After being bit by the running bug pretty recently and finishing my first half at the Disney…read morePrincess in February, I started hunting for fun, entertainment-forward races, keen on setting a PR.
The Divas Half Marathon series had a stop in North Myrtle Beach... which I could drive to, and which I knew would be a flat and fast race. The expo was sort of sad. We were able to park nearby, but we went in what was apparently the exit. And when we wound around to where they were handing out the Myrtle Beach tourist bags, they tried to usher us out, not understanding that we had missed the entrance by going in the exit. Once we got that cleared up, it was quick to pick up our bib in one room and our tech tees in the next. I was disappointed by the small number of vendors, and we were in and out. I registered myself for a Small and my husband for a Medium tee (the registration said they were not providing men's shirts, so I figured I'd get two for myself -- and one of them would be bound to fit). I was amazed to find that the two were identical in size -- I lined them up and there's maybe a quarter-inch breadth difference in the shoulder, but not in the body. They're also cut oddly... so they practically show your midriff in front and then have a tail in the back. Apparently, Divas used a different manufacturer this year -- and the result was not too popular with the ladies!
One of the things I liked best about this particular race is that you could stay in a nearby hotel and walk right to the start line. Since there weren't a ton of porta potties at the start (and about ~4,800 women), I was grateful I was able to stay in my hotel room until 30 minutes before the clock started. Divas negotiates discount rates with some partner hotels, however so many of those required a drive to the race. I'd recommend Avista -- affordable and one block away from the starting line, ocean-front, indoor and outdoor hot tub, and large bathtubs with jets.
I thought the starting line was set up pretty clearly... there are pace marker signs to the side to help everyone line up, and there are pace captains with pink balloons (although, it was surprising to me that after seeing the 10min/mi pace captain, the only other one ahead appeared to be 7min/mi!). I lined up midway in the 9-10min/mi section. Announcements were made, the anthem was played, and we started off in one mass mob. Not having multiple starts created a little congestion at the get-go. We wove some for about 2 miles (nothing nearly as bad as Disney Princess though). And by mile 3, we were definitely thinned out. I ended up pacing faster than I'd planned, and ended up passing lots of people in the beginning, but gradually caught up to folks falling into a 9min/mi pace, and got settled. Not much spectator support on this, but the scenery wasn't bad (we never saw the beach though!). I especially liked miles 8-11 that took you through some pretty neighborhoods, with mansion-like houses. Thank you especially to the couple who tail-gated with their SUV and played music, moving to two different spots on the course. You put a spring in my step that I needed! Radio stations and DJs provided music at another 3 stops. There was a duo of goofy guys who reappeared with their signs and affro wigs and antics at three spots along the course. But most of the spectators were there for a specific person and not cheering for others.
For most of the route, opposing traffic was allowed, but this didn't seem to be a safety issue. And the route never narrowed so much that I thought it was creating any kind of bottleneck. Watch closely for the signs indicating 5K course vs Half Marathon -- I almost missed the turn, and vice versa, saw a couple of 5Kers have to backtrack. Aid stations and water/Gatorade stations were well-spaced and pretty well-manned.
Grabbed a tiara at 12.75 (was hugely disappointed to discover it's a dollar-store plastic version and not a nice metal one). Hubby tried to get a boa, but the volunteers were slow, and he didn't want to slow down for them. Leading up to the finish line, there was great support; we rounded the corner, saw the end, and sprinted it out. For a PR at just under 2 hours! As promised, sexy shirtless men crowned you with your medal, we were handed a bottle of water, followed by a rose, followed by a champagne flute. And then you could grab your choice of banana, apple, bagel (jam provided), or oatmeal cookie. The tour announcer/mascot Honey Loquacious was on stage with some great music playing. But no one was dancing. Boo!
Overall, this race met expectations. Especially for the price. What I liked most: lots of encouragement and friendly runners; fun costumes and incorporated pink; substantial medals; ease of race access; completely flat course that's not over-crowded; low humidity (at least this time of year!).
