This race is hosted by the McLelland Racing Team (MRT) in Iredell County, managed by Scott McLelland, co-owner of McLelland Family Shoes in Statesville NC. The series begins with a 5K and ends with an inaugural Iredell County Half Marathon all taking place in beautiful Iredell County. This is the MRT Summer Series (Aug 10 - Sept 28, 2013) and at present, the only one I've been able to attend over the summer. I truly enjoyed the Spring Series 5Ks on Tuesday nights and am glad they will be returning with the MRT Fall Series, beginning on October 1st.
This race took place in Harmony NC at the Vanhoy Campgrounds. The campground has a gravel road entrance that was the beginning and ending of the race itself, the remainder of the course was all paved roads touring through the beautiful countryside of Harmony. If you enjoy nature and sunshine, this race was definitely for you. Lots of clean air, birds singing, the smell of fresh cut grass and the quiet simplicity of country life. No red lights, no major traffic, no commercialization, just quiet residential areas on an early Saturday morning.
This was my very first 15K. I had signed up in year's past for two others but was a RNP (registered non-participant) so this was my first ever timing and competition for this distance.
A 15K equates to 9.32 miles. MRT hosted a 5K simultaneously so for the first 1.8 miles all runners were on the same course. There were 34 runners in the 15K and 23 runners in the 5K.
A 15K equates to 9.32 miles. MRT hosted a 5K simultaneously so for the first 1.8 miles all runners were on the same course. There were 34 runners in the 15K and 23 runners in the 5K.
For a small local event, it lacks nothing. The entry fee is $10, even on race day. If you want a t-shirt, they are sold on site for $15 and are optional unlike most races. The Summer Series shirts are neon yellow with the MRT logo on the front and the Series info on the back. Coincidentally, it matches perfectly with my new Nike Zoom Vomero +7 running shoes!
Each race also has prize drawings in the form of gift certificates which are awarded post race via a random drawing of bib numbers. Must be present to win. Each race also supports a local community charity of choice for the individual event. The actual award ceremony follows the drawings and age groups receive a medal designating place. Overall winners typically receive a gift of some sort. That's a lot of giving for a $10 race. Kudo's to MRT!!
This is a running group / event host / race series that I would highly recommend to anyone, of any pace and any age group.
Bring on the Fall Series!!
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