The Orange County Marathon is set for tomorrow. There are different events. In addition to the full marathon (26.2 miles), there are also the half-marathon (13.1 miles), 10k (6.2 miles) and 5k (3.1 miles) events.
As a training warm-up for the upcoming L.A. Marathon (which I committed to run on behalf of The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County), I decided to register for the half-marathon.
I picked up my race pack today. That's the bag that contains: the micro chip you tie to your shoe so they can record your time, your runner's bib that has your number, your T-shirt and a host of other little goodies (energy bars, "gu", commercials, etc.).
Afterwards, I drove the course. Very nice, scenic course with easy rolling hills. I'll have more to say after tomorrow's event but so far I think I'd be comfortable recommending it to anyone thinking about running in the OC Marathon next year.
The course starts at the Fashion Island Mall in Newport Beach (kitty-corner to Roy's restaurant) and then ends at the Irvine Spectrum Center. Lots of parking -- and shopping for spectators -- on both ends. And, it appears there are lots of easily accessible vantage points for spectators and supporters along the way.
Feel free to email or call me with questions. I'll be happy to share my impressions about organization, course management, etc. after tomorrow's event.
In the meantime, I'm still training-away and would be thankful for anyone willing to help me support The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County as I run in the upcoming Los Angeles Marathon on March 19, 2006. (Click here.)
