Alright, let’s get right to it. My BIG goal for next year: I am going to race back to back marathons!
On April 26th I will be running the SLO Marathon.
Then, on May 3rd I will be running the OC Marathon.
I was chosen as an Ambassador for SLO Marathon and the OC Marathon. I have not run either race, and I am surprised, happy, excited, proud…to have been chosen by both of these races to represent them! My goal for 2015 was to run races outside of the Sacramento area (since I’ve run most of them) and so far I am getting that opportunity. It feels amazing! When I applied to be an Ambassador for these races I honestly did not pay much attention to the dates. I knew they were close to each other, but didn’t realize they were 1 week apart! But you know what? I am super excited for this challenge! I got this!
So here is some info on both of these races -
They have a full marathon, half marathon, 5k, Fun Run and Kids Quarter Mile. Something for everyone! Here is more info from their website:
Marathon
The SLO Marathon is a point-to-point course. The race starts at San Luis Obispo High School and finishes at the iconic Madonna Inn, in between highlighting the incredible beauty of our turn-of-the-century downtown, historic neighborhoods, the green hills and open spaces of the Edna Valley and wine country.
The course starts fast with a loop around the tree-lined downtown, passing the neoned Fremont Theater and City Courthouse, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and classic architecture before heading into the hills, vineyards and farmland of the Edna Valley with scenic Morro views.
Upon return, participants head back into the town center to the spectator friendly finish line at the basin of Cerro San Luis Obispo Morro, Madonna Inn and The SLO Life Expo. The Marathon race starts at 250 ft. above sea level then covers 2 to 3 hill climbs before hitting a rollers in the Edna Valley as high as 375 ft. above sea level and finishes flat and downhill at 175 ft. above sea level.
Check out our COURSE VIDEO.
Half Marathon
The SLO Half Marathon is a paved, point-to-point course that follows the Marathon route, starting at San Luis Obispo High School, a quick loop around the historic downtown, past the Fremont Theatre, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a Frank Lloyd Wright designed building, the Chinese Garden and out into the beautiful Edna Valley vineyards and farmland (yes there are a few hills).
At mile seven, the course heads back into the city center, thru the Railroad District, the Islay Street home stretch (with charming Victorians and bungalows) and finally, the spectator friendly, downhill finish line at the basin of the majestic Cerro San Luis Morro, the iconic Madonna Inn and The SLO Life Expo that will be in full swing! Check out our COURSE VIDEO.
5k
The SLO Marathon’s 5K Run / Walk sponsored by Mo’s Smokehouse BBQ is a two loop course that starts near the Marathon + Half Marathon Finish Line arch at the Madonna Inn. 5K participants will be on the paved bike path and on roadway within the Madonna Inn property where they will get the opportunity to “Chase The Pig” to win a certificate and chance to winner dinner at Mo’s. There will be one aid station with water and sports drinks on the course. This spectator friendly finish line is at the base of the majestic Cerro San Luis Morro and the iconic Madonna Inn. Celebrate your victory at the SLO Life Expo within walking distance of your finish line.
The 5K race starts at 8:00 a.m. Walkers, joggers and strollers are welcome but must line up at the back of the race and stay to the right on the course to allow competitive runners clearance.
This race is going to be beautiful!
The OC Marathon has a full marathon, half marathon and 5k as well. Info about the OC races from their website:
Marathon
The first mile of the Marathon course includes a breathtaking panorama of the Pacific Ocean before winding through the seaside village of Corona del Mar including the spectacular Ocean Blvd. with cliff side views of Big Corona del Mar State Beach. It traverses down Bayside Drive, past the Newport Harbor Yacht Clubs and homes and boats of Newport Harbor. Exceptional views await runners at the bluffs overlooking the Upper Newport Bay Estuary Reserve as are the supportive cheers of neighborhood residents. Marathoners continue into the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa, passing by the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, around South Coast Plaza. New for this year, runners hear the cheers from students as you go past one of our largest participating schools in our kids program with over 400 kids, then run through the campus of Segerstrom High School. One more mile in Santa Ana before turning onto the Santa Ana River Trail for 1.5 miles before exiting at Gisler foot-bridge. Also new this year, runners will go through beautiful Mesa Verde neighborhoods and then the “Bird Streets”, providing you with that much-needed support on the home stretch towards the OC Fair & Event Center. The Full Marathon course is net downhill in elevation from start to finish. The first 6.5 miles will be extremely fast with only minor inclines. Mile 6.5 to 7.0 is the only significant hill on the course taking the runners from 15 feet to 75 feet. The course is then mostly flat through mile 10.5 with a couple of rolling hills to 11.5. There is another 45′ incline at mile 14.5 over the 405 overpass and a 40′ incline slightly over 1/4 of a mile in length at mile 23 after. These are all relatively small hills.
Half Marathon
The first mile of the Half Marathon course includes a breathtaking panorama of the Pacific Ocean before winding through the seaside village of Corona del Mar including the spectacular Ocean Blvd. with cliff side views of Big Corona del Mar State Beach. It traverses down Bayside Drive, past the Newport Harbor Yacht Clubs and homes and boats of Newport Harbor. Exceptional views await runners at the bluffs overlooking the Upper Newport Bay Estuary Reserve as are the supportive cheers of neighborhood residents.
The Half Marathon course is net downhill in elevation from start to finish. The first 6.5 miles will be extremely fast with only minor inclines. Mile 6.5 to 7.0 is the only significant hill on the course taking the runners from 15 feet to 75 feet. The course is then mostly flat through mile 10.5, a couple rolling hills to 11.5 with a flat and fast final stretch into the OC Fair & Event Center.
5k
The 2015 Wahoo’s OC 5K Run/Walk offers runners who prefer shorter distances a great way to participate in the Marathon Day experience. The 5K course start line is just west of the marathon and half marathon finish line inside the OC Fair and Event Center. The course circles through the fairgrounds and crosses Fairview Drive and on to Merrimac Way. The runners loop around the Orange Coast College campus and enter the marathon course on Merrimac Way. The runners will re-enter the OC Fair and Event Center before heading to the finish line.
2 great races for you all to choose from for next Spring. Or better yet, why don’t you challenge yourself and join me for both!
