Why YOU should run a 2017 ZOOMA race!

The ZOOMA Women’s Race series is one of the very first races that took me on as an ambassador in 2012.  It’s pretty hard to believe that this blog is quickly approaching its 5th birthday!  And, ZOOMA Annapolis is approaching it’s 10th birthday!  So far, I participated in the ZOOMA Annapolis Half marathon three times and the 10k for the first time this past June.  Since I didn’t recap my 2016 race, I thought I would share why I believe it’s such a fantastic race series and why you should run a 2017 ZOOMA race.

Here are my favorite reasons to run ZOOMA!

Race Locations:  ZOOMA’s race locations are historically hilly and gorgeous.  These two points certainly ring true of ZOOMA in Annapolis.  ZOOMA Annapolis offers a beautifully scenic course through downtown Annapolis.  You will love running along the coastal sites as you pass by the United States Naval Academy (Go Army!). Next, you will head out of downtown area and cross the bridge over the Severn River where you will reach rolling hills and the out and back portion of the course.

Annapolis, MD, Cape Cod, MA, Amelia Island, FL are the most recent race locations.  On June 3, 2017, ZOOMA will return to Annapolis.  Yet, this is the only ZOOMA location revealed for 2017.   As ZOOMA relaunches their website, we should all learn what race locations we can run this coming year!  Stay tuned!

Swag:  Over the years, ZOOMA has perfected the swag game. FEETURES performance socks, reusable tote bags, yoga mats, water bottles, and key chains are some of the items that runners received as part of their race registration. This year is the 10^th anniversary and I can’t wait to see what ZOOMA has up their sleeve to commemorate their anniversary.

Pre & Post Race Festivities:  Before your big-day, ZOOMA typically offers a pre-race mixer at the expo. This is a great way to get to know the Founders of ZOOMA! Brae usually offers a course preview. And, last year, at the Annapolis Expo, ZOOMA hosted its first ZOOMAx Diversity Panel. An impressive discussion and a room filled with folks that truly care about “Who is Actually Running (and Who’s Not)”. I really hope there is another panel this year! After the panel, the mixer allowed for some runner chit-chat and some tastes from the race sponsor, Barefoot Wine.

Post-race festivities are just as fantastic. There is an abundance of Barefoot Wine available at the finish. In years past there were bands, yoga, massages, food, and more expo goodies. Personally, I just love the opportunity to catch up with friends! It really is the perfect girls weekend/race vacation.

Camaraderie:  The ZOOMA community is fantastic. The series itself is unique in that it is run by WOMEN! ZOOMA encourages EVERY woman to participate in the events. And, their supportive online community truly encourages women to maintain an active lifestyle. Plus, ZOOMA is one my favorite races because I get to connect with fellow bloggers and athletes for an entire weekend! I already booked my trip from Kansas and can’t wait for the FUN!

And, new this year ZOOMA is offering runners an option to join in the 10^th Anniversary fun virtually!  Given how fun the Virtual Run Love Challenge and Summer Challenges are with the virtual support in a private Facebook group, I am sure it will be the next best thing to running ZOOMA Annapolis with us!

For more information on ZOOMA, please feel free to read my past recaps:

2014 ZOOMA Annapolis Recap

2013 ZOOMA Annapolis Recap

2012 ZOOMA Annapolis Recap

Is a 2017 ZOOMA race on your bucket list? Be sure to use the discount code ‘Lisa2017’ for 10% off any race distance.  That’s right, any distance at any location (virtual too!) and you will receive the discount!

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