This is the second event I've signed up for with UNCC. I am still not impressed.
Parking was better but still no signs to point towards event and no volunteers this time to give directions and yet this was their Homecoming Day. I dislike beginning a blog with the negative but honestly that's what is foremost on my mind.
It being a day full of activities, the race route, while better than last, actually held up incoming traffic at several points as it wasn't designed to accommodate those showing up early for Homecoming Events later in the day.
Cars literally sat in line for 10-30 minutes until students directing traffic gave them access to continue. Most drivers were patient but after a half hour, several actually left the premises in frustration. The traffic delays were not main roadways but campus streets. There were more students directing traffic than policemen, which on campus may be allowable, but I am certain that trained police officers could have improved the situation.
The turnout also reflected the school's handling of the event. Smallest local event (well publicized) in a long time. 371 runners total while Cupid's Cup 5K, which had been postponed due to snow on 2/13 and rescheduled for today, had 1003 runners.
I still believe the school needs marked improvements if they want a greater turnout but other than the mismanagement, all else made for a good race.
I walked with a group of friends in celebration of one's birthday. Miss Johnella turned 45 today and we all wore bibs on our backs to celebrate the occasion. Wonderful lady! The group really enjoyed themselves and gave no thought to any misdirects at the event. To be honest they were probably glad the crowd was smaller as it made it easier to locate friends as they crossed the finish line.
I will give kudos to those that managed the packet pick up, beverage/fruit tent, chip distribution/collection, two water stations and to an outstanding group called THE EDGE! All of these volunteers were very friendly and efficient. The Edge group actually gave away free t-shirts, and to promote their cause they not only distributed freely from the booth but also walked amongst the crowd handing out free items liberally. A real day brightener and very well organized.
Overall the school's efforts were improved from their last 5K (4.Niner) and my hope is that at some near point in the future they will be THE race to run in Charlotte, as I am a big fan of our local state college! Go Niners!!
TIME: 47:55
Parking was better but still no signs to point towards event and no volunteers this time to give directions and yet this was their Homecoming Day. I dislike beginning a blog with the negative but honestly that's what is foremost on my mind.
It being a day full of activities, the race route, while better than last, actually held up incoming traffic at several points as it wasn't designed to accommodate those showing up early for Homecoming Events later in the day.
Cars literally sat in line for 10-30 minutes until students directing traffic gave them access to continue. Most drivers were patient but after a half hour, several actually left the premises in frustration. The traffic delays were not main roadways but campus streets. There were more students directing traffic than policemen, which on campus may be allowable, but I am certain that trained police officers could have improved the situation.
The turnout also reflected the school's handling of the event. Smallest local event (well publicized) in a long time. 371 runners total while Cupid's Cup 5K, which had been postponed due to snow on 2/13 and rescheduled for today, had 1003 runners.
I still believe the school needs marked improvements if they want a greater turnout but other than the mismanagement, all else made for a good race.
I walked with a group of friends in celebration of one's birthday. Miss Johnella turned 45 today and we all wore bibs on our backs to celebrate the occasion. Wonderful lady! The group really enjoyed themselves and gave no thought to any misdirects at the event. To be honest they were probably glad the crowd was smaller as it made it easier to locate friends as they crossed the finish line.
I will give kudos to those that managed the packet pick up, beverage/fruit tent, chip distribution/collection, two water stations and to an outstanding group called THE EDGE! All of these volunteers were very friendly and efficient. The Edge group actually gave away free t-shirts, and to promote their cause they not only distributed freely from the booth but also walked amongst the crowd handing out free items liberally. A real day brightener and very well organized.
Overall the school's efforts were improved from their last 5K (4.Niner) and my hope is that at some near point in the future they will be THE race to run in Charlotte, as I am a big fan of our local state college! Go Niners!!
TIME: 47:55
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