UNCC Homecoming 5K

This is the second event I've signed up for with UNCC. I am still not impressed.

Parking was better but still no signs to point towards event and no volunteers this time to give directions and yet this was their Homecoming Day. I dislike beginning a blog with the negative but honestly that's what is foremost on my mind.

It being a day full of activities, the race route, while better than last, actually held up incoming traffic at several points as it wasn't designed to accommodate those showing up early for Homecoming Events later in the day.

Cars literally sat in line for 10-30 minutes until students directing traffic gave them access to continue. Most drivers were patient but after a half hour, several actually left the premises in frustration. The traffic delays were not main roadways but campus streets. There were more students directing traffic than policemen, which on campus may be allowable, but I am certain that trained police officers could have improved the situation.

The turnout also reflected the school's handling of the event. Smallest local event (well publicized) in a long time. 371 runners total while Cupid's Cup 5K, which had been postponed due to snow on 2/13 and rescheduled for today, had 1003 runners.

I still believe the school needs marked improvements if they want a greater turnout but other than the mismanagement, all else made for a good race.

I walked with a group of friends in celebration of one's birthday. Miss Johnella turned 45 today and we all wore bibs on our backs to celebrate the occasion. Wonderful lady! The group really enjoyed themselves and gave no thought to any misdirects at the event. To be honest they were probably glad the crowd was smaller as it made it easier to locate friends as they crossed the finish line.

I will give kudos to those that managed the packet pick up, beverage/fruit tent, chip distribution/collection, two water stations and to an outstanding group called THE EDGE! All of these volunteers were very friendly and efficient. The Edge group actually gave away free t-shirts, and to promote their cause they not only distributed freely from the booth but also walked amongst the crowd handing out free items liberally. A real day brightener and very well organized.

Overall the school's efforts were improved from their last 5K (4.Niner) and my hope is that at some near point in the future they will be THE race to run in Charlotte, as I am a big fan of our local state college! Go Niners!!

TIME: 47:55

Rock Hill Hunger Run 5K **

Running with Miss Daisy.

I did indeed. And thanks to her expressive self, I won 3rd place in my age group.

"I'm 64 years old. You think you can't do this? Think again. I'm 64 years old. You don't have any excuse." *she is running with another lady possibly 5 yrs her junior*

"Yes ma'am." *I saw the movie, I know better than to attempt to argue with Miss Daisy!*

"You see that fence post? Pay attention! See that fence post? We're going to run when we get there and we're not going to stop running until we reach the end of the fence! I don't want to hear any complaints. I'm 64 and I can do this!" Let's go."

"Yes ma'am."

"Now wasn't that easy? We're going to do it again as soon as we get over this hill. Hey you! Catch up with us! Don't be dragging behind! You can do this! I'm 64 and I know you can keep up with me!" *another runner now joins us, albeit a bit taken aback by her new personal trainer*

"Are we the last ones?"

"DOES IT MATTER???? It matters that you finish! Stop thinking about that. We're going to run right up here and it's a straight line. Think about that!"

"Yes ma'am."

Believe it or not, this lady was quite an encouragement to many runners. Vocally, she had the energy of a teenager. Physically, she did win an award for her age group and was quite elated not only for herself but for me when I stepped up very sheepishly to claim mine.

This race takes place beginning at the Winthrop University Dinkins Center and runs through a very lovely, upscale (perhaps historic) district of Rock Hill SC. The houses were immaculate and the scenery was quite relaxing. Hills were minimal, no steep inclines. Most of the route was either flat or downhill.

Many of the registered participants did now show. Temps were in the upper 30's to low 40's and it misted, or drizzled if you're from the south, throughout the entire event. Registrars estimated about 100 people at the start line. I would have guessed somewhere between 80-90 which is also how I managed to win 3rd place for my age group. There were only a few of us in that bracket. I'm sure of this because there was only one runner behind me that I could visually see and she looked to be at least 10 years younger than myself. Originally there were over a dozen behind us but it appears that the walkers dropped out before the first mile. Many did not appear to be avid walkers/runners and showed up in jeans and casual shoes and others just weren't fans of the weather.

While my personal time is definitely NOT a PR I am still motivated at having placed. It means I got out of bed, showed up, and competed. What more can any athlete do?

This is a small but good run and I would run it again. It is sponsored by a local eye clinic and funds go to support local 'food for the hungry' programs.

Gun Time: 47:00
Actual Time: 46:45
**3rd Place F Age 45-49

UPDATE: Official race results were posted. There were three runners/walkers behind me. The one I was aware of was 30 yrs old. The final finisher was a 45 yr old Female, so there were four runners in my age group and exactly 100 timed participants.