Are you ready for Part 2 of the official race report: ZOOMA Amelia Island! I was hoping to have pro race photos back by this time, but it seems like we will just have to work with what I have. Let’s get to it!
Race Morning
Due to limited parking, Meghan and I opted to get up early so we were guaranteed a spot. We brought bagels and peanut butter to eat while we waited. There was also plenty of time to use the bathrooms and catch the sunrise over the beach.
Bag check was available, but we were parked so close to the start/finish line and post-race activity area the we just opted to stash our belongings in the car, and forego that service.
Race Start
After photos and wandering about, the announcer indicated it was time to line up. The half marathon and 12K would start together, deviate at a certain point, and then converge for the last bit of the race.
The weather was lovely and we were ready to get going.
Promptly at 7:20, we took off.
Miles 1 – 3
The race left from Main Beach Park and took off through Amelia Island.
Our first three miles were fairly straightforward, through the streets and neighborhoods of the beach area. There were some turns and some slight hills (Floridians, you understand), but nothing too major.
I think it’s important to point out this was an open course, meaning runners shared the road with vehicular traffic. On a Sunday morning, there weren’t a ton of cars, but I would encourage anyone running the scarce to be on high alert.
Meghan and I just did our thing. We ran when we felt like it and walked at other times. I was really up for anything and happy to take my lead from her.
Miles 4 – 7.44
The hardest part of the 12K was a bridge at about the halfway point. The ascent and descent were both awkwardly banked, which was rough on my ankle. The view at the top was so worth it, though.
For quite a few miles, runners made their way through the paved roads of Fort Clinch. I loved this part of the run. It was quiet and shaded and quite lovely. Running through the woods always gives me a feeling of peace, and it was nice to not be directly in the morning sun.
At a certain point, the half marathoners joined back up with us, and we found ourselves out of the woods and on our way to the finish line!
Volunteers handed us these gorgeous medals, cold water, and icy towels, which were a nice touch. Yay for another race!
ZOOMA Post-Party
Medals in hand, it was time to party!
ZOOMA had an area roped off with music, snacks, and mimosas. Sign me up, please!
The snack boxes had huge Costco muffins in apple or pumpkin, and trail mix. Runners could also help themselves to apples, bananas, and yogurt. Loved that!
Another table offered mimosas and juice.
We grabbed a spot at a picnic table to celebrate.
While we were at the beach, we got some more medal photos.
And then we cleaned up, packed the car, and went to brunch!
Final Thoughts
It’s been years since I ran ZOOMA in Amelia Island, and a lot has changed (for the better).
Things I Loved:
- The full weekend of activities
- A performance tank instead of a t-shirt
- A huge swag bag (reusable, clear bag with water bottle, tank, luggage tag, sticker and patch)
- Great snacks and mimosas after the race
- Pretty course
- Options for a challenge (5K on Saturday night with 12k or half on Sunday morning)
- GORGEOUS medals
Things I Didn’t Love:
- The open course
- The banked bridge
- The lack of running supplies at the expo
Two thumbs up for ZOOMA Amelia Island! I plan to be back soon!
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Well done on your 12k, Jenn! Running on an open course can be quite a challenge, but it’s a good thing that there’s not much traffic on Sunday morning.
It looks like a spectacular weekend!
That was not my favorite part. But we made it!
Sounds like a great race! Congrats! Looks like they really went all out with the food and drinks post-race.
It was a lovely after party.
Great race Jenn! I don’t know how I didn’t see you and Meghan on race day! Ha! The weather was so nice!
I don’t know! There was a lot going on!
I love the medals! What a lovely thing to do.
The medals were gorgeous.
Wow, this sounds really fun. I love that beach sunrise! You didn’t mention being way too hot so I’m assuming the weather was beautiful. I’m glad this was such a great experience!
The weather was fabulous this week!
It was a great time for sure!
Absolutely!
Looks like such a nice race. I enjoyed my Bermuda experience as well. ZOOMA does a great job with their races. I hope to do another someday.
Bermuda sounds so fun.
I love a full weekend of activities! They do know how to throw a party. Looks like a great race weekend
It was so great.
I really enjoyed the Zooma race the year I did it! The medal this year
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It was a great time!
Sounds like a great event except for the open course. I’ve only had that on the infamous one and only DC area Hot Chocolate race, where we ran on the shoulder of a pretty busy road.
Post-race mimosas sound fantastic.