Turkey Trot 5K

Fabulous run! Absolutely fabulous! It had a considerable number of participants and a fantastic timing set up (velcro ankle bracelet chips). The participants were a lively, versatile group, ranging through all ages and a great many out of state residents. There were two police officers as a courtesy but due to the excellent location of the route, they were representational at best. Cones weren't used, but simple signs at each turning point. Track went through a quiet business area surrounded by distant subdivisions. Perfect for a running course. This particular excursion included a 5K, 10K and half marathon.

I must say, of all the 5Ks I've ran this year, this was the safest, most congenial route of all, and since it IS ABOUT the RUNNING, the management of the entire running element was SUPERB! I would recommend this race for anyone - family, individual, group, pro or novice - and trust that their supporters will continue to multiply at future promotions as they had very few sponsors, none of which appeared to be present for the ceremony but certainly contributed to a worthy cause.

Best wishes to Buttar.com and I look forward to more of their hosted events.

OFFICIAL TIME: 49:47

Fall Harvest Run 5K

I did not run. I walked. With ATTITUDE.

My and my walking mate, I. Pod, really wanted to enlighten a few motorists.

"EVER SEEN A PEDESTRIAN BEFORE??"

Apparently, some of the local Huntersville police officers had never covered a 5K / 10K event before and they chose to allow vehicles to continue on route with runners traveling the same street. In doing so, they failed to encourage the motorists to use the opposite lane for passing - as it was clearly marked. Having a dump truck two feet behind you in the same lane, while on foot, is not the most enjoyable sporting event. While traveling uphill, through a curve and under a train trestle makes it even less appealing. It appeared that only two of the officers did not realize the importance of redirecting traffic, the others had evidently managed traffic at some time previous during their prestigious careers in the bustling metropolis of Huntersville.

This was my second run in Huntersville. The previous event was held July 4th and the route was directed very well. Not sure what went awry at this event but I trust it will be managed more appropriately in the future. My experience was minimal compared to those participating in the 10K. The longer runners had many more obstacles to overcome on this route.

There were less sponsors at this event, although it was still managed well. Realizing it was also scheduled in November, a time when many dedicated runners drop back to indoor sports as temperatures lower for the fall and winter seasons.

OFFICIAL GUNTIME: 46:56

Dowd YMCA 5K

Very cool morning for a run. Trail circled Latta Park in downtown Charlotte. Course could have possibly been longer than 3.1 miles, as best scores were slightly higher than average. Still a good run. Not my personal best, hadn't run since Oct 4th Race For The Cure and the score reflected my detour into the world of mountain biking.

Time 43:40 Pace: 14:10.