Saturday, October 31, 2009

Runway 5K



Fantastic event and just as the name implies, we ran on the tarmac while planes were landing and taking off! The turnout was far above and beyond the organizers expectations, over 1300 persons posted times for this race! There was a 30+ minute delayed start time because many runners were held up in traffic entering the parking area - overflow parking resulted and attendees had quite a walk to get to the Start Line.

I had the privilege of running with three of my RFYL University classmates and truly enjoyed seeing them again. I was also accompanied by a good friend and quite a few of her coworkers who have chosen running as a means of promoting their own health and wellness. As always, each of them is an inspiration to me!

Charlotte Running Company managed the event and Queen City Timing oversaw the race results. For those of you that follow my blogs, I will insert here "Run For Your Life RULES!!" when it comes to race events.

Charlotte Running Company ran out of t-shirts quite early and works on a first come, first serve basis, thus early registration does not guarantee anything - no replacements or additional shirt printings were offered. The response was quite blunt - first come, first serve, meaning an individual could register the day of and get a tshirt provided they got there as soon as registration opened and yet someone who registered three months in advance would NOT have a shirt reserved for them, irregardless of the fact that they truly were "first". I'm venting but it's legit and it's not for me - I always pick up my shirts prior to the event when possible (I'm not a morning person) but some of my classmates who registered shortly after the online registered opened, were turned away and for their sake, this is being blogged.

Queen City Timing only posts guntime results which poses the question "What's the point?" Their (QC and CRC) one consistent quality is that they each continually make RFYL look world class in comparison! I can state this with ease and without guilt because I have attended 5Ks held by churches or community organizations that were timed much better than this (manually), yet we were given disposable digital timing chips by Queen City Timing, and the chips worked as they should, still QC couldn't provide actual chip time.

For the record, it can be done, and done correctly. Technology does not replace quality workmanship, it only enhances what must already be present.

Because of the location, onsite sponsors/booths were very limited. A huge THANK YOU should go to the groups providing water/Gatorade/bananas/muffins - someone in that group had the foresight to realize around 7am that they were understocked due to the higher turnout and they managed to provide MORE than enough for all participants long before the race ended! Well done, folks, well done!

This event benefits LifeSpan's Community Activity and Employment Transition Program (CAET), a worthy cause; they were present at the finish line to thank each and every runner for his/her support. Best in Show Award belongs to them!

While I may state a "needs to improve" for Queen City Timing and Charlotte Running Company, I have nothing but praise for all other aspects - patrol officers, guards, volunteers, airport employees, Sir Purr, 107.9, US Airways, participants, and sponsors for this event! It's a grand opportuning to race on a runway at an airport the size of Charlotte Douglas International and everyone felt safe while running, and of course, THIS is THE flattest run in the city of Charlotte!! Wooo Doggies!!!

Looking forward to next year's race!!


Guntime Results posted:
TIME: 43:42
PACE: 14:04



Saturday, October 3, 2009

Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure 5K


As always, the Race For The Cure is one of the finest events held in Charlotte. It's an outstanding fundraiser for a worthy cause and the turnout is just tremendous. If you have never been - even if you don't walk/run - I would strongly suggest supporting and participating in their annual event. You'll be amazed at the show of support and the enthusiasm felt by one and all. Breast cancer is real - it effects so many of us in today's society, so do yourself a favor and go see what all the hub bub is about, you'll be glad you did.

TIME: 44:00
PACE: 14:11