The Surf Metropolis 10 Mile race is a type of native occasions I at all times ponder doing. It’s normally well-run, with loads of parking close to the beginning and large areas alongside the seaside path for warming up and cooling down. The setup feels runner-friendly regardless of your tempo or purpose.
The issue? In the event you’ve accomplished the Surf Metropolis 10 Mile race a number of instances, the out-and-back course can really feel repetitive and boring. It’s the identical format you see in February for the Surf Metropolis Half Marathon, full marathon, and 5K. I’ve burned out on it earlier than, however FOMO at all times wins, so I signed up anyway.
Fast Info: Surf Metropolis 10 Mile Race
Location: Huntington Seashore, California (Pacific Coast Freeway)
Date: September
Distances: 5K, 10K, 10 Mile
Course: Out-and-back, downhill for the primary half, uphill for the return
Climate: Heat and humid, typical for Southern California in September
Packet Pickup: Outside expo, no mailing possibility
Surf Metropolis 10 Mile Packet Pickup and Expo
I left the desert round midday and reached the Surf Metropolis 10 Mile race expo at about 3 p.m. If there’s one factor I want they might change, it’s providing bib mailing. Driving into Huntington Seashore is at all times crowded, parking is a trouble, and also you pay to park anyway. So actually, you may save an additional $5 or $10 by selecting up your packet however I would favor to simply keep away from the final space. 50% of the time there may be not less than one political protest.
That stated, the Surf Metropolis 10 Mile, 10K, and 5K do have a well-organized out of doors packet pickup. When you park, it’s simple to seize your bib and go, however simply getting there takes effort.
I went to mattress early and really slept fairly effectively. Race morning began at 4 a.m. for the 6:30 a.m. begin. I arrived in Huntington Seashore round 5:30, however most of the seaside tons I normally park in have been closed. After U-turning a number of instances, I ended up road parking a mile away. That left me with solely 5 minutes to spare earlier than the beginning. Not my normal pre-race routine of being on the race begin an hour earlier than, however it labored out.
What to Anticipate on the Surf Metropolis 10 Mile Course
My “A” targets have been easy: run beneath 70 minutes and preserve it constant. Don’t tank an excessive amount of on the previous couple of miles of uphill. The Surf Metropolis 10 Mile race course is an out and again and goes downhill and flat for the primary three miles, then turns round and climbs steadily uphill for the final 5. It’s deceptively robust. Add within the September humidity, and it turns into a grind.
The race began, and through the first mile I wasn’t positive how I felt. I slowly settled right into a rhythm, working a 6:47 first mile. I observed the 7:00 pacers about 10 seconds forward of me, and surprisingly, they stayed in entrance virtually all the time.
The downhill miles didn’t really feel as quick as I anticipated…extra 6:47s…and I needed to remind myself to not panic. By the turnaround at mile 5, I noticed how aggressive the ladies’s discipline was. I used to be working sub-6:50 tempo and barely within the high 30. Actually, I assumed it was superior to see so many robust girls forward. I really like aggressive races.
I took UCAN round mile 5 and braced for the return. Mile 5 ended up being my quickest at 6:46. The uphill stretch at miles seven and eight was robust, however I reminded myself that I might nonetheless hit my purpose if I saved pushing. I handed a number of runners on the climb and managed a 6:54 for mile 9.
Even after the steep part, the final mile has a sneaky uphill earlier than the end. I knew the course would come up slightly brief, so I angled large within the chute to ensure my watch hit 10.00. Is that wholesome habits? Most likely not. However hey…I wished my watch to say not less than 10.0. After I checked out Strava, most of my pals who ran had 9.98-9.99.
I crossed the Surf Metropolis 10 Mile race end line in 1:08:18.
Surf Metropolis 10 Mile Race Outcomes and Ideas
1:08:18 is my quickest Surf Metropolis 10 Mile race by virtually three minutes and over 4 minutes sooner than final 12 months. On a sizzling, humid, and uphill course, that felt like an enormous confidence enhance.
Typically I persuade myself my Mountains 2 Seashore Half Marathon was a fluke, however this race reassured me it wasn’t. I’m trying ahead to working a quick half in cooler climate.
Surf Metropolis 10 Mile Race FAQs
Is the Surf Metropolis 10 Mile race hilly?The primary half of the course is downhill and flat, however the second half is a gradual uphill again to the end. It’s not an enormous climb, however it’s sufficient to make the previous couple of miles difficult.
How sizzling is the Surf Metropolis 10 Mile race?Even with a 6:30 a.m. begin, temperatures and humidity may be excessive in September. Anticipate a sticky morning and plan your fueling and hydration accordingly.
Is the Surf Metropolis 10 Mile course scenic?Sure, it runs alongside Pacific Coast Freeway with ocean views. However because it’s an out-and-back, it may be repetitive after doing it a number of instances.
Is the Surf Metropolis 10 Mile race aggressive?Very. The entrance of the race attracts quick native runners, particularly within the 10 Mile. Even if you happen to’re working sub-7 tempo, you could not crack the highest 25. That stated, the occasion is welcoming for all ranges.
Does the Surf Metropolis 10 Mile supply bib mailing?Not at present. Packet pickup is in individual on the out of doors expo the day earlier than the race.
Remaining Ideas on the Surf Metropolis 10 Mile Race
The Surf Metropolis 10 Mile race is a Huntington Seashore late summer season staple. It’s organized, dependable, and runner-friendly, with scenic ocean views and a deceptively difficult course. Whereas the out-and-back format could really feel repetitive, it’s a superb check of health heading into the autumn racing season.
You may see Strava right here and all race recaps right here.
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Questions for you:
Have you ever run a ten mile race?
What’s your favourite final summer season race?
