Okay.
I had a blonde moment.
Yes, the logo above states 6:15 START time.
At one point, way back in the beginning, I saw a 6:30 race listing so I assumed that was what I was signing up for.
I failed to read the email notice sent the evening before the race.
It clearly stated both races began at 6:15. I have zero idea what was supposed to happen at 6:30.
After going back today and re-reading the site, there is now no mention of a 6:30 anything.
Hmmmmmm....
Nonetheless.... it was....
My bad.
Seriously.
My bad.
I got there at 6:18, the race started, obviously, at 6:15.
Then things got interesting.
Since the two races (3 mile and 6 mile) were running simultaneously, they allowed me a late start.
They failed to tell me how the course was marked off.
The two distances both had completely different routes.
Which I discovered AFTER the race by looking at the course map.
I was wearing a blue bib (3 mile race) so I followed the blue dot trail.
Things are never that easy.
It was a bike trail... hideous bike trail.
It was 3.65 miles long.
It was completely separate from either of the race trails.
I did not see any runners until the FINISH line.
There were, however, bikers en route throughout the entire 3.65 miles.
Step off the trail, wait, step back on the trail.
Narrow trail, mind you.
I also stopped at several points due to lack of signage.
Yes, the bikers had lots of red arrows, blue dots and First Aid signs but..
At any point where the course crossed a road or entered a wide open space..
Nothing.
Nada.
Zilch.
Apparently orange cones don't do it for me.
I did figure out the blue stripes but the cones looked more like barriers than trail indicators.
I constantly kept my eyes glued for other runners and for actual shoe prints.
Didn't happen.
I had the whole course (on foot) to myself.
I did pass a few runners going the opposite direction with no bib.
I knew they were simply Whitewater members out for a strong trail run.
I finished.
I got my shirt.
I scored my worst 5K time ever.
Period.
And it's official.
Listed on the world wide web.
24:07 minutes per mile.
Wow.
Stellar, right?
Yeah.
I had a blonde moment.
My route
Actual Route
This event is tied to a monthly summer outdoor musical concert. From 7pm to 10pm bands provide live music and locals come out in droves to watch the sunset, sit on the grass and enjoy the sounds. The U.S. National Whitewater Center has now become a valid attraction for the Charlotte area. It had a very slow growth process in the beginning but with much improvements along the way, and many great race events on the grounds, it has grown.
It was literally packed Thursday night - with members, runners, avid music fans and newbies who just wanted to "see what it was all about". It provides trails for running and biking, whitewater rafting, zip lines, climbing walls, canopy tours, bungee jumping, obstacle activities, paddle boarding and kayaking. It is also very family oriented.
The race series is only $10 per race (if pre-registered) and it is chip-timed. Thus I have no complaints whatsoever. There is a $5 parking fee with an option for an annual parking pass for $40. I'm not there enough to warrant the parking pass and I will mention that many runners dislike the fee, the thought being that the race entry should cover parking. It has been a standard though with Whitewater and at present, still exists as part of any visit to the center. They've had to expand the parking lot over the years to accommodate traffic so the upside is, there will always be a place to park at the Center.
It was hot and humid tonight but I was glad I went. Got a mega workout with all the hills and climbs and I've made a mental note for next month: Trail shoes, 6:15 Start.
Happy Trails to all!
107 / 118
Tracy D Rabon
Charlotte NC
4440 49 F
CHIP TIME: 1:12:21.5
GUN TIME: 1:21:28.0
CHIP DIFFERENCE: 9:06.5
PACE: 24:07/M
TIME BACK: 46:40.6
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