RACE BLOGS:
USA Women’s Marathon & Half Marathon reviews
I was about 50 meters away from the finish line and knew that my daughter, my two niece, my sister, and the rest of my family would be there to see me run through it, but my body had other things in mind. My body aches and wanted to throw in the towel and my legs began to cramp up on me, not allowing me to move. It stopped me in my tracks, but I knew as a woman, mother, wife, daughter, my family was counting on me to finish strong. The beginning phrase that graced the starting line ran through my mind, “RUN LIKE A GIRL!” Tears started to stream down my face as I pulled together the will to start moving despite the pain. I ran and ran proudly LIKE A GIRL and finished the race hearing the love and encouragement that race gathered together. Thank you USA WOMANS MARATHON for giving me the opportunity to truly show my daughter, nieces, and sister the strength women have. Running this race was life changing for my family and I. It was proof that no sickness or barrier can ever stop me from being the woman I know I am!
Stacey
Our girls trip this past weekend was going to Palm Desert to participate in the USA Women’s 1/2 Marathon. Our swag included a Tiffany Necklace, a Lululemon finishers shirt, a burlap handbag, mimosas, dinner and breakfast! Oh, and massages! We had a blast and made some amazing memories in the process 🥰. I would definitely do it all over, again
This was my first solo half marathon. The course was almost entirely flat which made for fast times. The weather was a bit chilly at the start but then the sun came out and then it was perfect. My junior high school friend lives in Palm Desert so this race was a win win for me. The finishers medal is beautiful. I will be back!!
Paula
Talk about the party of the year! The USA Women’s Race went the whole nine yards when it came to festive details, like Tiffany blue coffee cups! How imaginative! Sipping my celebratory coffee after running the half marathon made me feel glamorous and girly! Thank you so much for putting on such a creative and fun event.
Kathy
Thank you for setting up a great event. The staff and volunteers remained curious and calm during the Spaghetti madness. We enjoyed spending time with our friends while we waited. The medal is delightful. The mimosa bar was very refreshing. Although there weren’t shuttles to escort those who could not finish, I saw paramedic circle multiple times making sure everyone was safe. I loved the celebration and The Swag was totally worth the sweat. I’m looking forward to many more runs with USA Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon! Absolutely and utterly delightful run! Best Swag bag ever!
Maribel
Run my heart out for a Tiffany's necklace and Lululemon top? Yes, please! I loved the idea of this race from the beginning.
Registration included the coolest "swag bag" (summer tote) with goodies that I will actually use, a pre-pasta dinner, post race mimosa, breakfast, live entertainment, massages, yoga.... and of course my necklace and shirt.
The venue was a park setting with easily accessible parking, showers, restrooms (porta-poties), pond, ducks... :)
The race route was mostly flat, with the right amount of water stations and security (Thank You, Sheriffs!!). I liked hearing my name announced as I crossed the finish line which was lined with state flags and my personal cheer squad (a bit emotional).
Excited for next years race!
Kudos to the entire staff and volunteers who were super cool friendly individuals.
Laura
This was my first half marathon and it was an awesome experience! I can’t wait to do another one and hope I will have the same experience. For me everything was very organized and throughout from registration to the race. I was informed about everything through email throughout the months leading up to the race. The course was great and very scenic which made running even more fun. Thank you for a great experience!
Jennifer
I just want to thank you for what I thought was a great event! I have been using the phrase ‘Run like a Girl’ since I did the Nike woman’s marathon in 2009. My father passed away on Nov. 22, 2018. My friends talked me into signing up for this race although I had concerns about doing an event so close to the one year anniversary of his passing. They told me it was a race made for me due to the Tiffany bling and the saying on the back of the Lululemon shirt. I decided it would be a great way to celebrate my Father’s life and knew he was watching over his girl, ‘Run like a Girl‘ on Saturday.
I appreciate all that you had to offer us from the bag, towel, food, Tiffany necklace along with cute guys in Tuxedos and of course the shirt!
What I thought would be bad timing turned out to be perfect timing for me.
I hope you will be able to continue this race and I too hope my almost 54 year old legs will continue to Run Like a Girl for as long as I can!
Thank you💚💚 TIna
As an experienced marathoner, I was thrilled to be excepted into the inaugural race at Palm Desert as it is a unique race that caters to female runners and celebrating how awesome we are! When we arrived in Palm Desert, our hotel accommodations at JW Marriott were beautiful with all the amenities. There was a shuttle to and from the race as well as a simple pick up process. The bags were awesome and I loved the idea of having a towel to use before and after the race easily available. Despite a few bumps in the design of the marathon, the Race went very smoothly. The volunteers and staff from the road crew to the bad check individuals were always very nice and worked as hard as they could catering to quite a few participants in the race. On the second Loop of the marathon, I was able to catch up with the back half of the half marathon. All of the racers were cheering each other on and sending positive remarks and energy my way as we are made it to the finish line together. I love my necklace and achieved an awesome accomplishment alongside a group of motivating and beautiful individuals. The things that could’ve been better about this race are easily amended. I have no doubt that the race organizers will make the simple changes needed to streamline this awesome event.
Sara
I had a great time at the USA Endurance Women’s Half-Marathon! I loved my swag bag— particularly the towel, the running course was mostly flat and fast, the support from all the fellow runners was amazing, and how could you beat the awesome Lulu shirt & Tiffany necklace at the finish? I will be back!
Ami
This was my first experience with a marathon event, and I found it to be wonderful! I ran the half and felt that the volunteers on the course were quite friendly and the water stations effective, I appreciated all the up to the days race information and the final touch of the men dressed so nicely to present us with our necklaces was unique and fun.
Thank you for this amazing first ever race experience, both for you and me!!
Alexandra
My best friend and I made this a Birthday weekend for her!! We had a great time at the race. It was such a beautiful day and the route was lovely! Great volunteers and I was so impressed when I saw the Sheriff’s helping at the water stations. The race swag was the best ever! I already have my other running friends that want to join next year with my boss training for this race to be her first half next year! Thank you again and you next year!
#friends&co
Karla
This was my first time running a USA Women’s race along with it being my first time running a full marathon. There were a few areas which I truly enjoyed and appreciated. Starting with the email notifications leading up to the race, they were well written, self explanatory and contained directions, timelines and links. The marathon and half marathon Bibs were identified by color and I personally liked that. The morning of the race, the race started on time with a speaker and countdown. Pacers were lined up and very easy to identify prior to the start of the race. I am a veteran and having our National Anthem be sung before the race was amazing, I did not expect that. During the race, the water points with Gatorade and portable restrooms were located at perfect distances. Each water station contained a water tower which allowed me to refill my own water bottle with cold water. The finish line was awesome to run through, providing both clocks and a speaker announcing your name as you are coming in.
Joanna
Not another heavy medal you'll never wear to work (well, okay, maybe you'd wear your half marathon medal to work once, but...) but a beautiful piece of 5th Avenue designer jewelry, delivered by a nicely dressed gentleman. And not another cotton tee with a giant logo, but a lululemon technical shirt you'll love to wear for training for your next half marathon. The swag on this race can't be beat, and the views of Palm Desert are breathtaking. Looking forward to 2020!
Debbie
Thank You for a wonderful experience. This race was my Best race since I became a runner in 2015. Woman’s race is just the best. Woman supporting woman is was I saw at this event ❤️ Through out the run I felt mentally & physically strong! Seeing so many ladies running, inspire me to be my Best. I stopped a few times to help other runners. I’m a night nurse and run during the day. I would love to be part of this race! I would love to be an ambassador & inspire other ladies to be there BEST version! Anything is possible, we just need to chase it. I want to be part of a community who grow stronger together!
Thank you again.
Yolanda
Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in your run! Anytime there is a first year event you can expect quite a few items on your list of improvements for next year. One thing I ask that is not changed is replacing the amazing staff you had representing USA. I noticed the same people at check in from morning to night, the pasta servers cheerfully serving us after several negative responses....and the shuttle service driver doing everything in her power to get us there in Hats off to a quality crew!
Michelle
My friends and I love to do destination races and this was totally one of my favorites!! I loved that we were able to register as a team because it made the experience that much more enjoyable to have all of us get away on a girls weekend! The check in process was super easy and in a great location to shop after. The race itself was mostly shaded course so kept us cool and honestly the first 8 mi went by soo fast!! Ohhh and the swag we got in this race was beyond the best ever!! I am soo looking forward to next year and I know all my friends can’t wait either!! Thank you so much for putting on an event to remember!!
Krista
We winter here in Palm Desert and were excited to help bring a class event to the area. We volunteered at package pick up and enjoyed ourselves. There were easy fixes to some of the issues…. and we want you to have a success next year! Yay!
My husband and I run over 400 half marathons to date. As well as over 700 full marathons combined. So we are sure we can help in smoothing out and streamlining the event.
Loved the big start and finish banners and of course the finish location was great with the music, the tents etc. So much good stuff about the event… Also the shirts and necklace were very special! Thanks for a beautiful day and hope things will smooth out for next year.
Kind regards,
Sherry and Jon Mahoney
Sherry Mahoney
Marathon Maniac —Total Marathons run = 275
Half Fanatic - Total Half Marathons runs = 213
Jon Mahoney
Marathon Maniac HALL OF FAME - Total Marathons run 546
Half Fanatic - Total half marathons run - 203
I would like to congratulate USA Endurance on putting together a great event. The start line was very well organized with plenty of port-a-potty's, which is critical to a relaxing start! The time of year for the event in Palm Desert provided perfect running weather. The course itself was conducive to fast running as well as some breath taking views of the desert. We also loved the participation cap, allowing for easy maneuvering without the crowds that you experience at so many races these days. The unique Tiffany necklace is beautiful and the Lulu Lemon shirt is top quality with a classy design, both items will be proudly and frequently worn. Finally, the food offering was wonderful, one suggestion would be to bring in a Coffee truck to ensure there is warm coffee at the end of the event.
Thanks again for putting this race together and we look forward to participating in 2020!
Tammi
I ran this with 9 of my best running friends! I absolutely loved the ease of the course and the gorgeous surroundings. A course that is straight forward and without confusion is a priority. All volunteers were friendly and accommodating. I thought the entire event was fab. Not even realizing it was an inaugural. I am looking forward to next year.
Jody
Overall, I thought this event was very successful considering it was the inaugural race and it promised a LOT in terms of runner perks. The expo took place at El Paseo which was great setting that did contribute to making it feel like a women-friendly event and calm my pre-race nerves. They sold event merchandise by my favorite race designer, Leslie Jordan, and I was able to get 3 cute tops in lower-than-expected prices. The pasta was satisfying for my lunch-deprived belly because I spent most of the afternoon driving in from work in Los Angeles. The volunteers were great, very friendly at registration and water/fuel stops. Most of the members of the community we encountered on the route were friendly, and those cheering were so sweet. The race traffic officers were amazing in keeping the roads safe for us runners. The start and finish venue is ideal because there were plenty of parking for the runners and the park was REALLY nice, surrounded by pretty purple mountains early in the morning was so beautiful. In addition to this being my first flat-course half marathon, this was also my first "women's race". I earned my first Tiffany race pendant, my first Lululemon tech shirt, and my first post-race mimosa (better than any beer garden)! That with the bag swag and the handsome volunteers in the end congratulating us with our pendants, I feel it lived up to the "luxury" tag. I would definitely return (hopefully they'll bring it back) next year.
Jenn
The race, overall, was a great experience!!! It was my first time in this area and loved the scenery! I loved the nice volunteers and the ton of police officers keeping us safe. I loved my swag and wore it ASAP after a nice shower. The food was yummy (thank you for the fruit and guacamole and whomever thought of the kombucha too)! Oh I can’t forget to mention the massage (Alex was awesome).
Thank you,
Aracele
Cali Girls team
This was my first ever marathon. I trained and signed up with my co workers, although I was terrified. We are all teachers so we always tell our students to step out of their comfort zone to try new things and teaching them about growth mindsets. I didn’t train as much as I should have and I got extra nervous as the date got closed but I told myself I would do it and finish it no matter how hard it was going to be. My fellow teachers were equally as supportive and inspirational with one another. The experience that we had going up to palm desert and taking a personal day for ourselves proved to be more than I ever could have expected or hoped for. We divided up into two teams, 2 of my coworkers had trained more than the other 2 of us. We finished in better time than I could have expected. The experience at this race has inspired me to sign up for more races and teach my students and my own children the importance of hard work and accomplishing your goals. Thank you for the beautiful jewelry and the incredible experience!
Nancy
This was one of the absolute best races I have had the pleasure of running. The course was a great one. The after party was smooth and the lines moved rapidly. The selection of food at the after party was very good and plentiful. I loved the young men in tux’ that passed out the necklaces and of course the necklace. The location of the after party was perfect and pretty. Registration was orderly and everyone was pleasant.
Though I was too late to stay at the host hotel, it was beautiful as well.
An overall great experience.
Yvette
The bib pick up was orderly and the volunteers were efficient. I also thought the timing of the event was excellent. The swag bag, shirt and necklace was beautiful. The mimosa was delicious. All of the other participants in the race were lovely and it felt like a family run. Everyone was very supportive.
Lisa
The volunteers definitely made the race an incredible event. The weather in Palm Desert was perfect. The Tiffany's necklace, mimosas, showers, and massages at the end of the race were icing on the cake!
This race was great for both new and experienced runners. I met women, who ran their first half marathon, proudly wearing their necklaces to those who were experienced marathon runners whose husbands proudly showed their wives' winner plaques and backpacks. After the race, we shared stories of our race highlights. Thanks for planning such a wonderful race!
Joy
Thanks for a great running experience in an inaugural event. I have run a couple of 1st time events and I know how difficult it is to get things right at the first event. I know that this race is going to grow tremendously and you are already making strides to prove me right. All in all, there was great energy, loved the race track like course and your openess to comments and suggestions. Keep up the good work and I will see you next year and many more years after. Thank you. Alberto
My first half-marathon, and I still cannot believe how amazing the experience was. Running this race with over 3,000 other amazing women was just incredible. I would run this race 1000x all over again to get to experience what I did this past weekend. The course was easy to follow and volunteers, as well as the officers, did an incredible job in making sure the course was clear and safe for runners.
Ana
This past Saturday I participated in the USA Women’s Half Marathon in Palm Desert and I have to say it was absolutely my most favorite race to run in by far! From start to finish, the volunteers were absolutely amazing...so helpful and friendly, the course was flat and fast and it made those 13.1 miles fly by!! Once we crossed the finish line we were treated like princesses and presented with our Tiffany necklace by gentlemen in tuxedos, a quality Lululemon race shirt, a beautiful buffet breakfast and mimosas. I truly did not want the day to end and cannot wait to sign up for next year!!!
Erin
Thank your for hosting this beautiful race. My best friend, Alison & I loved visiting Tiffany's in NYC. She lived in VA, and I in CA...we'd meet up in NYC for girl weekends...I, having been running for years convinced Alison to
run a race together...but then she passed away at the age of 32...After her passing, I devoted my life to run Nike SF...when Nike canceled the race, I felt I lost Alison all over again. To me, it's more than running for the swag...running this women's race with Tiffany at the end, is a bit of my Alison... This race was truly a religious and spiritual experience. Thank you! Truly a women empowerment race.
Martha
When my friend told me about the USA Women’s Half Marathon I was a bit hesitant because I haven’t done a half marathon in 20 years. I have to be honest, the Tiffany necklace that made me decide to put my name in the lottery and luckily got picked. Training for this half marathon made my husband and I bond more since he was religiously running with me everyday and supported until the day of the event. This event did not only changed my lifestyle and my relationship with my husband but I also met wonderful ladies in the event. Knowing them made me want to do more half marathons. I would love to do the USA Women’s Half Marathon again or maybe the full marathon after. Thank you for doing this event. This inaugural event changed my life!
Sheryll
Hello CA U.SA. Women!
Saturday’s race was a day with the girls! After preparing together as a team for months, we were ecstatic when the day finally arrived. A little over a year ago, my best Carol and I joined a running club. We kindled a relationship with two other women our age and became unstoppable. We ran all over our city making memories that will last a lifetime. The U.S.A. Women’s race was an empowering experience that we now look forward to for years to come.
Cathy
I have to say that for an inaugural race, this one was great. Sure there are little things that can be easily corrected and made better, but the course.... oh the wonderful flat fast course! As a male competing in the USA Women's Marathon and half-marathon, I was in it for the bling to give to my wife. I wasn't thinking PR. I was thinking of just running and supporting women and runners everywhere. I did that and met some truly amazing people along the way. Next year though, I'm coming for the speed! It is a fast course that allows runners the ability to really push themselves. Looking forward to next year and, with some training, setting a new PR!
Thanks!
Trey
Had a chance to experience my first half marathon in the USA women half marathon didn't disappoint me I love love love the swag burlap bag very sturdy plan on using it for traveling the event was on a beautiful scenic course and the law enforcement were very pleasant I truly felt safe running look forward to coming back again next year.
Verniel
Fun run! My first time to Palm Desert, beautiful weather, minimal elevation changes, lots of positive attitudes. Love the finisher shirt and necklace, and the commeraderi with others from all over before during and after. Plus theres lots of shopping opportunities! Thank you for a great experience.
This was my very first half marathon. I loved the swag bag and goodies. Also the Tiffany’s Necklance and Lululemon shirt are great. I had a great time and I finished in 2:30 which was my goal finishing time. I had so much fun and it was a great first half marathon. Looking forward to running another race. The honeystinger was a great treat to help give a little energy boost. The weather was also perfect.
Thank you,
Lindsay
My running buddies and I(Sole Sisters-Houston)had an amazing time during this year's 1/2 marathon. The event was well planned, the give aways were truly awesome and the Tiffany necklace was PERFECT!! I made so many new running friends in the course and pur pacer, Heather (2:15) was amazing, a true inspiration for this runner. I love that I will be able to wear my medal all the time and not just after the race. What a great reminder of an incredible weekend and completion of my 84th 1/2 marathon with my Sole Sisters. We traveled all the way from Houston, TX and would do it all over again!
Thank you!!
Liliana
Best USA women’s half marathon. One of the best I have ever participated in! Very organized! Bib pick up was very organized! Enjoyed meeting and running with others who participated! All the volunteers were superb and the words of encouragement were wonderful! The finish was extraordinary! Tiffany’s necklace at the end was such a reward as well at the mimosas! M I encourage all to participate in next years event! I also encourage those volunteers to come back as they were awesome!! Great jobs to those who put this event together!
Mary Ann
Thank you soo much for orchestrating such an amazing race this past weekend. I coerced 12 of my running friends to register for the half marathon, while i registered for the full. It was my 82nd marathon and positively one of my favorites. I have run all the Abbott World majors as well as your jack and Jill marathon in Seattle and dozens of other marathons across the US and world. I have earned a Tiffany necklace from the SF marathon, but this one is just more fun and cool. Pairing up your energies with Lululemon and Tiffany’s was brilliant. The backpack that I won is incredible. The course was super, the support team terrific, and the ambiance was supportive, loving and unbeatable.
Great job in every aspect !! KUDOS TO YOUR TEAM🥰
Jennifer
I was reluctant about this race at the beginning mainly because it’s the first event. This by far beyond my expectation and worth every penny. The buffet was filled with fresh fruits and variety of healthy breakfast, I enjoyed and shared mimosa with my family, the Tiffany necklace that I will be gifting to my daughter for Christmas and will keep the Lulu shirt for myself. I can’t wait for the next race. Job well done , thank you.
Sulan
Running a half marathon was in my bucket list and it has been checked last Saturday. I am not a runner and never have I imagined that I will ever accomplish a half marathon. Friends and co- workers encouraged me to join Team Extra and I did. I trained despite my ongoing knee problems but last Saturday my goal and dream of finishing a half marathon came to fruition. The Tiffany necklace was the cherry on top. Thank you USA Women’s Half Marathon organizers for a great race.
Sincerely,
Antipaz
This was my very first marathon. I had no idea what to expect, so my mind was completely open to the entire experience. I entered into the race when the lottery opened and started my training. The event communication was great at keeping me up to date and informed as the race date approached. Bib pickup was intense with excitement as the feeling of the race adrenaline was already vamping up. The staff was incredibly helpful and energetic. They made me feel so special.
Race morning was thrilling! I loved the music and the MC. The race path was awesome, lots of straight, mostly even streets and running on them made me feel free and happy! The volunteers were always smiling, cheering and kind. Water stations and fuel stations seemed perfectly placed for my needs. The Palm Desert Police and Sheriffs departments were wonderful, I felt so safe and cared for along the entire path. This was by far an unforgettable memory. My heart is so thankful for such a great first marathon experience.
Thank You so much!
- Bethany
My friend Mare and I had so much fun laughing and running this race. The course was lovely with beautiful scenery. The camaraderie of all the women running was infectious. Everyone building each other up, cheering each other on and reminding kne another that there was jewelry and mimosas at the finish line! I have run many half marathons but I learned that I enjoy a little champagne with my oranges once I cross the finish line.
Kelly