What you said about the 2006 event

Read some of YOUR race stories: click here

I just wanted to let you know that my friend and I ran the AZ Distance Classic this weekend and it was amazing. Despite the looming threat of bad weather, Sunday morning turned out to be perfect running conditions and the route was absolutely beautiful thanks to the snow-covered mountains. The race was so well organized and the assistance crews were perfect — I loved the energy of the mile 12 crew (right when we needed it most.) Thank you so much for putting on such a great race and we'll see you next year!

— Carolyn

Thanks for a great event! I almost didn't get out of bed Sunday morning because I thought the weather would make it a horrible day, but it turned out to be sunny, cold, and crisp: perfect running weather. JBR really knows how to put on a race and I will be back next year!!!

— Lauren

 

Photos courtesy of RunPhotos.com.

The Penguin Rocks!
Just wanted to share my "heartfelt" thanks for all your work in pulling together this event in Tucson last weekend! I too, was a little anxious about our weather, but was determined to run by the side of a good friend who was running her 1st 1/2 marathon. We truly had a great time following your advice for no need for speed. That was the only way we would consent to running this course.

And I must say, this has been, by far, my favorite event to date, due to the comfortable amount of runners and the opportunity to have you there in person. I've never really felt connected to other runners in a race before as I did that morning, like I had known them forever. Just real friendly people that want to run in your runs.

We all so appreciate your work behind the scenes. That's what I think was felt that morning. You truly wanted to do this for others to enjoy and achieve. It's not about your name, but just you thinking of others. Like how you organized a Sat. morning run/breakfast the other day, that I regretfully missed, yet heard all about from my friend Kristen, who spared no details of her inspiring run with "The Penguin". Woulda-coulda had I known! Wow, what an opportunity. And you set her watch! That's so cool.

Well, just had to let you know I think you're doing a great thing! And...I love your medals! 'Cause it's all about the medal! (At least that's what my boys tell me)

— Tina

I loved this race!! Of course, the weather was perfect, but so were the route, the organization, the host hotel, the t-shirts, bibs and medals! I would like to make a shadow box with the bib and medal and wonder if I could have/buy an extra medal if there are any left.

— Michelle

Just wanted to express how much I enjoyed last Sunday's half marathon. The rolling course was scenic and beautiful, you couldn't ask for a better day considering the predicted forecast. The rolling course was enough to be a bit challenging but not so much that it was overwhelming. Great Job! The snow capped mountains were picture perfect, which I'm sure you arranged for race day. The race was one of the best organized races I've attended. This is definitely a race to be on everyone's calendar. See ya next year. Keep waddling!
Thanks!

— Patrick

I had to write and say I had a blast at the Arizona Distance Classic. After a dismal racing season in '05 I was able to set a 7 minute PR!!! The course was challenging, but beautiful and the weather could not have been better for someone from Wisconsin. Thanks to all of the volunteers — they were terrific. I will definitely run another one of your half marathons next spring.

— Suzy

Just wanted to let you know that this race was absolutely awsome! I live in Phoenix and this is the first year I ran in your race. The course was perfect with all the rolling hills and the scenery was just spectacular, especially this year with all the snow. I hope you do not change the course.

The volunteers and the water stations were so supportive and encouraging. The organization of the race overall was great. I will definately make this race a part of my racing season every year. Oh, and of course it's all about the medal! Thanks again for putting on such a wonderful event and inspiring us all.

— Toni

 

Photos courtesy of RunPhotos.com.

Thanks for bringing a premier running event to Southern Arizona. Combined, my wife and I have done 2 marathons and 11 halves. This was the best yet. The course, race crew and medals are the best we've experienced anywhere.

Thank You,

— Greg and Kathy

I just want to say how nice the run was. I have completed about 10 half marathons and this was one of the best. The medal was definitely the best I have ever got, including two marathon medals. My son flew down from Bremerton to surprise me and run it with me. We both had goals that the training helped us in. My son quit smoking and I lost about 25 lbs. and I hadn't ran a run since 2002.

We went to the Mariners the day before, and we thought with the weather and wind, it was just going to be an achievement to finish. We were blessed of course the next day to calm weather and a view of snow on the Catalina Mts. I thought everyone knew me calling out my name with support. The name on the bib is a good idea.

Thanks again

— John

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