Spooktacular 10k/5k Run-Walk

Wiz Marketing is terrible at putting on events it seems. Here was my experience at another race of theirs – something to think about before signing up for any of their events:
I typically use Unilocal to review restaurants and attractions, however I HAD To air my grievances about this HORRIBLE experience in the event that anyone considers running a Wiz Marketing Race or hiring them for any kind of event.
I can’t echo enough of the other comments made following the Mardi Gras race. I was absolutely incensed upon finishing and searched EVERYWHERE for race officials/​volunteers to address my issue and they were either rude or bewildered about things going on at their own event.
My next step was to call the company who basically put ALL of the blame on the local police. Are you kidding me? With race registrations for the most part over $ 50, you can’t hire a teenager to hold a sign? Or ask a volunteer? Shame on you. I get it, you thought you could count on them, but when people alerted you the problem was NOT fixed but met with attitude. When speaking on the phone, the employee told me that she could not credit back any money due to spending it on the event. I’m sorry – it should be coming out of YOUR pay check. This is what your company DOES and it is an utter failure.
BEWARE those considering racing – I registered for a 10k, and on the return section of the course, there were no directional signs. Imagine crossing a bridge and seeing people running in both directions with both kinds of bibs on? What? So we ran about half a mile into the 15k/​5k course before realizing from tracking on my phone that we needed to turn back. After over 5 miles of running, this was not a fun realization.
Whats the big deal, right? Still got my exercise in! That’s true — but I also lost out on having an official time that qualifies me for a certain corral for an upcoming 15k. This is something that I have been training for SINCE AUGUST. These races are meant to be «fun», but are also really important to people that are training and care about their fitness. Not only that, my friend and I would have medalled in our age category, had we originally gone in the right direction as my phone tracked us finishing the 10k distance 4 – 5 minutes earlier.
This is really upsetting and their only offer was to «see what they could do» about maybe getting credit for me towards a future race. Not money back. Not a medal for my time. NOT EVEN A DAMN APOLOGY EMAIL TO EVERYONE WHO RACED. While I remain this upset, Wiz Marketing, be aware that I will make sure all my friends that run races, running clubs, participate in Unilocal elite, etc. know what an absolute disaster of a company you are.

2012 was the inaugural event for this 10k/​5k run-​walk. The run-​walk was pretty cheap enough as it is and you get a medal and a t-​shirt too. It’s «Spooktacular» because it occurs around the Halloween time period with a Halloween costume theme to it.
Keep your eyes open through Schwaggle or
and their maybe some discounts. I paid $ 20 for the 10k and that’s a pretty good deal especially if it comes with a medal a t-​shirt.
The pre/​post race activities included about a dozen or so booths. There were free water, potato chips, cookies, bagels, bananas, etc.
The run itself is essentially going out 3.1 miles around Lake Murray and then turning back. There were no timing strip at the 3.1 mark or any other portion of the race except for the start/​stop line, so technically people can just run and come back without making it to the other side and have like an awesome time too. Something to think about on future races.
They had a few water stations, but really, it’s just a 5k/​10k so at least they handed some water out which is pretty cool.
Plenty of parking at the Lake itself or along Kiowa Drive. I probably won’t do this again, just came here for the medal and that’s pretty much it. The t-​shirt was cotton, so I gave it to my cousin to use for cleaning the bathroom or some sort. It’s good to just enjoy looking at other people’s costumes.
Note to self: 1:00:12 in 2012.