Rock N Roll Half & Phily Distance Classic..Inc Discount Codes

[FireDancer]

I was wondering if anyone has done either of these races in the past or is doing them this year. I'm all signed up for VA Beach and about 90% sure I'm doing Phily but wondered if anyone has info on the courses or the events. Elite does a good job normally but I was curious.

 

[CynthiaCindy]

I've done both - VA Beach in 2007 and the PDR last year.

The weather for VA Beach can be pretty bad - hot and humid. It wasn't too bad in 2007 but I know it has been many other years.

I know that they changed the course last year, but in 2007 it was mostly flat except for some on and off ramps. There is a bit of running on concrete which can be hard on the legs.

Ending on the beach is nice and allows you to wade out into the ocean (with your free beer) to cool down.

Hotels do sell out, so if you don't have a place to stay yet, I'd start looking into that right away. We wanted to stay on the boardwalk near the finish/concerts so that we could walk to everything. This was great and I would recommend it, BUT pretty much all of the hotels are pretty run down and will cost you over $200/night with a 3 night minimum.

Overall, I'd have to rank that race weekend as my second favorite race weekend experience (only topped by the Goofy this year). It was a lot of fun to hang out on the beach all weekend and go to all of the free concerts. There are big acts Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and smaller acts all weekend long at different stages.

I also liked the PDR. A lot of WISHers did it last year. It's much lower key (and lower cost) than the other Elite events (in that there is no big concert). The course was mostly flat although not completely and there was an uphill near the end.

Feel free to ask any other questions you may have!

 

[StitchAttack]

I've done both races in the past and they are both really fun. For a quick summary:

VA Beach

Pros:

1) Finishing on the beach beach is really fun. It is so nice to jump into the ocean after the race.
2) The free concerts Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights are excellent. Easily the most fun part of the weekend
3) Just being on the beach during labor day weekend is cool. Sure VA beach is a little seedy, but it is also fun.

Cons:
1) Weather can be really hot and humid
2) Course is nothing to write home about. I actually didn't like it that much
3) You have to bus out to the start
4) Hotels are very very expensive due to labor day weekend

PDR

Pros:

1) Everything is right in downtown philly. The expo, the start and the finish
2) Hotels are cheaper, lots of variety of places to stay
3) Rocky Steps!
4) Course is faster and better than VA beach.

Cons:

1) No post race concert
2) VA beach is more of a whole weekend long event / party, the PDR is more of just a race, granted its a fun race, but it is still more of just a race.

Overall I would say that with the exception of doing the Goofy, that VA Beach was one of my favorite race trips ever. You'll have a great time.

 

[Creativebeth]

If you do both of the races the same year, you earn the Beach to Bell medal. I have done it twice, earning the extra medal.

Beth

 

[FireDancer]

Thanks for the info Matt and Beth. I already have a hotel for VA Beach. We booked it last December and got a decent rate. I had a feeling the weather would be hot but we are pretty hot and humid here so I should have trained in it enough not to have the weather shock I did in Nashville.

VA Beach we are driving out after work on Friday so we will get in late Friday or early Saturday. We would probably do the same for Phily. Once the races get a little closer I'll start a thread for each to see if any WISHers what to do a mini-meet.

 

[FireDancer]

I have noticed that Elite Racing has this unfortunate habit of sending discount codes to you for the races you already signed up for. It would be nice of them to send the codes to you for other Elite races you haven't signed up for yet.

I was wondering if anyone has a discount code for the Philadelphia Distance Run. I do have one for the VA Beach half for anyone who would like to sign up with it. The code is KICKIN and it expires on May 31st. I'll post a new one if I get it.

Thanks.

 

[jbucci]

I know there is a code for the PDR-- I have it at home. I'll post later when I get home and have a chance to look.

I ran the PDR last year and thought it was a nice race. Pretty time of year in Philia-- generally good weather. Nice, flat course. The "rock and roll" element was fairly minimal, there were bands but not too many. The race itself seemed well run with good support.

 

[FireDancer]

I know there is a code for the PDR-- I have it at home. I'll post later when I get home and have a chance to look.

That would be awesome...thanks!

 

[Creativebeth]

Discount code for Philly is PDRBUCK offer expires June 15.

Beth

 

[jbucci]

Beth beat me to it

I have the same code PDRBUCK for $10 off an entry good through June 15, 2009, hope to see you there

 

[FireDancer]

Excellent, thanks you two. I am all booked up and found out I get two additional medals, which is nice. I get the Beach to Bell for doing both and since I also did Nashville I get the Dynamic Duo medal. Add that to the 26.2 Musical Miles medal and I get 6 medals for running 3 races. Those Elite Racing people sure know how to lure you with added bling! I wonder if that is where Disney got the coast to coast idea from.