Today's race was the culmination of what should have been an 8 week training plan. Two weeks were completed via the plan, the remaining six weeks were altered to incorporate distance and sprints. Training continued and the original plan will resume soon. The altered training still paid off though, I set a new PR this morning and really had to work for it! Totally enjoying the benefits of my new workouts. I've upped my run / walks to 6 days a week with a minimum of 2 miles, goal of 6 miles no walking.
This was an inaugural race in Durham NC. We (my running buddy and I) chose it because of the date, nothing more. The title made a good fit after an 8 week training plan.
Sixty runners showed up to cross the finish line. Pre-registration was $20 thru July 1st and included chip timing (stop only, no start) with the option to buy a t-shirt for $10. There were no awards - overall or otherwise - at this event. There was a drawing given by one of the sponsors, the winner was announced after the event. No results (other than reading the digital timer) were available at the race. Results were, however, posted by 4pm same day. All runners received a medal, regardless of finish time and the shirts were actually tank tops, wife beater style.
The race description for online registration stated:
USATF Certified Course that is flat with the exceptions of two inclines.
Someone needs to explain to the organizers that flat races do NOT have inclines. No exceptions. This was NOT a flat race and every runner out there knew it. Great race to earn a PR, not a given PR, but an earned one.
I am sure the organizers will collect more sponsors between now and next year's event and hopefully that will translate into all the standard amenities for any given race. The price was the norm for 5Ks but the event needed category awards to be complete. Post race did include bagels, bananas, watermelon and bottled water, as well as wash cloths soaked in ice water. No complaints whatsoever. Truly hope to see this event expand in the future!
Official Time: 41:34
Results on Active.com