I ran the 10K and had a fun time. It was a well organized event, and I especially liked that they…read moreeither e-mailed or texted the runners their finish time right after crossing the finish line! I thought it was going to be a pretty small race, but there were a lot more runners than I expected. The race starts near Fish Plaza and you basically run down Memorial Drive and back. You run one loop for the 5K and two for the 10K. Not the most fun route, but it seems to be a common race route for a lot of smaller Houston races for road closure logistics, etc. There is just a slight bit of incline running over the bridge, but it's a flat course otherwise (as is expected in Houston). Post-race party runs true to the name -- plenty to chocolate to go around! It was my first time actually seeing a chocolate fountain in person, and I will shamelessly admit that I was pretty giddy about it ;).

Had a great time!!! Things started on time and were very organized. Looking forward to more!read more

Best. Race. Ever…read more This was the most organized, professionally run, well put on race I've ever been to! There were a few traffic issues but really, that was more poor planning on my part than anything. I did hear stories of people sitting in the parking lot for 1.5 + hours after the race, but we got right out, so it all worked great for us! If you ever get a chance to run a race put on by RAS - do it! You will not be disappointed! They were always in contact with e-mails and updates on their Facebook page. The medal, the volunteers, the post-race food, and everything was just top-notch. It was raining like crazy on the second loop of the bridge and while that makes it hard to see when you're a blind girl with glasses, the cool rain and the wind felt so good after the hot, hot weather! The volunteers were amazing! Out there yelling and cheering and ringing cowbells and giving high-fives...I've never felt so much excitement at a race ever. Of course, this is the biggest race I've ever run; the participants were limited to a max of 2,000 and I think it was pretty close to that. There were a LOT of people. There were plenty of places to park, even up front, although I think next year I will still park father out as I bet the people who got stuck were parking parked up close, and the course was closed until everyone was finished, and the time limit was two hours. So, if you're a faster runner and want to get out right after the race, park farther away, or just stay down there at the Boardwalk Inn! There were breakfast tacos, ice cream, pop, water, and fruit for afterwards. There may have been other things but that's what I saw. They also were giving out Muscle Milk and Power Bar Gels as well. The charity they help is "The Bridge Over Troubled Water": "The mission of The Bridge is to offer support, provide safety, and prevent domestic and sexual violence." They had a place set up for donations for the organization there too. This was a "bucket list" race for me, as I always saw people running the Kemah Bridge and thought how awesome that would be. After a few 5ks and a couple 10ks, I realized that if I trained, I could run the bridge too! I am so glad that I was able to cross this off my list finally and that I was involved in such an awesome race!

Get your roll on, errybody errybody get your roll on.... And keep rollin, for 10k, 13.1 miles, or a…read morefull 26.2 miles with thousands of your closest townsfolk. Whether you're running, or volunteering it's for a great cause. It's quite a sight to see so many people as one, working towards a common goal (the finish line). As a runner, you not only get to traverse your favorite city in the great nation of Texas by foot, but you also get a chance to wait in line for port-a-potties spread throughout the course. The most common situation being the need to pee as soon as the race starts. The further out you can run at the beginning, the shorter the lines. After running there's a tent city waiting to welcome you with free foods, drinks and the best offers that expensive services and companies will give you. For those who start off in warm up clothing, and shed it as the race goes on, all clothing gets donated. So that's pretty cool. As a volunteer, you get a front row seat in a number of different areas, providing various services to runners and the community. Watching for traffic, cleaning up litter and clothing, offering runners water and other items, or other services provided by the race staff. Volunteers get shirts, and swag, as well as a jacket (which I didn't get because it was never delivered in my size. AHEM....a wee bit butt-hurt still. Our group BON Running Club, had a volunteer after party at Little Woodrow's. We're pretty awesome. For Health, Charity, personal goals, or because you're bored, the marathon is something you have to be in, to understand and enjoy. Yes, the idea of running in a giant circle when you life isn't in jeopardy seems a little much to some. However, it's good practice for when the inevitable zombie apocalypse begins, or our alien overlords arrive to establish dominance. Just do it the once so you know you can. Then you know you don't have to fear zombies with 5 mph speed limit.

Wow. To hell with Chicago, they should call Houston the windy city because I was totally BLOWN…read moreAWAY by how awesome this race was. I feel so lucky I got in as part of a team and I would recommend this race without hesitation to anybody. I ran the half this year (Jan 2013) and to say that the weather at the start was not optimal is an understatement. Rainy, windy and cold, I was thinking this race would be craptacular beyond compare. I was wrong...even with the weather this was one of the most fun half marathons I've ever run (and this was # 32 for me). Highlights: Communication from the race was consistently relevant, timely and informative. I never felt spammed. The Expo was great and bib/shirt pickup was a breeze. The start was one of the best...scratch that, I'm kicking it up a notch, the start was the best organized of any race I've ever run, and that includes races in NYC, Miami, Pittsburgh, Chicago and San Diego. The way they fed people into the correct corral was excellent. The volunteers were AMAZE-BALLS! So well organized, spaced well, helpful, friendly and supportive, I can't say enough. The spectators were EXCEPTIONAL! My friends from Houston were afraid there wouldn't be that many people out because who wants to stand in a cold rain, with wind, for hours. Well apparently tens of thousands of Houstonians do because all along the course there was terrific support. Running through the Heights was very fun. The crowd really helped keep the mood upbeat and spirits high. I felt like a superstar running through the puddles and the supporters are the reason why. Thank you so much, Houston. The after race was well organized and efficient. I just wish the weather had been nicer so there could have been a celebration on Discovery Green, but that's not the race's fault. I'm used to lottery systems because a lot of the races in NYC have them...that's the price you pay for having a popular race. I hope I'm lucky enough to get in next year. Houston Marathon organizers, you do a great job. Keep up the good work. Hope to see you in 2014!

This is a dirt track speedway on the outskirts of Cleveland, Texas. Races are held on Saturdays…read more The gates open at 6:00 PM CST for the spectators. Free parking. Concession and food stands. Bathrooms. Grandstand seating (bleachers) with a section for spectators in wheelchairs. Very family friendly. They have different classes of sprint and stock car races each night starting at 7:00 PM and usually over by midnight. Great atmosphere. The grounds are clean and well-maintained. It's an older track, but still in good shape. The races themselves are an adrenalin rush to say the least. The racecar drivers put on a great show. There are going to be accidents, but usually come with no injuries (other than pride). The Grandstands are good and close to the action. There are no bad seats. Great view of the entire track from the grandstand. Racing begins for the night with a prayer and our national anthem. The track crew and other folks running the show are experienced and competent. The lighting is good. Not a big problem with bugs (since its outdoors). Ticket prices are very reasonable. $15 for adults. Seniors/kids are $10. Veterans and active duty military get in for free! Food is reasonable. You can bring in a cooler for a $10 fee. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a family friendly activity that won't break the bank. Pro Tips: Bring a bleacher seat cushion. After a couple of hours the bleacher seats get hard on the ol' backside. Spray yourself with OFF when you get there and you won't have any issues with bugs. Bring ear plugs for anyone with sensitive ears.

I was told about this run from a fellow yelper Zain R, and I was able to convince couple of other…read moreyelpies to join us, thus forming the team "Agony of De Feet". Mike M and Catheryn S were the other team members. We met at Zain's place and took an uber lift to the med center where the run was taking place. It had sprinkled in the morning, and so the roads were still damp and grass was wet. It was also somewhat of a cold morning too. We did a quick 5 min stretch, participated in the national anthem, and started the run. Since this was a nice sized crowd, we started at the back end of the crowd, giving all others to start before us. The lane was very narrow and being a wet ground, I wanted to avoid any slips/fall/injury. The first couple of minutes, I kept pace with my fellow team members, and then took my long strides and disappeared with the crowd. There was plenty of law officers directing traffic and ensuring safety of the runners. I was dashing on the side curb, avoiding running on the lane and bypassing people. There were volunteers passing out water through out the course and also at the finish line. Once I got to the finish line, it was about 15 extra minutes before the rest of my team members showed up. We all got water and took a few selfies together. We then went next door to the tents where there was some snacks to nibble on and replenish your energy. I plan on running next year at this event.

This is a 2015 update from my below post (be sure to read that for all the details. I don't want to…read morerepeat). I downgraded one star (from four stars to three stars) this year based upon some changes in the race organization. In particular, packet pick up required before the race. For those of us that live out of town, it is near impossible (and certainly not desirable) to trek downtown on a weekday to pick up a race packet. This after paying $30 or more to run. I highly recommend expanding the volunteer workforce on the morning of the race OR even offering mailed packets. I would pay $5 to not spend 2 hours driving in and out of town, finding parking, etc. This year I was on vacation during packet pick up and despite stating there were no race day pickup (and no exceptions), they were able to pass them out (and I was appreciative, but this was still a hassle). If you read my review last year, there were issues with race day pickup, but this wasn't a good fix. Also disappointed that Live Oak brewery wasn't out, instead they had some beer, but a one 8 oz can limit per runner. I know sponsorships are a two way street so this had no bearing on my star rating, but not as good. Also, change in parking, they used to offer free parking in a nearby garage, now you have to pay to park on race day (as a regular visitor to the hospital). We were early and found some free street parking, but this is another step back this year. Also a bit of a downer, no team competition this year. Neutral things: The route changed from previous year, but was more or less the same roads. Awards for age groups were not announced at the event and will be mailed, again, since I didn't win, this wasn't a big deal, might be for some. Overall Men's and Women's, overall and Masters Top 3 were announced with awards passed out. On the positive side, the pre-race tents and post-race party were MUCH better location (right near the start/finish). It was also on pavement instead of grass, leading to much less mud due to rains and lack of evaporation prevalent this time of year. Also YELP HAD A TENT THERE!!!! Thanks to Rosa and Christine for coming out with lots of SWAG. I hope they consider tents in future years, I saw a lot of people stopping by and checking in to the event due to their presence. GOOD MOVE YELP!!!! I may or may not do the race next year, depends on the packet pick up situation.

Who doesn't enjoy looking like a rainbow vomited all over you after running 3.2 miles of…read moreawesomeness? This was probably one of the most fun 5k runs I have participated in thus far. In fact I'm pretty sure its fun for not only the run participants but also those that volunteer to make sure your covered in color by the time you cross the finish line. It's a great event for all ages and for every level of runner/walker. As you trek along adding those miles on to your sneakers you reach "color" check points where volunteers are armed with bottles of colored powder awaiting the human canvases that are about to pass through. "Get out and move and be healthy all while supporting great causes!"

Throwing dyed cornstarch at people who are trying to breathe is not just moronic, it's UNHEALTHY…read more Cornstarch is used by this for-profit company as a vehicle for dyes that are thrown at participants. The idea is a good one, but the method is not healthy, particularly for children and people with asthma. A closer look at this company's reveals there is some hazard to being pelted with a fine solid dust while you try to breathe. Take a hint from the band GWAR, who have been showering the public with safe dyes for years: add some water to avoid airborne particulate matter from entering folks' respiratory systems!

One of my favorite runs in town! It's a different distance than you're used to. Most of the runs…read morein town are 5Ks, ~3.1 miles, and then you have your 10Ks which are ~6.2 miles, but somtimes you want something in between. Well now you have the 4 the park run which is 4 miles. The course is very well designed and the after part is even better! There was so much food and drinks! One of my favorite runs and all for a great cause.

Logging another 4 beautiful miles on foot, such a great feeling…read more This event was stellar, not only the surroundings, but overall it was beyond well organized, in fact from comments I overheard it's like that every year, and that's enough to say every year I hope to be a participant. Parking was not an issue; I mean who doesn't want parking right near the finish line. At first we thought man should have parked at the starting line, but as hindsight goes, we had prime parking in the end. The after party was, well let's put it this way, I've never been so pampered after a race. The vendors were friendly and very generous in all aspects. Frozen Strawberry Margaritas, Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, Beer, Muscle Milk, Squeezed - fruit infused water/juices, Breakfast burritos, pasta, crepes, cliff bars, sausage/chili, massages, stretching, shoes, and swag up the wazoo. Cannot thank the vendors enough & YELP for giving me such a great opportunity to enjoy/explore the community I now call home!

I've run this half marathon just about every year since I moved to Houston, and it's a great race…read more The race occurs every year on the Sunday before Halloween and provides a great warm up option for the Chevron/Aramaco race that occurs in mid-January, known to be the largest sporting event in Houston. The course is pretty flat, making a short loop around downtown before heading out along Allen Parkway and through Memorial Park and back, with only the few rolling hills near Buffalo Bayou park to slow you down. Half marathon runners get the chance to pass through the new Memorial Park tunnels which is a lot of fun. The race also offers a 10K option but these runners turn around at the end of Allen Parkway, missing Memorial Park and the tunnels. This race is also nice as the price is fairly low and includes free race day photos. Score! Having done the race several times, I will say that personally, I feel like I like it a little less since UTHealth has taken over as sponsor. The packet pickup now occurs at their Bellaire clinic and promotes a number of their health screening services. Don't get me wrong, I am all about preventive screening and public health, however I really enjoy packet pick ups as an avenue to check out running vendors to score some fun apparel and accessories. This is no longer offered with UTHealth. It feels very much like an advertising event for their health services. This year too their race day website went down for several hours the night before the race, when everyone wants to review the participant guide. They also promote live tracking, which I signed up to receive notification alerts at significant milestones, however there were no time clocks displayed on the course itself. Most runners have a sports watch or tracking app, however this was a little disappointing. Overall, I'm definitely going to continue to run this race but am a little disappointed with the new race sponsor.

Let's start with a short course ride followed by giving the finishers "official PRs". Serious BS…read more Next IM allows these times to qualify for Kona championships. Serious BS!!! In multiple years they have allowed drafting. Yes, allowed. No marshals. No acceptance of video on the tollway nor from bike mounted cameras. Seriously, no DQs. Seriously, PRs for short course finish. Seriously, suckers pay to do IM events when they could enter a Full Triathlon (IM distance) that provides proper distance courses, utilizes Marshalls to ensure safety and rules being followed for half the price!. And, then there are those that need the BRAND. And, many will do a half distance, walk a ton just to buy an IM tattoo even though they never went the IM distance!

Never in a million years could I have seen myself joining the triathlon world, the community, and…read moremaking friends with some of the best athletes in the game. My journey of becoming an Ironman started in late of 2014 when I was inspired by a friend who's sister became the champion of an Ironman race in Brazil. I thought it was the coolest thing that someone could do and I wanted to be apart of it. After completing multiple Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons and two Ironman 70.3 races, I made the decision to register for the big daddy, Ironman Texas North American Championship. 140.6 miles of pain, fun, and memories. Ironman is more than just a competition, it's a journey where you test your boundaries and mental state. Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles of bike, and 26.2 marathon run. All three disciplines must be completed in under 17 hours. There are dozens of Ironman races across the globe and it's pretty badass to be able to host the North American Championship in my city every year. Triathletes train all year round for this competition, some even longer to make it to the big 140.6! I loved Ironman Texas! The entire week of Ironman was very well organized and planned. The weather conditions in 2016 were brutal. The swim was great, sunny and water temperature in Lake Woodlands was perfect. Due to weather the bike course was severely castrated and let's just say that it sucked the entire way. 15 miles before entering Transition 2 I was caught in a thunderstorm. The rain was coming down so hard and it even started to hail. All of that together felt like razor blades coming at my face. The rain was falling so hard that you could hardly see the road ahead but I was determined to continue. I did not give up. The stories I have to tell about this race, I could go on for ever. 2016 was nicknamed 'Ironman Apocalypse', and you can google that years race and see the video footage for yourself, it was insane. My favorite part of every triathlon is the run, and it's mostly because that is where I get to see my friends and family the most. All the spectators watching and cheering you on gives you that extra push. The volunteers were amazing as always and they went above and beyond for us after going through that rain. Being drenched and all I was cold, the sun was coming down and temperatures were dropping. The volunteers prepared hot chicken broth and it was exactly what I needed. After finishing this race, like many other competitors, I was relieved to run up and receive my medal. My feet were completely blistered and my shoes went from neon green to completely red and filled with blood. My body was chafing everywhere, that evenings shower sucked!! The medical tent, huge! So many medics from Memorial Herman attending to athletes and taking care of our medical needs. This race was everything I expected and more. If you ever decide to do triathlon, Ironman Texas is an amazing venue to train for. I will definitely be doing this race again.