What a crowd! This event was packed. Lots of first time runners, and to be honest, it was not as well organized as prior RFYL events.
Lots of factors made this run different. Since the starting point was central downtown Charlotte, parking was a challenge. It was just after working hours on a Friday which made for quite a combination of spectators and traffic maneuvers. When I arrived, all of the sponsors (except for the radio station and the registration sponsors) were still setting up. Because of the multitude of teams and event runners - - there were probably 5 different stations to accomodate team sign in and none had good signage for their location. Registration and chip pickup were indoors and that was probably the $64 million dollar question for the racers... This created a lengthy line for registration.
The results posting only listed 1196 runners. There were more but the timer stopped at approximately 55 minutes because the "Fun Run" began directly after the 5K. Again, not well planned. The start horn was set off three times at the beginning of th 5K and there was difficulty in aligning the runners/baby joggers as needed for the event.
There were a great many runners/walkers still completing the race when the timer was stopped. This is unfortunate because many of the first time participants were in that final group and their scores will not be recorded nor their completion of the run recognized. Once again, not well planned.
On a different note, this was a more social event than any previously. The fireman, policeman, sherriff's dept and police academy trainees were very enthusiastic. Lots of youth groups present and many family participants due to the school community involvement. The awards were to be given after the "Fun Run" but many of the runners were leaving at the end of the 5K. The Post Race Party was continuously broadcast before, during and after the 5K thus putting emphasis moreso on the "free beer to runners" than the race itself or its cause. This was truly a social event - at least in its presentation at the event.
My personal time was 45:42 (chiptime). The crowd before me and behind me was large but this is not reflected in the overall results due to the timer shut off. From a 'meet and greet' perspective, I very much enjoyed this race. Lots of really wonderful people out supporting the schools and kids and just having an all in all fun time! From a race perspective, it could have been planned better and should have been given more support for all of the families and kids that were first time runners and in that final group that was discarded due to time constraints / race alignment.
This is a good run for those that cannot make the Saturday / Sunday events and has the unique distinction of being an evening race. If you work in or near downtown, it is definitely an event worth your time and support.
Lots of factors made this run different. Since the starting point was central downtown Charlotte, parking was a challenge. It was just after working hours on a Friday which made for quite a combination of spectators and traffic maneuvers. When I arrived, all of the sponsors (except for the radio station and the registration sponsors) were still setting up. Because of the multitude of teams and event runners - - there were probably 5 different stations to accomodate team sign in and none had good signage for their location. Registration and chip pickup were indoors and that was probably the $64 million dollar question for the racers... This created a lengthy line for registration.
The results posting only listed 1196 runners. There were more but the timer stopped at approximately 55 minutes because the "Fun Run" began directly after the 5K. Again, not well planned. The start horn was set off three times at the beginning of th 5K and there was difficulty in aligning the runners/baby joggers as needed for the event.
There were a great many runners/walkers still completing the race when the timer was stopped. This is unfortunate because many of the first time participants were in that final group and their scores will not be recorded nor their completion of the run recognized. Once again, not well planned.
On a different note, this was a more social event than any previously. The fireman, policeman, sherriff's dept and police academy trainees were very enthusiastic. Lots of youth groups present and many family participants due to the school community involvement. The awards were to be given after the "Fun Run" but many of the runners were leaving at the end of the 5K. The Post Race Party was continuously broadcast before, during and after the 5K thus putting emphasis moreso on the "free beer to runners" than the race itself or its cause. This was truly a social event - at least in its presentation at the event.
My personal time was 45:42 (chiptime). The crowd before me and behind me was large but this is not reflected in the overall results due to the timer shut off. From a 'meet and greet' perspective, I very much enjoyed this race. Lots of really wonderful people out supporting the schools and kids and just having an all in all fun time! From a race perspective, it could have been planned better and should have been given more support for all of the families and kids that were first time runners and in that final group that was discarded due to time constraints / race alignment.
This is a good run for those that cannot make the Saturday / Sunday events and has the unique distinction of being an evening race. If you work in or near downtown, it is definitely an event worth your time and support.
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