Race Wrap-Up: A Run Through Redlands

In my mind, Redlands is known for three things: ridiculously hot summers, oranges, and hills.(Remember, this is in my mind. Temperature and terrain assessments may vary based on experience.) So, why not bring them all together in one event, appropriately titled A Run Through Redlands?

For the past couple of years, I have been meaning to try out this local race, but other plans have always gotten in the way. Now, since I am a homeowner in this fine city, I figured I should step up to the plate (or start line, as it were) and give it a go.

And so, on a warm Sunday morning following a late Saturday night, I participated in the half marathon of A Run Through Redlands. What follows are my impressions of what is, overall, a great local happening that, with some minor tweaks, can be truly outstanding.

Course
I mentioned the hills. Undulating through Redlands' south side, the course presented its fair share of challenges. After opening with two flat miles, the next five were gradually up, culminating with a steep trek up Mariposa Drive. However, it could have been worse: Initial course maps called for running up treacherous Rossmont Drive at mile 6.5. Luckily, that was changed to a less-demanding route.


With only about 600 runners in the half marathon, room to run was at a maximum (once you diverted from sharing the course with the 10K runners). Aid stations were evenly spaced, and runners were treated to the scenery of beautiful Prospect Park and some of Redlands' finest Victorian-style homes.
Grade: B+

Scenery
After the parks and the old Victorians, Redlands still has some phenomenal views. Cresting Sunset Drive around mile 8, runners could look southeast to the vineyards of San Timoteo Canyon. And, did you know there is a house in Redlands that looks exactly like a castle? Yeah, I didn't either, until running this race. That was actually one of the higher points of this event, being able to absorb some of the town's eccentricities up close and personal.
Grade: A

Organization
Bib and timing chip pick-up were a breeze on Saturday afternoon, and the course was clearly signed so that runners knew exactly where to turn. The starting lines for each race were in different locations, so it was a little confusing to find where each race began. But, the emcee was vocal enough and communicated everything clearly so that you could find your spot. No timing corrals made for a mad dash at the start, which could be improved.
Grade: A-

Perks
For the $45 entry fee, runners received a cotton T-shirt with the race's logo, which features a classic Redlands home each year. (This year, that home belongs to the parents of our good friend Katie!) Finisher's medals were given to half-marathoners, while 5K and 10K runners were awarded participant's ribbons. Freshly-squeezed orange juice, water, and orange slices were available at the finish line. (See, I told you Redlands was known for oranges.)
Grade: B

Community Support
For a town that, to me, prides itself on keeping everything local, the community turnout was a bit disappointing. Volunteers were fantastic, blocking off streets and keeping runners safe the entire time. But, for running primarily through neighborhoods, I expected more people out in their front yards offering moral support and more cowbell. Save the final aid station, energy from spectators -- even in the finish chute -- was low.
Grade: C-

Runner's High(light): Mile 12 Aid Station
A massive shout out to the students and faculty of Moore Middle School, who absolutely BROUGHT IT at their mile 12 aid station. Students in the school's dark green colors sprinted forward from the water tables, bringing the refreshments to the runners. The school mascots were out, and for the warm weather, you've got to hand it to the kids willing to wake up early on a Sunday morning to sweat it out in giant-headed lion costumes.

The best part of this aid station, though, was the music. When you're at mile 12, sans iPod, and the "Oh, yeeeah!" of Sweet's "Ballroom Blitz" is blaring at you, it's kind of difficult not to get pumped up.

Needless to say, this aid station put all of the others to shame and gave a well-timed energy boost.
Grade: A+


Hitting the Wall (aka, the Lowlight): The Finish Chute (or lack thereof)
As any runner will tell you, the best part of a race is turning down the homestretch and seeing the giant FINISH sign beckoning you to, well, finish. It is like a beacon of hope, an oasis of freedom from the shackles of running, and every other dramatic analogy all wrapped up into one huge bag of awesome.

This race, however, did not have one.

And, to make matters worse, there were three timing pads at the finish, and none were marked. So, I just ran all the way to the last one, even though I wasn't even sure that one signified the end of the race. No emcee cheered you home, and the response from the crowd around the area was tepid at best.

So, while there was still a sense of accomplishment to completing the 13.1 miles, it was all a bit watered down. It was as if everyone came for the 5K and forgot that the half marathon was still taking place.

No finish sign?! 
Grade: D-

Hardware
Who doesn't love a medal, right? While a bit small, it was a nice token to receive this year's Finisher's Medal, emblazoned with the previously-discussed T-shirt logo. A nice touch for a small town race.
Grade: B

Suggestion Box
While A Run Through Redlands more often than not hit on all cylinders, there are some areas that could be improved. The energy of the aid stations should be increased to give runners that little extra oomph, and the organizers should reach out to more of the local student populations to supply it.

The 10K started before the half marathon, leaving participants of the latter to weave in and out of the 10Kers who had decided to walk. Why not start the half first, since it is the longest distance?

Finally, by starting three different races in two different locations, there were no starting signs or a proper finish chute. While these might seem like minor oversights to a casual spectator, as a runner it really diminishes from the fanfare that is involved in most races if you come to the finish line feeling like you simply finihsed a training run. My solution: Re-route the courses so they can start and end at the same point, throw up some big ass signs, and you've got yourself a true event.

Overall Grade: B
For a local race, A Run Through Redlands offered wonderful scenery, a challenging course, and seamless organization. With some small changes, it can truly shine.

But, can you beat the convenience of sleeping in your own bed the night before a big race? I'll trade that for a couple of flaws any day of the week.