2010 was the first year that I have ran this particular race, although I suspect I may have registered for it in previous years and failed to show up due to cold or rainy weather (it's a December / January race). In setting out to blog about today's course, I noticed a significant decline in attendance over the last four years and I am not sure why. The management, course, pre/post amenities and support were tremendous! This is a rare event that actually gives out trophies to winners in each age category and also has a huge selection of door prizes (provided by sponsors). I'm about to brag here so realize I very much enjoyed this 5K!
The firehouse was full of hustle and bustle this morning even though temperatures were in the low 30's. Runners were allowed to stay inside the building right up until the Race Start which was nice. We were provided with Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Biscuitville (sausage and ham), fruit and water both before and after the race! Vendors were allowed to set up tables inside the firehouse (Fire Trucks were outside and/or on the course itself) and Run For Your Life was present although not the timing company for this race.
I was impressed! The only thing not present were sport drinks which, due to cost, many local races with less than 1000 turnout have stopped providing (I hope someone from Coca-Cola or Gatorade reads this!) and due to the economic downturn, sponsorships from the various distributors have ceased. The alternative is to buy the powdered drink mix and make a water cooler or two for post race. Irregardless, the race did not lack without it.
The course was an out and back with mild hills. Only one volunteer was on the course, other than the police cars and fire trucks at pivotal intersections. The single volunteer had paper cup duty at the half way point (water station) and he was doing a mighty fine job! Course monitors weren't really needed on a loop route, so again, this event lacked for nothing.
Goody bags held coupons, two water bottles and a 100% cotton t-shirt and no registered participant left without a shirt. Parking was easy to find and the VFD is just off of I-77. I would truly love to see attendance increase for this race as it is an excellent venue and one of the few local events for December!
GUNTIME: 42:36
No comments:
Post a Comment