This was the first time I've participated in this annual event, it is also the second year it has been hosted in the Southpark Mall area. The 5K route was mildly hilly through the first mile, then moderate to steep short hills throughout the remainder of the course which is located directly behind Symphony Park in a residential area. Lots of course markers, police officers and a few volunteers spread liberally over the entirety. I enjoyed the neighborhood course. Amenities afterward were limited but sufficient. Due to the wooded area between the residents and the park, the Start/Finish was not directly adjacent to the sponsors, or more specifically, not visible from the Start/Finish Line.
The festival is another matter. It is a work in progress with lots of potential. If you are going "for the kids" you might want to skip this one until they expand the "festivities". Kids will be done in 15-20 minutes tops. There were supposed to be two bouncies (moon jump) but only one was inflated. Jack in the Box had a toss game set up but with very little crowd interaction most adults didn't know if it was in operation. Coca-Cola had a neat video game setup but monitors faced directly into the sun and it was difficult to see if the sun was shining. Two food vendors and two or three sales vendors were present. That was the entire "festival" and most were still setting up when runners came back through shortly before 9 AM.
The Festival was scheduled to run 9-11 AM so as not to interfere with mall activities and/or parking. Awards were given out on the Symphony stage, a military tribute and a parachute jump were also on the calendar (I did not stay for either as the program was behind schedule when I left). Lots of music blaring in the park between announcements and a singer was scheduled to participate. It is no doubt an enjoyable event but at a slower, small scale pace. If you attend, do bring a lawn chair as there is only a grassy area for the majority of the audience.
Sometimes I truly enjoy smaller events, they tend to be very friendly
and low key. Based on the location, the holiday, the planned social
event and the turnout, I actually expected more activity. 348 Finishers
crossed the line for the 5K with an additional 1 Mile run for those
honoring specific Military members. That's a good turnout all things
considered. I chose to walk the course this morning as did many others.
One participant collapsed around the 2.8 mile mark, most likely heat
related. Trusting she has a speedy recovery and very proud of the race management group as the situation was handled very quickly and very professionally. I hope the community gets behind this event going forward as it does have great potential and an excellent location!
