Joanne Blatchley (HF14845) Zooma Cape Cod
Flew into Boston and drove to Falmouth.
Since it was Friday and the beginning of rush hour, there was plenty of traffic but a nice ride.
The host hotel was beautiful but a bit dated in some of the rooms but clean. My partner in crime had the newer section and her room was nicer so I guess I ended up in one of original buildings. Behind the resort the beach is right there for your viewing pleasure.
The expo needs to be renamed packet pick up. There were only 3 vendor tables to include one of the sponsors, Sports Skirts and that was disappointing. They could’ve at least offered the local sporting goods store (if there is one) a table to offer fueling options and runner basics (just saying).
The race swag was on point!
They gave you a clear plastic tote with race logo, clear water bottle, plastic wine tumbler, luggage tag, a patch with race logo and a bag of chips.
Late afternoon on Saturday, they held the 1 mile Lobster run on the beach behind the resort. We didn’t run it but it was fun to watch.
After the race, people waiting around to view the sun setting.
Both the 10K and half marathon were held on Sunday morning.
Start time was 7:30 and since the race began and ended at the resort, it was nice to not have a crazy early wake up time.
We started right in front of the host resort, national anthem played and the announcer did a countdown to start.
The beginning of the course was shore friendly and then we veered off into the neighborhoods. The first water stop had absolutely no water by the time the back of the packers got there. That being said, the water stops were well spaced along the course and they offered water or Gatorade.
There were a few hills but nothing steep and crazy and then we entered the Greenway for a flat and shaded few miles. Then back into the neighborhoods (with hills) for another 5 miles or so.
For the most part the signage was pretty good but there were a few spots they could add more directional arrows. After you come up the finally hill around 12.25 or so, it’s a right turn back to hotel finish line.
The finish line lacked any real luster but you were announced as you crossed the finish line.
What I did NOT like was that it was an open course. Never been a fan of running on the road with cars and I still am not a fan. At least put some cones out for the runners.
As far as we could tell, there was no photographer on the course which is pretty disappointing. He could have easily been at the 10K/Half split and then returned to the finish line in plenty of time for the finish shots. He was there at the finish line though.
Post race snacks consisted of a banana and water. You also have a lunch ticket but that only gets you a small cup of clam chowder (which was good and hot). The outside bar was open and they offered free Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas to the runners.
There was no after party or fanfare, at least not by the time the back of the packers arrived. Instead you were pretty much on your own. They did have 2 tents set up; 1 was race gear and 1 was for post race massage but the line was too long so I passed on it.
So overall the race course was just okay.
Was it nice? Yes. Would I recommend this race? Unsure. There are a ton of other Massachusetts races to choose from and if I knew then what I know now, I probably wouldn’t have signed up for this one.
Photo and Post Credit Joanne Blatchley