Ojai Half Marathon, 5K & 10K

Nice run in serene Ojai. The running path was partial shade which was a pleasant welcome since the race started at 8:10 am and the sun was already out. Pretty flat course. I only wish the mountain views were green.
Pretty low key run. Not too many people. The officers manning the traffic lights were friendly and cheered the runners as we ran by. I was able to get there early enough to get my packet before the race started. Also limited parking at the school. I was lucky to find a parking space on the street in front of the school. Shuttles were available.
More port a potties are needed. Before the race the lines were so long and they were moving very slow. I prefer earlier start time 8:10 is late for me.

This was a great half marathon. It’s small — about 300 people. The course is beautiful — lots of wildflowers. The support was excellent — plenty of water stops. The California Highway Patrol were excellent — making sure all marathoners were safe. Well organized. Definitely on my list to do again next year.

My first Half… done!
And Ojai, it was beautiful! Just north of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara – blanketed with outstretched fields of yellow Mustard flowers and nestled within the valleys beneath the rugged Topatopa Mountains – lies this quaint, little Shangri-​La of Ventura County.
Beginning at Mira Monte Elementary School, the route hops onto Ojai’s paved bike trail and slowly meanders southward, following alongside Highway 33 before banking westward onto Santa Ana Blvd. Continuing onto the bike lanes of Santa Ana Rd., the run (around mile 5) parallels Lake Casitas. If it hasn’t already done so, about here, your daydreaming should be settling in comfortably. This relaxation of mind will last throughout the entire course as it loops among scene after breathtaking scene of rolling hills and shady trees, punctuated at times by tangerine groves and local vineyards along the way. Too soon – seemingly much too soon – your 13.1 approaches, and before you know it, you’re crossing the finish line with a smile.
This run was so well organized. Each and every traffic signal along the route was flashing red, the CHP and the Ojai sheriff’s department covering each intersection and assisting runners along the bike paths. Even the roads throughout the countryside were monitored by enforcements: cars requiring passage were police-​escorted as to ensure runners’ safety. The volunteers were amazing as well. Honestly, it seemed like all of Ojai was here in support. Plus water, Gatorade, and Porta Potties were positioned at the all of the aid stations, each about 1.5 miles apart. This run just kept getting better. And then came the medals. I love the medals!
My first Half… in beautiful Ojai… done!
(My personal goal was to finish within three hours. I did it: 2:46:57!!!)
=]