouth was closed. You also run through a foam/bubble section at the very end. No joke, it does get everywhere! After the race, there was powder even under my shirt and through two layers of socks. Good tip to bring a towel and maybe a change of clothes for after. There were lots of freebies and vendors on site for the duration of the event. I would say some runners enjoyed that part the most! There was also a beer garden for 21+...just across from the starting line, some runners hit the beer garden FIRST and THEN started their run! Parking is $20 and we got there early (like 7am) so no issues - parked close to the starting line. My goal is to keep going - what should I run next?

This is true definition of fun run…read more Color Run Los Angeles was held in Stubhub Center in Carson. Race began at 9am and waves of runners begin every few minutes until 9:45. There's lots of food trucks and vendors here. I registered online ahead of time and paid $35 plus $15 shipping of my goodies which includes my bib number, 'HAPPY' tattoo, and headband. There were lots of goodies thrown into the crowd at the starting line. The course begins at the parking lot and you run around the stubhub center. I ran a lap on the track course, through arenas and such. Colored powder is thrown at you during the run. There were two water stations during the run. At the finish line, you get a medal and a bag of color run powder so you can throw some more after the race. There's no clock anywhere so you have to keep track of your own time. There was also free neutrogena face mask (battery operated) which was free ($40 value). I also got a free bag of bath salt. There is free tattoo booth and it was a lot of fun. Funnest race ever and will register next time.

Definitely my second favorite 10K(second to Firecracker Run) Amazing elevations,crowd,beach view…read moreand course! I love it although there is no medal but the shirt was pretty with a beautiful MB pier portrait. New PR with one full bladder break at mile 2. I wasn't prepared for the fast rising temperature at all. I would run this again!

This is a Manhattan Beach tradition that began in 1978 when a few local residents decided to put…read moretogether a race for MB. It is always held on the Saturday morning of the annual Hometown Fair (early October) and is the one road race I really look forward to every year. Having grown up in MB, this is easily my favorite run all year. There are 2 starting lines, one on Ardmore and the other on Valley (I prefer the south starting area). It's a very festive starting area with a great band comprised of senior citizens playing live music. The start time is 7:30 and both starting groups merge around the police station. You run through several different MB neighborhoods after a brief run through the downtown area on Highland, and the streets are lined with local residents cheering you on. This is really nice because I quickly get bored after anything longer than 3 miles and the constant stimuli is a welcome attention grabber. There are a couple of rock bands playing throughout the course, and one band that plays calypso music at around the halfway point. I even see my 10th grade biology teacher at the same spot every year! (Did I mention this is my favorite race?) Overall, this is a well organized and fun race, especially if you live or grew up in the area. It is fairly flat with a couple of small hills in the beginning and one moderate incline at around mile 4.5, going past the National Guard Armory on Bell Ave and up Rosecrans. It's worth the effort, though, because the last mile or so is fast and flat on the Strand as you finish right by the Manhattan Beach Pier. The only thing that could be improved is registering for this race. There is no race day registration, so if you think you may not be able to attend until last minute and were thinking of just signing up at the race, it is not an option. You can register online but that deadline is a week before race day. Lastly, you can register in person but it is only at the MB Village Runner location. It would be nice if they let you register at the other Village Runner in Redondo Beach. Having said that, it's still not enough to make me take off a star. Note: this course appears to be just a touch too long. My Nike running app's GPS consistently measures it at 10,075 meters (6.26 miles).

I've been interested in ChiRunning for years. Before I even started running, I purchased the…read moreChiRunning book by Danny Dreyer. For those of you who are not familiar with ChiRunning, it's a technique of running that is supposed to minimize impact on your body and prevent injury. I was thrilled to discover the Sole Runners Marathon and Half Marathon Training Program featured not only ChiRunning but yoga. I've always heard nothing but good things about running and yoga but I've never been able to get into yoga. Steve Mackel, CHt, is the Sole Runners' Head Coach and Program Director and Gary Smith is the Sole Runners' Coach. I really like the Sole Runners group because the coaches and mentors really take the time to work with as many runners as possible to help us with our techniques. I believe that one-on-one attention really makes a big difference. This group is great for beginning runners, experienced runners, and all the runners in between. I love group's positive energy. Everyone is unbelievably encouraging and supportive. The mentors also offer free runs during the week so you can get your weekday miles in. The other thing I really like about Sole Runners is how we run for time NOT distance. With other groups I've run with, you all run the same distance so the fast runners are always heading back from the turnaround point while I'm moving along as fast as I can go. With Sole Runners, everyone sets their watch and you run out as far as you can within that time and then when your watch beeps, you turn around and head back.

First question - Are you nuts???!!!…read more That's what i asked our friend when she asked us to join this group last year. I've run 5ks a few times and that's about it. 1/2 marathons are completely out of the question. Second question - Is there a 10k program??? Really. I do not need to run a 1/2 or full. Just a few 5ks and ultimately a 10k. With this mindset, we joined the group, basically just to hang out and to get into shape if anything. First week, ran for 40 minutes, basically a 5k. Well there you go, I can still run/jog a 5k. Right off the bat, I knew we were over our heads. There was a lesson in Chi-Running which is the whole basis of this group. Basically, running properly to ensure you expend as little energy and impact as possible to prolong your running career. Everything made so much sense, it was scary. It's just putting it in motion that was the hard part. The 2 trainers Gary and Steve are great and the group of mentors are all so friendly and helpful. They also have side impromptu runs/yoga during the week if you feel the need. There is a Yoga class after each run on Saturday that is taught by both teachers, depending on if you're training for a 1/2 or full. Free hour yoga class? Great! This is around a 24 week program that slowly puts you in the condition you need to be in to finish your goal race. You increment your long run each Saturday by 15 or 1/2 hour, depending on your group. You then add a couple of runs during the week to keep you in shape and to work on speed and habits. Basically, after 3-4 weeks, we were running 10ks already and we were amazed at how easy it seemed. We dove right in and signed up for a 1/2 marathon scheduled 2 months away. Why not? If anything, we can walk if we can't hang. Ended up running most of it and felt like I won a gold medal after crossing that finish line. What a feeling. If you fancy a few new friends and a chance to get into running shape, come on out. They run in in Long Beach and San Pedro depending on the season. The current season is in Long Beach and they meet in Marina Vista Park. It starts in a few weeks so come on out. Tell them i sent you and maybe they'll give you a discount (or charge you more) haha. Got sole?

The gold standard for LA running clubs. Structure, coaching, community, fun. It's got it allread more

I'd give the South Bay Runners six stars if they allowed me too. This is the best group of people…read moreto run with. Everyone is so friendly and the coaching at the Tuesday Night track nights is awesome! For the very reasonable price of $50 a year you have access to great coaches and a great community to run with. You will not only become a better runner but you will make a lot of good friends too. If you have been sitting on the couch and wanting to get in shape, or get back in shape to run a 5k or 10k or beyond, or just wanting to get some exercise, check out the Southbay Runners.

It was the perfect weather to run a race!…read more Course was flat and easy. Great view of the marina. Check in process was simple if you read the instructions. (Bring ID,sign the waiver,etc) ;) Bathroom situation was good. (Not just porta potties were available). Aquarium of the Pacific parking. Bling was super cute. Shirt was acceptable. Suggestion: Brown paper goodie bags should be used instead of plastic bags. Love Mother Earth! Start waves were a good idea! Competitive runners in the front. Lots of entertainment post race and along the course. Bob Marley songs were played by the live band! Cheerleaders everywhere! Nice people,vendors and participants! Love it!

Aloha Run 2015! Much love and Aloha to all the participants and volunteers! This 5k run/walk was…read morea scenic tour through Shoreline Village/Park and was well worth the $40. Parking was complimentary in the structure and the event was well organized. There were restrooms along the route, so no need to rely on just porta-pottys. The medal had a cute movable grass skirt;) The vendors were easily accessible, and the lines were not very long. I even had the opportunity to get several free drinks from #diabolo and #nestlenesquickusa. So if you want to have an island feel as you run in beautiful Long Beach, join the Aloha Run and it will be just like you are in Hawaii:)

Great place to bring the family. Great rides, games and food. All sorts of different food. They…read morealso have vendors if you would like to buy all sorts of items. From clothes, decorative orchids, and a lot of other things. Get the value tickets. 30 tickets for $20. Nice way to spend the afternoon or night. This fair comes around once a year. Usually after Labor Day (Friday, Saturday & Sunday).

This is a great place to visit.. they usually hold this the weekend after labor day.. they have…read morecarnival rides, carnival games, vendors, entertainment and the best part.. food! And for being a fair the prices are all reasonable, $5 for 3 delicious carne asada tacos or funnel cake, $8.50 for a plate of 2 ribs, quarter chicken, baked beans and corn on the cob? You can't beat it! I will definitely be back next year.. it is a great place to go to and the attendees and employees are all extremely nice and friendly!

Flat course with some elevations along Knob Hill and back to the Riviera. Easy but not the cold…read moreweather and strong wind that morning of St. Patrick's Day. I could tell that runners ran harder than usual because i myself felt it even with a good one-mile warm up right before the race. Not complaining as I love these difficulties and challenges. Sponsored by Village Runners,this is just one of their many races throughout the year. Well-attended by fun-loving and fitness-oriented children and adults. There was a costume contest,too! Various vendors were there and i have discovered RX bars and Harmless Coconut Water. Bagels and fruits were served after the race. Overall,it was worth the race price but minus the medal!

What a fun race to benefit a great cause! The proceeds go towards women's reconstruction after…read morebreast cancer. This race was very organized with emails on directions on how to get there, street closures, parking information($13) and prices. Parking was on lot 1 and 2 so plenty of parking but arrive early. It gave you information on the course itself and the story behind the foundation of this race. The announcers and crowd had great energy. There was the option for bib pick up the day before or morning of and I did morning of. Super fast and easy! There were prizes for a costume contest and even some doggies were dolled up. Super cute! A couple of things we started the 13k (8.07 miles ) at 8:15 so we were burning up halfway until the end. Yikes! The 5k started after. Also, this has nothing to do with the race but this beach is so unkept. Really sad! Overall great race I would do it again especially with a group of friends like we did! I got 1st place in my age category and my girlfriend also placed 2nd in her age category!