Tough course! Started out on a hill and was up and down throughout the entire route. This was the first time this race has been part of the GPX series and the turnout reflected that change. Over 670 entrants logged their time for this event, while the race itself had over 800 registered. The course went through the Piper Glen subdivision and police officers were highly visible to ensure safety. Kudos to Charlotte Mecklenburg's finest!
The only disappointment at today's event was the lack of bottled water and/or Powerade/Gatorade at the finish line. Diamond Springs offered the water stands with lukewarm self-serve water which didn't quite hit the spot in today's heat. The last GPX race actually ran out of bottled water/power drinks long before the race ended. I can only trust that Run For Your Life can negotiate a strong show of support from some of our favorite sports drink vendors. It is appreciated!
Parking was the top concern for the new course and it turned out much better than anticipated. Runners had a choice of shuttle locations or two park & walk sites. As is almost always the case, many runners "improvised", myself being one of them. Some parked at Stonecrest, others at Calvary church and a couple dozen of us actually parked at the apartment complex next door to the shopping center which made for a very short walk. I did see the largest group of park & walk participants at the South Regional Library. Easy walk to the start line from there. The shuttle pick-up and drop-off location for the race site was inside Piper Glen just a few hundred yards past the start line. Again, an easy walk for those that utilized it. The only oddity was that buses began shuttling back to the parking areas while the race was still in motion. The group I was with actually ran between the buses and the rider tent before reaching the finish line. Police were present to manage the process so it was hassle free - just unusual to see runners getting their ride home while others had not yet reached the finish line.
Bravo once again to Run For Your Life for sponsoring another excellent race!
CHIP TIME: 48:11
The only disappointment at today's event was the lack of bottled water and/or Powerade/Gatorade at the finish line. Diamond Springs offered the water stands with lukewarm self-serve water which didn't quite hit the spot in today's heat. The last GPX race actually ran out of bottled water/power drinks long before the race ended. I can only trust that Run For Your Life can negotiate a strong show of support from some of our favorite sports drink vendors. It is appreciated!
Parking was the top concern for the new course and it turned out much better than anticipated. Runners had a choice of shuttle locations or two park & walk sites. As is almost always the case, many runners "improvised", myself being one of them. Some parked at Stonecrest, others at Calvary church and a couple dozen of us actually parked at the apartment complex next door to the shopping center which made for a very short walk. I did see the largest group of park & walk participants at the South Regional Library. Easy walk to the start line from there. The shuttle pick-up and drop-off location for the race site was inside Piper Glen just a few hundred yards past the start line. Again, an easy walk for those that utilized it. The only oddity was that buses began shuttling back to the parking areas while the race was still in motion. The group I was with actually ran between the buses and the rider tent before reaching the finish line. Police were present to manage the process so it was hassle free - just unusual to see runners getting their ride home while others had not yet reached the finish line.
Bravo once again to Run For Your Life for sponsoring another excellent race!
CHIP TIME: 48:11
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