This was a STELLAR event!!
Anyone that reads my blog regularly knows I don't dish out hefty compliments without justifiable cause. I am practical, plain spoken and will give very honest feedback regarding racing events in the Charlotte area. I can say without hesitation that this race was spectacular in all aspects, especially given it was the inaugural race! It was humid today, temps were in the 70's , a wonderful overcast breezy morning which made for a perfect run.
Parking was ample/good fit, directions were easy to understand, cones lined the way to the registration/parking/event areas, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police were on top of their game in full force (at least a dozen present at intervals throughout the course), signage/cones gave excellent markers/route designations, post race amenities were perfect (bananas, oranges, crackers, Dunkin Donuts doughnuts/coffee), Dasani Water and Powerade at Finish Line (more than enough for crowd), ample volunteers (SUPERSTARS of the event!), post race games and freebies (cups, t-shirts, water bottles, frisbees, stress balls, pens, etc), a live band in sponsor area, a marching band at start line and halfway mark, approximately 10 booth sponsors post race, very family oriented!
Most importantly - for those from the Charlotte area - this was a SAFE and FRIENDLY environment!
Regardless of any past preconceptions about the North End, I was in no way or by no means alarmed to be running in this area. Half of the course ran through the local subdivisions off of Dalton Ave. The locals woke up to the sound of the Marching Band and came out to cheer us on. Some of the friendliest spectators you'll ever meet as they sat on their porches or out in their front yards watching the running community breeze by their respective homes. The subdivisions are well kept and our course was an out-and-back through the neighborhoods.
The sections of our route that covered the industrial areas were clean, well directed and police monitors were posted throughout. I can honestly say I would recommend this race, hands down, no questions, to anyone young or old.
Run For Your Life did the timing and digital apparatus (chip timed) and as usual put forth their best effort. This particular event though did not lack for sponsor involvement. Many races are managed by the timing companies which is why we give so much praise when a job is well done (lots of hard work from a small crew of people), but in this case, the timing company was simply one of many actively involved parties that made this an enjoyable experience in every aspect, and that in and of itself is both unusual and gratifying!
If you plan your race calendar in advance for 2011 - you most definitely want to add this race to your late summer runs!
GUNTIME: 45:26
