By Rick Rodriguez
On a perfectly overcast running morning, about a thousand runners gathered in the foreground of the Rose Bowl to test their fitness against this year's version of the Rose Bowl Half-Marathon, 10 & 5 K runs. I had come in a little light on training and had not tested my legs for the 13.1 mile distance yet this year. However, I was somewhat optimistic and knew I could at least count on my experience to slug my way to the finish.
The day promised to be one of uncertainty with the rain drenching the area in the preceding weeks. This along with 9 miles of trails and admonishments from the race directors to expect them to be muddy added to what would become a difficult day for many in the field.
This year's course was changed and those changes came into play right away. Instead of climbing up to Orange Grove Boulevard (Parade of Roses Route), we were directed down to a dirt trail adjacent to a creek bed. A flat four miles of running rock strewn trails were quite a contrast to the hill up Orange Grove Blvd, and a favorable respite for me. Undoubtedly, the rocky trail captured a few inexperienced runners that may have lost focus; I managed to dodge an early tragedy but the congested trails slowed the field. The out and back got us back to the Rose Bowl parking lot and to a long stretch along the Rose Bowl and Brookside golf course.
Passing under the Colorado Bridge and up Devil's Gate Dam was scenic and memorable. Afterward, a series of trails to paved roads ensued. The aid stations came with some consistency but the course didn't have a mile marker until mile 9. This worked to my advantage. While I knew I had been out for awhile, I had little idea of distance and as soon as I hit Mile 9, I began focusing on the last four miles. I stayed well hydrated throughout and as the last few miles ticked by fast; I began looking forward to running into the Rose Bowl where the run would conclude.
As I turned toward the final straight away, I focused on the final 100 yards where undoubtedly many great professional and college teams enter the Rose Bowl; I sprinted to the end and crossed with a burst of energy!
The Rose Bowl half marathon competitors have an opportunity to run past and through some of Pasadena’s greatest landmarks including the Rose Bowl, the Colorado Bridge, the Arroyo Seco, Devil’s Gate Dam, JPL, the new Flintwash Bridge and more! The course is scenic, periodically hilly and comprised of a combination of road and trail. Much of the course is on the trails near Brookside Golf Course and Hahamonga Watershed Park. The best part about the run is that it finishes inside the Rose Bowl!
I enjoyed the run but many runners were not impressed with the trails (many rocks) and the slightly muddy conditions. Since this was my 2nd Rose Bowl run, I could certainly appreciate the experience: I was quite pleased with the outcome. And, despite the recent inclement weather the overall experience was great!
Pasadena is filled with nice restaurants and has a variety of nice spots to visit. I had an excellent pre-race meal the night prior to the run at Madeleines Restaurant & Wine Bistro. Though I didn't get enjoy much of their wine (because of the run), the restaurant is housed in a historic building full of charm and character. Check them out at www.madeleinesrestaurant.com
I look forward to next year's run and one more shot at the Rose Bowl!
