Run! Ballantyne 5K

This was another last minute decision race for me and as so often happens, a very pleasant suprise!  Over 2000 registered runners / walkers for this event.  Multiple sponsors on site with lots of free 'goodies' including Einstein's bagels and coffee, Smoothie King, and Chick-Fil-A.  

The course is a double loop for those doing the 10K and an out and back for those doing the 5K.  Parking was perfect - two decks which neighbored both sides of the START / FINISH area allowed free parking for the event with lots of signage to direct drivers appropriately.  Course had moderate hills and many wonderful volunteers to keep runners / walkers on the right portion of the course as well as several water stops along the route.

This is a well planned, well organized event that I would recommend to anyone, any speed, any age.  The turnout, especially by groups, is proof that it is very family and runner friendly.  T-shirts were polyester tech shirts.  Mine was dark gray with all logo and sponsor information printed in white. Teams received alternate colors with the same white lettering (red, yellow, blue, green, purple, etc) which made many of us wish we had joined a team  :)

This race is also #3 in the GPX series by Run For Your Life and for those that ran the Friday night Twilight 5K and this race, they will receive bonus points for GPX.

This is definitely on my repeat list for the future.  Kudos to Morrison YMCA and Bissell for providing such a quality race for the Charlotte area! 

CHIP TIME:  44:00

Results:

 

Twilight 5K

This was my 5th return to this particular course.  Great cause, great event.  Ran with two friends who live in neighboring cities and we all had a great time.  The location and timing is unique for Charlotte - a 7pm race that begins and ends at the Wells Fargo Atrium (formerly Wachovia, formerly First Union). 

Participants have use of the outdoor and indoor atrium facilities.  Easy packet pick up and sponsor location.  Parking is... if you want free parking, you may be a block or two away.. if you want close to the START, lots of prepay parking decks and lots.  Choice is entirely up to the participant.  My friends chose a deck and a lot, I parked 3 blocks away on 5th Street and walked up less than a mile to the Atrium.

T-shirts were golden yellow this year.  Logo is a repeat of previous year's and material is the Jerzee's Heavyweight Blend 50% cotton, 50% polyester.  No tech shirts for this race but definitely a wearable shirt!

This is also Race #2 in the GPX Series with Run For Your Life - bonus points are given for those that run this race on Friday night followed by the Run! Ballantyne race on Saturday morning.

Lots of walkers and children on this course and it is very Baby Jogger friendly.  Entire course is on asphalt (streets) of downtown Charlotte with ample police protection and course direction.  Powerade has returned as a sponsor and was a most welcome relief at the FINISH line.  Kudos to Powerade for their continued support of the racing community!

I walked the entire course, one friend did not find parking until after the start so she only completed 2.2 miles (in reverse), and my other friend ran an excellent time for someone just recovering from food poisoning (29:46).  All in all a wonderful evening!  Looking forward to 2014.

CHIP TIME:  48:07
PLACE:  792/889

Results: