What a perfect day for the Mermaid Run, especially when its the day before Mother's day and my mini me wants to join me in her first run. You know what they say right? like mother like daughter, just getting her started early!! Since it was my daughters first run, I decided to register both of us for the 5k. Mermaid Run offers an 18m, half marathon, 10k, 5k, and a mini run for the kiddos 1.5miles. Located at Quarry Lakes park in Fremont. The Park surrounds a barrier of water just like Lake Merced & Lake Merritt. The 5k started at 900a and the heat risen to 80degree, (FUEGO) the trail goes around the lake on gravel. Lots of moms ran with their children and plenty of women supported the run. At the end we were rewarded a charm and post race food ie.bagels, bananas, strawberries, grapes, candy? water and orange juice. I seen plenty of booths that included Zico coconut water, Luna bars, massage tables, photo booths and apparel shopping. My only complaints were to let the little kids run first, I almost trampled over them a couple of times. Other than that, we had a great first run together. read more

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Half Marathon Time: 1:37:21 1st in Age group (by 12 minutes!) 3rd overall (Men and Women) Thank you Yelp for the free entry!! This event was kinda big for me after Surgery 2 weeks before and what an event to be my first real workout after somewhat recovering. I found the event well organized and bib pick up on the morning of the event a huge bonus. There were a few vendors still setting up and offering free samples - Luna Bars, Sanbazon Acai drinks and little samples of Acai Bowls. The run itself started on time with each distance starting 30 minutes apart. The 18 miler started first followed by the Half Marathon then the 10k then 5k. This meant that everyone was coming across the finish line at roughly the same time. The course itself was nice - some gravel and some pavement and for the first few miles well marked out but after about mile 6 is saw very few signs for the Half Marathon and was questioning whether or not I was still on the right course and not Running the 18 miler. It probably didn't help that I was front of the pack of runners and when I got to mile 6 saw volunteers still setting up signs..this is mind I think more signage for future years is s must. I was so glad to see the volunteers at 8.5mi and ask ''Is this the turnaround for the Half''.Thank goodness they knew where I was supposed to be going! Post Race was a little chaotic with medals and necklaces being given out and a huge line for the fenced off food area. Food was basic - Bagels, Banana's, Orange and Juice. Awards were given for overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each distance as well as age group awards which took place around 10:15am which was quite some wait after many of the winners finished. For 3rd overall Half I was awarded a plaque and a box of Luna bars with age group win being a hat. Nice awards but kind of wish there were extra medals because it's all about the bling. Every finishers also got a medal which was the same for every distance. Doing this event there is one thing I must stress to other Runners - Please be more courteous to other Runners. There was a part of the course with a turn around and runners to be coming along both directions of the course.. after the turnaround I was keeping as far left as possible but oncoming runners either thought the ''keep left'' rules didn't apply to them or were completely oblivious and were running head on into me. Then some Runners getting made at ME when I shouted to ''please keep left''. Also when someone calls ''On your Left'' it means they are coming up behind you and would like to pass (ever seen Captain America?) so please move over. Basic Runner etiquette. Overall pretty good event and I'll probably do it again next year. read more

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This was my first Mermaid race ever, and really my first real race in over 5 years for sure. Some good positives: I love any race that goes over the Golden Gate Bridge. What gorgeous scenery, and any time you can cross the iconic bridge is wonderful. The race swag was also really nice. Good-quality long sleeve tech shirt! I also really appreciated the reusable water bottle from one of the race sponsors. Pre-race communication was REALLY good, really knocked it out of the park, for what to expect, especially with regards to parking. November was a great time of year to do the race, since the weather is chilly (but PERFECT for running). I don't have many negatives, but one of the biggest is the "novelty" aspect to it. And not really the novelty about it, but the amount of people who just don't know race etiquette because they might not have ever participated in a real race before. With a race themed for mermaids, it often attracts a large percentage of participants who are doing it just for fun. NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. Something that could have been majorly improved, however, was communication from the race staff about starting the race in "corrals" according to your estimated pace. While I am NOT a professional runner, I DID want to take this seriously. I lined up toward the back, since I am not fast by any means. It was really disappointing to see so many people, walking RIGHT off the bat, lined up toward the front of the starting line. Especially with a race that the first ~1 1/2 miles are all uphill and difficult! For about the first 5-10 minutes, I was consistently passing people who were walking. Race staff could have done a much better job with communicating beforehand etiquette that people who are slower or who are doing this "just for fun" should line up toward the back, that way people who intend to run or who are faster, can do so without having to pass all of the walkers. Second improvement could have been to space out the race goodies better after finishing. With many of the 10K, 5K, AND 10 mile participants finishing around the same time, the line for snacks was really long and snaked around/coiled around like a snail. The line was too long for me to want to stick around. Either add additional snack lines, or spread it much farther apart. The Expo area was entirely too crowded for my comfort after the race. read more

126. Loved the Mermaid Run! I ran the 5K and had a wonderful experience. The atmosphere for this run was very encouraging and supportive. Prior to this, I ran the Nike Women's Half Marathon, so it was refreshing to see a smaller, more intimate crowd. The race course for the 5K was mainly flat, and there was a water station during the second mile. Volunteers were very proactive and enthusiastic. After the race, they served bagels, muffins, and fruit, so you have an opportunity to stuff yourself. You get a cute pendant at the end as well. I was surprised to find out that I placed 1st in my age category. I never win anything, but now I feel motivated to run more 5Ks in the future! __________ My 2¢: - Pick up your packet beforehand. You will thank yourself later for not having to wait in a long line on the day of the race. - If you want to save yourself from another long line and $5, park near Alvarado Niles Road and Quarry Lakes Road. It is a ten minute walk from Quarry Lakes, but if you are going to run a 5K (or more), this is totally doable. - Take pictures before you run. You will look much nicer. - Get there early! read more

Mermaid Series - Finish line - Races & Competitions Near Me - Fremont, California

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Thank you Yelp East Bay for the free race entry for the Mermaid Half Marathon. With less than a month to train, I was just happy with finishing. It's been a couple of years since I ran this race but a couple of things have changed. You now receive a race medal in addition to a necklace when you finish and parking is now free! Thank you Mermaid Series! Packet pick up took place the day before at the Sports Basement in Campbell or on race day. I picked it up the morning of the race. I didn't what to weather-wise but we lucked out having nice, cool, and dry weather. Thankfully, it didn't start raining until after I finished. The Mermaid East Bay run features the Sirena 18 miler, a half marathon, 10k, 5k, and mermaid dash for the little ones. Since it was mother's day weekend, it was so cute seeing mothers and daughters running together. I think younger runners under 18 paid half the price of regular adult runners which sounds like a great way to get your kids running with you. This would be a good race for first timers because there are less runners and it's less packed. The race took place at Quarry Lakes in Fremont and the course is relatively flat on dirt and paved roads. Follow the color makers that match your race bib to know where to go and listen to the volunteers for directions. The rain the day before helped make the dirty paths softer and easier to run on. There isn't much shade here so I was happy the weather was nice and cool. I remembered how hot and sunny it was the last time I ran this race. The el niño rains this season helped make the scenery better this time around. More green and less dry brush. The water stations were spread out pretty well and many stations even had gels and energy bars. When you finish the race, you can pick up your post race food consisting of bagels, bananas, strawberries, mandarin oranges, and juice. Overall, I enjoyed the race much more than the first time in ran it in 2014. It was well organized too. And to top off my day, I ended up getting a PR! Now on to celebrating mother's day weekend with my little one! read more

Mermaid Series - Race medal and necklace - Races & Competitions Near Me - Fremont, California

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this was my 3rd time participating in the mermaid east bay event, and 5th time participating in a mermaid running event. i have generally been pleased with the mermaid events, and love that they are female-centric with the finishers' necklaces, tshirts, and post-race goodies. as with previous years, the weather was pretty ideal for race day, there were 4 distances (5k, 10k, half, 18 mi) which ran the same flat courses as past years, a dri fit shirt with unique mermaid logo, and finisher's necklace at the finish line. i ran the 10k since i'd actually never run a 10k at a mermaid event before (always a 5k or half or sirena 18). since i'd been training for a half marathon later in the season, i did quite well in the 10k, my fastest in 2015, and good enough for 2nd place in my age group. it was nice to be part of the awards ceremony, once again, and walk away with an extra prize, which was a unique dri-fit cap with 2nd place stitched in. what i really appreciated about this year's event was the fact that they had a much better organized finish line/finisher's refreshments area since the finish chute led runners straight to the pavilion where all of the post-race food was. there were volunteers handing out food and a couple of "guards" making sure that only registered runners with a bib were in the finisher's area. this ensured that those who ran were able to get fed as soon as possible, and those who were there to cheer did not take away food reserved for participants. in previous years, i would end up waiting up to 30 minutes in line to get food, at which time, i would become lightheaded and dizzy from lack of food and water! not so this year as i had immediate access to the food... also, the race organizers ensured that all participants would be allowed to park at the quarry lakes parking lot for free this year! in previous years, we would have to pay $5 to park here, so it was nice that we could just tell them we were running the mermaid and drive on thru, no searching for cash! a big round of applause for the race organizers for making certain changes for 2015 and making this a smoother, more enjoyable race for participants and spectators alike. i'm already looking forward to 2016....the question is, which distance will i choose next year? read more

You can't go wrong with any of the Mermaid Series events. - unique finisher's hoodie - great finisher's necklace - mulit-distances to fit any runner's abilities On 5/7/2011, Mermaid hosted the 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon and the new Sirena 18miles (new distance) at Quarry Lakes in Fremont. Also a Mini Mermaid Run Distance 1.5 miles for girls ages 6-12. Make it a Mother's Day Tradition! Come out to the Mermaid Run on Saturday, May 7th to celebrate Mother's Day. The new location in Fremont features miles of trails around Quarry Lakes and the running path along the Alameda Creek Trail. The run is virtually flat making it an ideal course to kick up your heels and enjoy the sights. read more

Mermaid Series - Races & Competitions Near Me - Fremont, California

This was my first half marathon experience, and I definitely do not think it will be my last! I had been running recreationally as my go-to cardio exercise (max 5-6 miles), and I finally decided to challenge myself with a half marathon. The Mermaid Series Half Marathon definitely proved their mission in empowering women to run and to "find [their] happy pace!" Pros (+): - The email updates leading up to the race were detailed, informative, and motivating. From weather updates to google hyperlinks, the race organizers included everything you needed to know! - Race packet pick up was easy and painless. Just go to Sunnyvale's Sports Basement's Summit Room (near the back of the store) and line up in your race denomination. Next, they will direct you to pick up your shirts. You can look at shirt samples for sizing, and if you think the shirt you ordered will not fit, they usually can exchange after the race the following day. The event usually over orders a few extras, so don't fret! - Post-race activities were so much fun! Not only was there an abundance of food (bagels, strawberries, and bananas -- the line moved fast and sorry, no men allowed!), there was also a fun photo booth where you get to print out your photo and have one sent to you. There were also wonderful samples of new Lunabars, as well as a massage tent! - Plenty of parking spaces. - Lots of portapotties at the start of the race. - Flat course with a few small inclines -- perfect for a first timer! - Great encouragement along the course from runners and volunteers in the form of high fives, thumbs up, and kind words. Cons (-): - The line to get into the park was worse than I had thought! I arrived at the entrance around 7:30, and was fretting that I would miss the start of the race at 8. The parking guys were trying to get everyone in as fast as possible, however, and didn't collect the fee if you were just going in to drop someone off. They directed my friend to the starting line, where I just hopped out, with 5 minutes to spare! (Of course, this won't be a problem for those who actually woke up on time... Next time, I will definitely wake up earlier!!!) - Minimal shading along the course. Much of the latter half of the race, the sun is right in your eyes. (Warning: Fremont can get pretty warm at this time of year.) - Not much of a crowd throughout the race. Race thins out at the end and you are running by yourself. - Not as many water stations along the course towards the end. - Narrow trail, so with people turning around, people going towards, bikes, and resident dog-walkers etc can be a bit crowded. - The kids' run is towards the end of the path, so watch out -- don't want to run them over! - The scene towards the middle / half of the race is dried brush -- not very exciting, but perhaps you are more absorbed in finishing rather than enjoying the scenery at this point. All in all, this was a great first experience! This Mermaid Run was a good stepping stone towards the rest of my running career, and really gave me something substantial to work towards. I would encourage everyone who is interested in a healthy challenge to sign up and go for it! :) read more

Mermaid Series - View of lake 2-3 miles into the Half Marathon - Races & Competitions Near Me - Fremont, California

This race was ALMOST perfect.. it really is a miniature version of the Nike Women's race in SF because its very women empowering with all the great goodies! I did the 10k last year and it was at The Shoreline in Mountain View and this year they changed it up and had it in Fremont. It was mostly trail and some paved areas- relatively flat until the finish line. The wind was perfect and weather were perfect for the run. It was pretty chilly in the morning tho when we started. Day before and day of race packet picketup. Thank goodness I did it the day before at Sports Basement (only location) in Sunnyvale as it was a process and took awhile for people to get into Quarry Lakes so they even had to push the start times to 15 minutes later. You had to pay $5 per car to park there but plenty of parking. Packet pickup was great- started on time and you got 20% off at Sports Basement- they had Costco pizza, fruit, snacks, drinks for you to enjoy. - Great reusable Overland tote- this year its personalized with Mermaid Series on it versus plain last year - A really cool technical t shirt- it was mermaid green/blue ish and it was sleeveless w/ a hoodie- really unique- will be fun to wear over the summer - Some energy gels- Luna Bar - Not much in the goody bag but you get so much already - Also get a necklace w/ charm at the finish line (not Tiffany's but still cute) There is a mini mermaid race (12 and under I believe) for 1.5 miles, 5k, 10k, half marathon, and premier distance Sirena 18 miler. SOOO.. about the race.. one thing comes to mind- NOT ENOUGH WATER. I did the premier distance of 18 miles- and it is quite intimidating as there was only about 30 women doing this distance- I ended up finishing 3rd to last :/ but oh well I finished. There was only 4 water stops- :/ with such a long distance should be one every other mile. Bigger races have every mile. Since there was such little people in the race in total- probably less than 1,000 and even less in my race group- I was running alone a lot of the time which isn't that fun to me.. There was no cheering from crowds because it wasn't on the street and in the lake area facilities. There should be more signs to avoid confusion- I know some women ended up doing 21 miles versus 18 because they missed a turn. The one thing that I did love was that since I was one of the last people to finish there was a staff member on the bike that asked if I was okay- if I needed anything and reiterated that I was doing great. That was really nice. I'd love to do this race again- maybe the half next year since I haven't done that distance w/ them yet. read more

Where were the chocolate chip pancakes??? haha After reading the reviews from runner from the previous years, my friends and I were expecting post-race pancakes. But perhaps it was too troublesome, so they switched to bagels from Posh Bagel this year. The mermaid theme is really cute and the slogan "Find your happy pace!" is awesome. Their marketing team = genius! I love that they are about women being empowered and confident and no matter what your level of ability that we can all be healthier and more fit and still have fun doing it! You had the option of signing up for the 5k, 10k, half-marathon, and the sirena18 (an 18 miler in case a half is not enough but you're not quite ready for a full). I registered for the 10k. They stagger the start times of each event with the 18-milers going first, and then the half marathoners 30 minutes later, etc. The start for all four events was the same path, a very narrow sidewalk-ish area. It got really congested in the beginning, so for like the first half mile it was hard to pass and I ended up having to do it on the adjacent grass or the stepping off of the curb. But after the half-mile point, it goes less crowded. The beginning of the course was scenic because you see the lake, but there are also parts that are less scenic. The course kind of got confusing because at some parts you turn around and are going back in the same direction, so I wasn't 100% sure if I was going the right way or if I somehow ended up in the half-marathon course. Fortunately, I didn't make any wrong turns. There were mile markers and I remember one volunteer holding up a sign that said 10k with an arrow pointing straight and another volunteer right next to her holding up a sign that said half-marathon turn left. The event was well-organized and the volunteers were great and encouraging. Post-race, you get a finishers necklace and food! So again, I thought it would be choco-chip pancakes, but this year they were bagels - still good. Needed to replenish with carbs!! Plenty of schmear options plus fresh fruit (grapes, strawberries, bananas), muffins, and orange juice. YUM. And there were also exhibitor booths too - Luna Bar was giving out free samples, Zico coconut water, and some bread company that was passing our pb&j. There was also a photobooth there and they printed enough for the whole group plus you could email yourself a digital copy of your photo at their iPad stations. I was also able to exchange my race shirt at the event. When I picked up my bib and shirt at Sports Basement, I tried on one of the sample shirts they had out in Medium and I was swimming in it (get the pun?? mermaids? swimming? haha... never mind). I asked if I could exchange it right there, but the lady told me I'd have to do it at the event to see if there were any extras. There were and I was able to get a size small. Woohoo! Run happy! read more

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I came here on a Saturday morning to watch the mermaid run. It was a good experience for all. Pro: great family atmosphere, spacious, lots of activities going on, BBQ area, biking and running trails, open park land, volleyball courts, lake, beach area, and large pavilions for big gatherings. Cons: can get pretty crowded at times, especially during events so parking can become an issue. Overall a fun place to come with your family and friends. Pets allowed as well. read more

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I did 10k in 2011 when I was pregnant with my son. I told myself, I will come back for the 18 miler next year & I did! I loved the 18 miler! It's a small race. It was more like a fun to run & enjoy event. Trail like route which I loved because of the shade, the heat was not as bad as it was. The volunteers were kind & water stations were available every 2 mile. They gave out GU at last few miles... Don't remember when. After I turn around, after few miles, I met half marathon runners at their turn around point. The last mile or 2, you will meet kids & parents doing kids run together? Or a 5K. They might slow you down a little but it was not bad. I liked it actually see all the kids & families running/walking together. I've done tons of big & small races before. Mermaid event is a pretty neat event for ladies. Always nice to get a pretty T shirt, running with ladies & all designed for ladies. The only issue with me was that they wanted to give me the T shirt before the race & if you don't have any place to put your T shirts like me - my husband dropped me off- you would need to pick it up after the race. No guarantee that they will have your size, especially if you run longer, less chance of getting your size. I hope they would give you the shirt after the race or have a bag check available. No bag check this time. I will do it again though. I hope they would let runners pick up goodies post race next time. read more

This was my first Mermaid event; I ran the half marathon. Pros: - The course was mostly flat, great for those running their first half marathon or attempting to set a new PR. - The volunteers along the course were great! Very supportive and energetic. This event also had a decent amount of water stations. Huge plus for me as I did not have to wear a weighty hydration belt. - I left the event as soon as I crossed the finish line, but the post-race expo offered a good selection of vendors, massage tables, photo ops, and food. Cons: - Although the course was flat, it was mostly trail with a lot of loose gravel and rock. Sometimes, that kind of terrain can be troublesome. - This was a smaller event; about 350 women participated in the half marathon. Towards the end of the race, I was practically jogging/walking the course by myself. Especially when coping with an injury, I missed being surrounded by other runners. - The finisher's "pendant" was not very impressive, in my opinion. Considering this event was not the cheapest (I paid close to $70 for registration), I wish they gave out medals instead. Overall, this was a nice event, but I am not sure if I would participate again. read more

My friend ran the Mermaid Half Marathon in the East Bay and finished her first race! The race was located in the lagoon in Union City/Fremont. It was a great weather and the park venue was a very spacious and sunny area for the race. It was well run (no PUN intended), had plenty of amenities for the runners (bagels and bananas for finishers, water stops, as well as fun booths at the end). The course ran all around and if it weren't for the hot weather, it would have been a great route that always kept the runner interested. At the finish, runners received a cute necklace (the race is made for women) and a pretty looking tech tee to go along with their entry. My only gripe is that there was really no differentiation between the different races that were held. Although I love the message that the Mermaid circuit is trying to achieve, it would have been cool to acknowledge that my friend ran 13.1 miles compared to others who did the fun run. Still a great event and hope that others decide to sign up for the Mermaid Series in the future! read more

A friend talked me into doing this race, they have a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and 18 miler available. I wish I had known that the course was mostly dirt (and at times gravel). It's flat for the most part which is good and as others have noted, even though it's a smaller race, the first mile is pretty congested with runners and it eventually thins out (common to find yourself running alone). Pros: -Good post race food (assuming you get there in time) including posh bagels, muffins, fruit, juice, etc. -Mile markers with volunteers directing routes -Finishers necklace -Quality t-shirts -Luna bar sponsors, mmm -Convenient and organized bib/t-shirt pickup at Sports Basement Cons: -Dirt/gravel course -No bag check -$5 parking -Mostly unshaded route with direct sun exposure -Really long food lines and ran out of fruit :( Tip: -It's probably not ok officially but I saw a few men running the race with their partners and even a few people with strollers! Overall it was ok but due to the course state I probably wouldn't run it again. read more

I ran my first Mermaid run on Feb.10th in San Diego. I signed up to run the whole series (East Bay, Boulder, Spokane, San Fran). I am still new to running but have, completed a few halfs and this is not one of my favorites. PROs: -The bib pickup process was easy, with plenty of parking near pickup point. -The shirts are super cute & comfortable -Necklaces at the finish and the medals are great -Parking was relatively simple for race day, but a LONG walk back from the finish line. CONs: -The shirts/medals do not say San Diego or the date anywhere, which makes me fear that all the races will be the exact same thing -The race thins out very quickly and I felt as though I were running by myself a good portion of the time. -There were a number of race volunteers, but at one point I wasn't even sure I was going the right way and I had to stop and ask if I go straight or turn (was NOT clearly marked) -There seemed to be fewer water stations than they posted. Had I known, I would have worn a hydration belt. -On the very last stretch before the finish, I rounded the corner to all the kids race participants RUNNING STRAIGHT TOWARDS US. They started the race as those of around 2:35 were finishing. I had to run off the path to avoid being trampled by or trampling over little kids. -The finish was pretty uneventful and there were very few booths. The post race was a hard bagel and they'd run out of cream cheese. A little disappointing. Overall, I don't think I'll run this particular race again, unless some changes are made. read more

We love the Mermaid events...So far we have done SF, East Bay, the Alameda Tri & Du and are heading to Capitola. Having run other series the Mermaids are generally well organized and staffed well enough so if there is a glitch, you can fix it! I'm not a fan of the virtual running bag, I like the re-usable totes but they have given up on that...the finishers necklace is usually cute as our the t shirts. The course was flat, mostly trails-perfect for a 10K, great time of the year. I'm running it again in September with title 9, chances are it will be too hot then as there is no shade. The course is nice for all levels of athletes, the finish was uphill, a little hard to sprint but doable. Truly an event that will become a great way to kick start Mother's Day weekend! read more

Well done race! Organized, plenty of parking, great shirt and necklace. Fun to volunteer as well for this cool group. I will be back for the 18 miler. read more

This was my first and DEFINITELY not my last Mermaid Race. I did the 18 Miler Sirena race PRO's: 1.) I knew they had a good amount of aid stations and so I didn't bring my own water. I thought they were spread evenly. I didn't look at the map or anything prior though so I just came up to them whenever they were there. 2.) AWESOME volunteers, I'm not sure if I wasn't around when they were on their cell phones, but everyone I interacted with were awesome! I loved the kids at the water stations they were so enthusiastic and supportive! 3.) I liked that they allowed Mom's to bring strollers CON's: 1.) I was disappointed when I got to the expo after 5 on Friday and found that there were HARDLY any small shirts left. (although now they have the online store, so it's fine, but it being my first 18 mile run/race ever, I wished they'd had more. SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT YEAR: Make different shirts per different distance if possible. I'm not sure which Mermaid Race I will do this year, but I'm sure I'll do one :) read more

I had an incredible first time half marathon experience. I am still on a runners' high and it is 800pm at night! :) I have absolutely no complaints. The volunteers were phenomenal and a big shout out to them for supporting the event. I'm invigorated, proud, excited, empowered. I can't wait to run future races with Mermaid, amongst others :) Thx again for an amazing experience, especially for a 1st timer. read more

Great girls/women's race! Swag is medal and a necklace. Course is on trails at Quarry Lakes. I've done this race for the past 5 years. Discount code on next mermaid race on Mother's Day weekend is ANGELA15. You'll get 15percent off the race! read more

Incredibly dissapointing. My friends love these races so I decided to do it with my 5 year old. It would be her 2nd 5K. Poorly marked. Volunteers busy on cell phones texting instead of guiding runners (many got lost). Line for chocolate pancakes was over an hour long. This is tough on a little girl that just ran 5K! No shirt sizing for kids. And the most lame- Age groups were all 5 years, but for kids it was 0-14!! How is my 6 year old supposed to compete with high schoolers! She couldn't believe she didn't get an age group placement- and when the girls stood up there to get their prize, my daughter said, "But Mommy, those are big girls- I can't run faster than them." Lame. this is supposed to be for girls to be proud and be honored. I will look more closely at age group categories next time. Redeeming factors (why I gave a 2 instead of a 1). Sports basement packet pick up party was great. My daughter is still wearing her cute mermaid necklace (despite all the plating coming off). Mermaid photo booth at the end! read more

I have participated in 4 Mermaid events. Two years ago, these events were great...great sponsorship, nice swag:shirts, Overland Equipment bags, free samples. They were also well organized. Not so anymore. While they still have plenty of support out on the course, the before and after are disappointing. The food line was so long and moving so slowly that I was lucky I brought a snack...no problem if you just walked 3 miles, big problem if you just ran 18. The sponsors ran out of samples. My $70 entry fee got me a tech shirt and a cheap necklace. No bag, no freebies. This was about a $40 race. The organizers very helpful but they seem to be riding on their reputation. read more