NYD5K

Wow.  It's been a while.

When I went to write about my latest run I discovered I couldn't even remember the location of my own blog... Ugghhh.  Yeah.  It's been too long.

Sooo...  now you might have guessed my New Year's Resolution - to get back into running. That being said, here we go!

This was an inaugural race.  I actually registered for it in 2019 and it was cancelled, presumably for low participation and planning details.  Thus, I got a deferment until 2020.

SWAG:  There was a goodie bag, lots of neat items included - a wooden bottle opener for one and a free day pass for the Lynx Train (CATS Pass app, promo code).

SHIRT:  Long sleeve cotton, light blue color, white lettering, logo on front, sponsors on back.

CHIP TIMING:  While there were bib chips for this race, it appeared the results were all gun time as there was not a start mat only a 5K split mat and a finish mat.

COURSE: Flat. Very Flat.  It begins at the Old Concord Rd Lynx Rail Station (right next to the Eastway and N Tryon St intersection) and is a straight line to the IHOP at WT Harris and N Tryon.  If you are familiar with Charlotte, the majority of this area is commercial - specifically - closed commercial.  Many business have moved, relocated or stopped doing business altogether, and some properties are not maintained for that reason.  It was not a bad route, per se, police had closed off an entire lane from beginning to end BUT it had challenges.  Not an out and back - one way route, thus the CATS pass for those parked at the START line (Old Concord Rd Lynx Station had free parking for the day).  It was not a 5K distance, it was actually 3.5 miles PLUS the walking distance to either of the LYNX stations near the Finish Line (McCollough and JW Clay).  Lynx was on a Sunday schedule due to the holiday so trains ran every 30 minutes.

POST RACE:  For an inaugural, post race was perfect!  Typical runner's gourmet - bananas, protein bars, water, oranges, muffins, etc.  There was catering - pancakes and hot chocolate - music, a VIP tent (for those that registered) and S2F did not disappoint with instant printouts of your race results!

AWARDS:  While I did not stay for awards, I know they were standard; overall, top three age group.

NOTES:  I would run this one again, the start time (10 AM) was perfect for New Year's Day.  Temps were good. Lots of police protection, very little traffic and a flat course.  I do hope the race directors up their game on the shirts in the future.  A Holiday race deserves a commemorative shirt that can be worn multiple times (my .02) with the preferred technical material for workouts and future races.

Much gratitude to the volunteers, the police effort, the sponsors/directors/organizers and to S2F for a lovely morning to start the New Year!