Aflac Iron Girl Del Mar Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Carmen R.
La Mirada, CA

  (08-03-2009)

"This was such a fun race and very girl-friendly! First of all, the IronGirl website offered lots of information on the race. They emailed information with race day tips and well detailed information on where to park and check in. The race was chip-timed, and if you registered early they customized your bib number with your name or chosen nickname.

There was plenty of parking at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, where the race started.

The check-in area was well marked, and we got goody bags with a tech tee and a free issue of Her Sports & Fitness (now Women's Running Mag). We were told that all race participants got a free year of issues, which was great because I looked forward to getting my issues every month. They also gave out Irongirl temporary tattoos and Aflac plush ducks that had little medals around them. There were several vendors selling running gear, accessories & sport gels. There were plenty of great free samples.

The race started inside the Del Mar Fairgrounds, which was difficult because the material the track was on was kind of lumpy. It began at 7:30am, but the weather was really warm.

The course itself was mostly flat, with one incline after about a mile or so. It was a loop course so we ran through streets and a stretch of highway. The crowd support was great. There were spectators with water guns who were spraying us, which was really nice.

Mid-way through the race, the course passes by a beach which is really nice. The ocean breeze cools you down and it's a beautiful view.

Since the course loops, it ends on a downhill and you run back onto the Fairgrounds track. There were lots of spectators in the stands, so your family & friends get to watch you run to the finish line and cheer you on.

After crossing the finish line, I got a beautiful medal and was handed a sponge that was soaking in ice water to cool down from the heat. I also got a water bottle and some sports drink.

Runners were treated to a "breakfast cafe" where they had pancakes, sausage, eggs and juice.

All runners got 2 free tickets to the Del Mar Fair (note: they now give 1 per runner). In 2008, the fair was the same weekend as the run so right after the run ended we got to go hang out at the fair.

Overall, this was a fun race that was very well organized. There were lots of runner perks; you get so much more than what you pay for the entry fee!

I had to miss this year's race due to scheduling conflicts but this is a race I want to run every year if possible. I highly recommend it. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008