Pasadena Redux? Try Again

On a scale of 1-30, I give this Marathon a 25

1-Poor
2-Average
3-Good

1) Location- Pasadena, CA

The route featured areas of interest in Pasadena. Areas included residential neighborhoods, lively Old Pasadena various cultural landmarks.

Score: 3

2) Start

The start line was not very organized. The organizers scheduled the 5K competition too close to the Marathon/Hal Marathon’s start time. They then forced the Marathon/Half Marathon without given them time to empty their bladders.

Score: 1

3) Route

The route many “There and Back”, sections. I personally do not like this. The less I have to encounter this type of situation, the better.

Score: 1

4) Mile Markers

The mile markers were very visible and accurate.

Score: 3

5) Water Stops

The water stops were well stocked and the volunteers were very helpful. They took good care of all the runners.

Score: 3

6) Finish Line

The reception and entertainment at the finish line was great. The medal was place around my neck. I like this better than when it is handed to me. I was able to find where the nourishment and water were located. We were not given blankets at the finish line. We really needed them since it “poured” and everyone was soaked.
Score: 3

7) Volunteers

They had a large number of volunteers. They were ready for us with food, water and electrolytes. All the stations were well stocked. I really appreciated how they treated me at the medical tent. (I got blisters from running with wet shoes). Also there was a bus which had the heat on. The bus was located next to the medical tent. Participants were sent there to get dry and warm up.

Score: 3

8) Spectators

The crowd was great. The entertainment was awesome. All the excitement they generated inspired me to continue no matter what. The community really came out to support us.
Score: 3

9) Refreshments

They had plenty of refreshments and water for the runners.

Score: 3

10) Medal has a “Stick Figure” runner and a silhouette of Pasadena. There are also palm trees, and it has the Kaiser Permanente logo, since the event was presented by Kaiser.
Score: 3

Not one of my favorites. Hopefully it will improve in the coming years. Parking was next to impossible. It took me (1) hour to get from the Allen Ave. exit to the parking lot. Consequently, I arrive at the Start Line as the participants started. Since I’ve sitting in the car for over an hour, I really needed to empty my bladder, so I got in line to use the facilities. That’s when I heard the announcement that all Marathon and Half-Marathoners had to cross the Start Line immediately so that they could start the 5K event.

Note to event organizers, next time don’t schedule the 5K so close to the Marathon and Half-Marathon event start time. All the runners should have a chance to obtain an accurate time.