Active Community: Message List - Birmingham Chapter AAZK 5th Annual Zoo Run Reviews

Re: Birmingham Chapter AAZK 5th Annual Zoo Run Reviews

guest — Sun, 23 May 2010 17:44:49 GMT

It was an interesting course, but not the best I've seen, they could have done better about controlling the turning points. There was also a lot of gravel running on the course. All in all it was an alright run, not great but okay.

Re: Birmingham Chapter AAZK 5th Annual Zoo Run Reviews

guest — Fri, 21 May 2010 02:33:50 GMT

Course was short......other than that....A very unique run! Loved it.

Re: Birmingham Chapter AAZK 5th Annual Zoo Run Reviews

guest — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:34:05 GMT

This was 2nd time and I liked this course much better. Bottleneck at beginning - hard to get in pace. Walkers and strollers should start after the runners. Chik-Fil-A disaapointed, but organizers did make great effort for a back-up plan and more than enough food to compensate for the loss. Hope this race will grow into a big event. I really enjoy it.

Re: Birmingham Chapter AAZK 5th Annual Zoo Run Reviews

guest — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:56:17 GMT

My first 5K - The zoo run was so much fun and really reignited my interest in running. The volunteers and workers did an excellent job and we're very helpful. Will run next year!

Re: Birmingham Chapter AAZK 5th Annual Zoo Run Reviews

guest — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:09:25 GMT

Great new course! Cramped beginning like everyone has said!

Fun run should have a wave start - runners, older kids, and little kids. XS shirts would have been nice too.

This is our 4th Zoo run - if you count the one in the storm. Getting better every year.

Re: Birmingham Chapter AAZK 5th Annual Zoo Run Reviews

guest — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:22:16 GMT

First zoo run, I enjoyed the course. Take away the first sharp turn and it's a great course. The first turn was too tight and created a huge bottleneck. The volunteers and workers did an excellent job and we're very helpful. Well organized, and lots of great door prizes. Will run next year!

Re: Birmingham Chapter AAZK 5th Annual Zoo Run Reviews

guest — Mon, 17 May 2010 02:36:40 GMT

Fun run - the start was a little slow - bottleneck - hard to get around the walkers, etc.fun course once we got past the start. Suggest that the walkers are started a few minutes after the runners to help with this. Did not like the age groups -need to go to 5 years instead of 10 - Overall very well organized- great volunteers. Will do this one again next year - enjoyed. Great door prizes - hopefully this run will grow every year. Thanks volunteers - this was one of the best organized runs I have done in a while!!!!

Re: Birmingham Chapter AAZK 5th Annual Zoo Run Reviews

guest — Mon, 17 May 2010 00:34:36 GMT

I enjoyed the new course. Like another reviewer said, the downhill section at the end was nice. Plenty of water and volunteers. I wish we could have gone into the zoo right after the race instead of having to wait until 9:00. Overall, it is a great race that I'll run year after year.

Re: Birmingham Chapter AAZK 5th Annual Zoo Run Reviews

guest — Sun, 16 May 2010 19:55:37 GMT

This race improves every year. I enjoyed the course change this year. I agree with previous post though that there is a bottleneck at the start. A field of 500 runners should not have to go around an orange cone within 1/4 mile of the start line. That is the only 'complaint' I have. The volunteers are fantastic and it is fun to run through the zoo and follow the race with a visit through the zoo with family. Age group awards are always interesting at this race.. the jar of body butter was unique and a nice medal with the race logo was a good change as well.. I'll be back next year.. have participated every year !

Re: Birmingham Chapter AAZK 5th Annual Zoo Run Reviews

guest — Sun, 16 May 2010 19:31:05 GMT

Considering how much of the zoo is currently under construction, they did an amazing job. The course is a good mixture of on-road/off-road - scenery is fun. The smells range back and forth from animal to flower. There were fun things written on the cement paths in the zoo that made me smile as I ran along. This is one I will do every year.