Race Recap: The Virtual Jelly Bean!

The 2nd annual virtual Jelly Bean race was a huge hit!  With nearly 700 people registered, the race spanned over 48 U.S. states and six countries.  Thank you all for participating.  I loved reading your messages and emails during race week.  One thing is for sure... YOU all inspired others to get active with you! I had to laugh at how many husbands got suckered into a run to fulfill the "friend" extra point.  Congratulations to all the finishers!!  I'd like to highlight you all, but below are a sampling of my favorites.  (See more photos in my facebook album.)

This year, I added more events to the Jelly Bean.  Congratulations to the ladies below who finished ALL 4 EVENTS!  That's a 5k, 10k and half marathon run, plus a 21k bike ride - all in one week! Sorry no prizes, but you did complete 'RockStar' status in my book!

Amanda Carey

Clarinda Dodson

Dee Cajiuat

Heather Oakes

Hikermom

Judy Fishbaugh

Kristi Owen

Laurie Bilovesky

Lindsay Barnes

Meg R.

Nadine Lowes

Nancy Copen

and me!

BEST GROUP EFFORT

 Led by Sheila A., the Towpath Turtles gathered a large group on Day 1 in Ohio.

... and I see someone made cupcakes!!

 Whitney and her bike group in Arkansas took advantage 

of the new bike category in the Jelly Bean this year.

Nicole's Weight Watchers group got creative with their Jelly Bean race.

Each woman picked a different jelly bean color to dress in.

They made it a family affair with the husbands and children too.

And of course, my group in Peoria, IL that kicked it all off. 

If you missed it, read my race recap here.

BEST SCENERY

Jill and Anna had a breath-taking run with their husbands in North Carolina.

When Jess K. sent me this photo from her run in Ohio,

I instantly wanted to be there on that trail with her!

Vanessa and her gorgeous surroundings belong in a magazine, don't you think?

Look at the bed of beautiful flowers Jo Lynn and her pals found in Texas.

BEST OUTFITS

Kelly and her friends got festive in Wisconsin.

 Katie and Melissa had a group of six who shaped their hair into bunny ears

 and painted their faces like the Easter Bunny himself.  They called their race

 "a HARE-raising run".  During their run in Washington, they

were eyed up by a policeman and even made some kids scream.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Jill and her husband enjoyed their first run together in years.

Stephanie even brought medals for her kids' finish line run.

YOU MADE ME LAUGH!

Melissa embraces the Jelly Bean spirit!

Shanda's son completely photo-bombed this picture, 

but he earned it since he ran the 5k with his mom!

~ THE PRIZE WINNERS ~

(random drawing of all finishers based on points earned)

Kathy Savela  (Knuckle Lights)

Diamond  (Bob Harper DVD)

Hikermom  ($10 iTunes gift card)

The Captain  (Fitsok men's socks)

Bruce Hofstetter  (Reebok men's shirt)

Katherine Carson  (nuun prize package)

Tracey Sylkaitis  (Fitsok women's socks)

Shanda Warren  (Aquaphor prize package)

Kelly Janowski  (GU Energy prize package)

Aimee Gardina  (P.F. Chang's $10 gift card)

Allison Milancewich  ($35 Road ID gift card)

Melissa Kirkham  (Tough Chik prize package)

Jessie Powell  (choice of skirt from SparkleSkirts)

Courtney McDonough  ($30 lululemon gift card)

Lisa McClellan  (autographed copy of My Life on the Run)

Cassandra Zell  (Sexy Mom's Running Club prize package)

and my personal pick for...
BEST PHOTO/COSTUME

Carmen dressed up in a full bunny costume (with her Tough Chik jersey!) and 

ran the streets of Galesburg, IL.  This mother of six has an electric personality

and will be receiving a special prize pack from me.

Prize Winners...

Please email your name and address to runwithjess@comcast.net

You have until Monday, April 16 to claim their prize.

After that date, a new winner will be drawn.