Lake Sammamish Half Marathon Race Report – Laura R

Race: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon

Runner: Laura R

Date: 3/10/2018

Location: Redmond Town Center to Lake Sammamish (Seattle, WA)

Results: 1:45:27

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

1. The location is great and an easy drive from Seattle and free parking in the Redmond Town Center where the race starts.
2. The course is fast and flat (good for PRs) mostly on a path/trail with beautiful views along Lake Sammamish.
3. This race is on a Saturday.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The mile markers were off by a bit which was a bit disconcerting.

The course is also not certified…yet. I heard so many people getting PRs including my own. I realized I would have qualified for NYC with my time had the race been certified.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

No marker at mile 12 and that the mile markers were off. Thank goodness for the excellent pacers who gave me the heads up when there was a mile and a half to go.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I was able to stick to my goal pace and even run a little faster and was able to turn it up a little bit toward the end. It was cool and sunny which is the perfect running weather for me; definitely a highlight.

Lessons Learned – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner or yourself on the next time around

Warm Up – -It was 36 degrees at the start and I am guilty of NEVER warming up before a race. I think it helped me to loosen up and get to my goal pace earlier in the race.

Run Your Race- – With the mile markers off, I was tempted to go too fast because the markers were beyond when my watch had recorded a mile. I focused my goal pace and how I was feeling.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

• Mile Markers may be off.
• There are some very short switch-backs at the start and it is a fairly narrow pathway for about the first mile good to be aware because it is hard to pass people.
• As of March 17, 2018, the course is not certified.
• It is fast and flat and fun!

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

The race was well organized, and they had results available immediately at the finish. I met the race director who was very nice and did say they are planning to get the course certified. Loved that they have packet pick up in both Seattle, Bellevue and Race day. I also want to give a plug for the pacers. I didn’t follow them per se but was keeping an eye on them. I think they were from Greenlake running group and they gave me the heads up at the “1 and 1/2 miles to go” mark which mentally really helped me.

Logistics – Anything special regarding getting to/from the race, hotels around the course, registration…?

This was about a 20-minute drive for me but I live in Seattle and the race is on the Eastside so be sure to check into traffic, bridge closures prior to race day. If you are coming from out of town, there are plenty of hotels nearby suburbs. There are buses to take you back from Lake Sammamish Park to Redmond Town Center.

Weather and typical race conditions

It can be chilly, but avg. weather is around 50 degrees and there is probably a 50% chance of rain.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

It is fairly spectator friendly. The race ends at a Lake Sammamish park, so friends can meet you at the end. There are some areas along the course that are too narrow for spectators.

How’s the swag?

Great! I really like the cozy zip-up hoodie it is a nice color and fits well, there is an eagle on the back a bit too large but that is being picky. The metal is big.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4.95-Stars: I definitely recommend this race, it is fast and flat, convenient and on a Saturday morning! I heard so many people talking about their PR’s some by 4+ minutes. I would give it a 5 if it was certified. 🙂