Look Back: Rose Bowl Half Marathon
A race recap of the 2021 Rose Bowl Half Marathon held on Sept 26, 2021
The Rose Bowl Half Marathon (or formerly known as the Pasadena Half Marathon) was a race I've always wanted to do. However, typically the race would fall on the week after the Walt Disney World Marathon events, making it very hard to commit to the 13.1 course in Pasadena. However, as things begin to return to normal, the race organizers was able to squeeze in their half marathon event before the end of the year. While 2021 introduces a new date for the event, the course should be pretty much the same as previous years. With this being my first time in the course, I want to share some of the highlights from the event.
I was worried about the "California Climb" at mile 2. The elevation charts showed this one to be the worst hill, but it wasn't bad as expected. In comparison, I think The Walt Disney Concerta Hall hill at mile 4 of the LA Marathon is much more difficult, and the California Climb definitely has nothing on the one "hill" of the San Diego Half Marathon course
Course amenities were plentiful. I was actually impressed by the surplus of water stations and availability of portapotties
Course entertainment was a bit lacking in my opinion. There were a few DJ's out and a few live bands playing covers, but I'd only guess this is more of a pandemic limitation. Gathering school bands to keep a bunch of runners entertained seems like a bad idea at this time
The course finish at the Rose Bowl was one of a kind and probably one of the best finish line experiences I've had
All in all, I highly recommend this race. Pasadena offers a challenging, hilly route, but the exciting finish as you enter the Rose Bowl Stadium is one of the best race experiences I've had.
Originally posted on imgoingto.run on October 9, 2021 (link)