Long Beach Turkey Trot Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Christine A.
Redwood City, CA

  (11-27-2009)

"I love the Long Beach Turkey Trot. This is the 3rd time I've run it. It's a flat out course and back.

I like the various time starts, I began running at 7:30 am to beat the heat. Traveling from Northern California, I'm used to running in cooler weather.

Since I didn't run this particular run last year, I love the new bib designs and the new t-shirt design. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Elizabeth C.
Pasadena, CA

  (11-26-2009)

"

This was the most laid back, type B race I've ever done! There was schwag and shirt and booths, sure, but the race itself was almost not one at all. It felt more like a runner's version of critical mass, a spontaneous gathering of runners taking over the beach strand. Certainly we were in the way of any bicyclists who attempted to use the beach strand that was in fact paved for them (there was a narrower runner path for ruunners, with a wider two-way bike path). The race organizers actually said the path wouldn't be closed off to non-race participants like bicyclists, runners and beach goers... but they smartly stayed away, haha.

Well, the reason I say laid back is because the organizers, rather than spend money on individual timing, put the money into the charity they were funding with the race. All we had was a big clock and a sign that said "Finish." There didn't seem to be a start sign, and no gun or horn to give us that jolt at the beginning -- people just sort started jogging, I guess this was a word of mouth type of start. I had to ask someone if we were just jogging to the starting line or if we were actually in the race already. I didn't start my own watch until we were definitely on the beach strand - we started in the parking lot (where I had a lot of trouble finding open spaces - come early!).

This actually worked out fine for my workout - since I'm supposed to do a 4-miler today. After the race, I did a tour of the booths, posed for a picture or two, and then did the last mile running back to the car, using the beach strand that was not part of the race.

Btw, I'm a big fan of the Long Beach strand. Much wider than the one going through Santa Monica, which actually isn't even for runners. Also... we were at Belmont Shore (I think?)... and it was really nice strolling around the pier afterward watching the birds and the tide roll in. Also had a beer and burrito at the Belmont Brewing Company (doing a low-key Tday version of their usual menu - only burritos and a selection of beer and cocktails).

All in all, I recommend this race as long as you don't go into it wanting a challenging, adrenaline, type A experience. This was a go with the flow type of "race."
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009