The start of the race was rough. There were over 18,000 people running the half and over 7,000 running the full. The way they had pace groups lined up was awkward and it was difficult to hear announcers. It took 25 minutes to get to the start line after the gun went off, which considering the size of the crowd really isn't a big deal. Unfortunately, the crowd was a little too much at certain points on the race course. There were several sections of the race course where we were forced to walk due to overcrowding of the path. Many people were attempting to bob and weave through the crowd, even jumping on to raised walk ways.
The course was beautiful. We took a course that curved through Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and had great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The course was hilly but it was cool and overcast cloud conditions....perfect for running.
The finish line was incredibly disorganized. Once we crossed the line we had to come to a dead stop so some high school girl could scan our bib before they handed us our necklace. Understandable, but there were 8 corrals with only one girl per corral.....after running 13 miles the last thing I want to do is come to a complete stop and wait for 10 other ladies to be scanned in and handed their necklace. It really isn't good for the body to come to a complete stop like that. Plus, the finishers area was ridiculously over crowded. You could not see where anything was located, you couldn't find water or a med tent, or anything like that. They really tried to cram way too much in to too little of a space. Then they had high school volunteers who had no idea what they were doing and no one giving any sort of direction.
The Team In Training area was much better. They had professionals running the area, amenities were relatively abundant, and the crow was much more supportive of each other. Plus, since this was a race specifically for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society we had extra perks! We had shuttle buses specifically designated to return us to our hotels, a finisher's area for us, and our own post race amenities.
I honestly had a great trip and I loved every part of being with Team In Training. The finishers necklace was incredible, but I am uncertain if I would do this race again. I think it is great race for a woman to do, great girly karma, but the organization of the race left a bad taste in my mouth.
I will join up with Team In Training again...a truly amazing organization! Our next pairing will occur April 2012 at Nashville's Country Music Marathon! YEEEE-HAAAAW!
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