I am Ambassador for the Best Damn Race series. I receive complimentary and discounted race entries and gear for promotion and honest review of the events. All opinions are my own.
Best Damn Race is just one of those events: no matter which city or which distance, its an event that is always on point.
The Jacksonville BDR is the first of the series, which starts in January. There is a 5K, 10K and half marathon, but as of yet, I have stuck with the 10K. It’ sos rare to find one around here and so I like to do as many as I can.
Packet pickup was offered the day before and on race morning, and we just opted to wait for the big day. I didn’t feel like driving to the pickup location, and with Meghan coming over for the night, I was way more interested in chilling with her than being on the road.
S joined us for the ride to Jacksonville. We left super early because we had to find a parking spot in one of the paid garages and we wanted to be close to the start/finish. Fortunately, we were able to snag a great spot right across the street. Yay!
It was cold but not freezing like last year. With temperatures in the 50s, it really was close to perfect running weather.
We picked up our packets: bibs, cute gender-specific shirts, a pair Best Damn Race socks, and Biscoff cookies in a reusable grocery bag. It’s a great swag bag, and we stashed those with the rest of our gear.
The 10K was the first of the three races to start, so after going to the restroom, we got our start line photos and lined up.
And then we were ready to go.
The 10K course was the same as last year: we left from the Landing and completed one out-and-back along Bay Street to the TIAA Bank Field and back. From there, we ran up and over one of the bridges so complete the next portion of the race through Riverside, under the Arts Market overpass and back to the Landing along the river.
The views are always outstanding towards the end of the race. There were some clouds in the sky, but ultimately, we got the sunrise over the water.
S was feeling great so bounced off with about a mile to go. We weren’t too far behind.
There were two or three hydration stops along the way with water and Nuun, and the last stop also offered gels. The weather was such that I didn’t feel the need to stop, but the fuel was well stocked for those who needed it.
Best Damn Race also offers free photos, which is such a nice perk. There were some great ones from the finish line.
We collected our medals and headed to the after party!
Outside, there were donuts by Dunkin and SoFruitty popsicles. Yum. Inside was a spread of cheese and pepperoni, chips, brownie bites and candy, in addition to water, electrolyte drinks and soda (including diet Coke!). We all had bracelets for the beer garden, where we were able to grab a celebratory drink.
We couldn’t hang out too long as we all had other things going on that morning, but we did get victory shots by the water.
And that’s a wrap on another awesome Best Damn Race Jacksonville!
There are still more opportunities to run a BDR event, and code RUNPUGS can save you $5 on Savannah, Orlando and New Orleans (any distance)! I am definitely in for the 10K + 5K Challenge in Orlando and I am strongly considering the half in Savannah. How about you?
What’s your favorite post-race treat?
5K, 10K or half?
I wish we had a fun race series like that in my area! It would be nice to have a series with various locations and a variety of race distances to choose from.
I think having the series is great – you get a variety of options but you know the quality is going to be great. It definitely makes it an easy way to spend your race dollars.
I also love a 10K it’s a great distance. I don’t think we have race series like that but am going to look around. Congrats!
You should definitely! There are some great race series around, but more of them are national-based and less in a specific region. You seem to have plenty of great races by you, though, too!
I’m a big fan of fruit and creamies or breads after races.
fruit is always so yummy after a race!
This looks like such a fun race series! I saw that they have a race in NOLA in March but I couldn’t make it work with my schedule. Maybe next year!
It’s super fun and they always do such a great job! I’m not going to be able to make it to NOLA either. Sad panda. If you do it plan on it for next year, let’s talk! Maybe we can plan a race!
I also love this race, and this was my 4th time doing the 10K. And those So Fruitty popsicles were the bomb! I might have had two….lol.
Oh, so yummy! I had the lime this time and it was fabulous!
That medal is adorable! And the after race snacks sound fantastic!
Congrats on what sounds like a great run!
Right now, I’m sticking with 5K’s since I’m a terrible slacker in the training department. But wouldn’t be opposed to doing another 10K when the weather gets better.
It’s very different than any of the others I have!
Hey, 5Ks are great! They’re not my favorite distance, but it it’s getting you out there, that’s the important thing!
I hope your weather improves soon!