67°
Windy, Foggy, Overcast.
Race Announcer: Good News! The storm has turned and it won't rain until the afternoon. Praise the Lord!
Gotta love a church sponsored event!
The threat of rain was predicted at 80% the day before. It dropped to 30% the morning of the race and increased at 1 PM race day to 100%. The rain eventually came but the race was run and done when it came.
The surrounding area at 3 PM got a severe thunderstorm warning with winds of 60 mph and tornado watches for several counties.
Prayer works.
250 runners in the Half Marathon, 253 in the 5K. Large crowd for the OIB Bridge - Run For Food Race. This was also their 10th annual event, somewhat of a celebration for the organizers.
The course is oceanfront, or as oceanfront as you can get at OIB. Gorgeous beach houses line all the streets and all are seated well above ground blocking the street view of the water but not the sounds, the breezes or the effects. Great area for a run.
The town has one main bridge which is the only elevation throughout the entire route, everything else is flat making for a fantastic course.
The bridge is the only spot in the course that is above sea level. It runs over the channel and is relatively short. Runners cross it twice during the first two miles of the race (only section where 5K and Half participants remain together). After returning back across, the Half Marathon participants continue further to run the coastline while the 5K runners head back to the FINISH line.
This is my 3rd time attending the OIB run, previously the shirts were long sleeve white cotton. This year, same design but long sleeve black tech with sponsor info on the back and neon colors used in the design. Definitely a keeper. Entry fee was only $45 which changes solely on race day. Post race amenities included bottled water, bananas, pizza, music and large video screen showing finish line footage. Race packet included a brochure for another local race and a coupon for a local restaurant - not much open in January at Myrtle Beach.
This is my 3rd time attending the OIB run, previously the shirts were long sleeve white cotton. This year, same design but long sleeve black tech with sponsor info on the back and neon colors used in the design. Definitely a keeper. Entry fee was only $45 which changes solely on race day. Post race amenities included bottled water, bananas, pizza, music and large video screen showing finish line footage. Race packet included a brochure for another local race and a coupon for a local restaurant - not much open in January at Myrtle Beach.
I originally ran this race in 2010. Only 271 runners total (both races) that year and I personally ran the 5K meaning I didn't get to see the oceanfront version of the course. It was 26° that morning as well, typical weather for January. I ran the 5K again in 2011 (406 runners total) with temps in the low 40's. Today's temps were just another added blessing for this event.
Speaking of blessings...
I set a new Half PR today. Shaved off over 4 min from my prior PR. Yes, a blessing indeed!
If you're ever looking for an enjoyable January race in the NC beach area - this is it. Lots of hometown folks and this year's turnout proves it's worth the drive. Just check out the Locations on the Results Page.
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