Saturday, May 18, 2013

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 5KParking 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: