This was a last minute decision for me. I seem to do this often. Very encouraging race. Most of the participants were there solely as supporters of young Matt, who has cancer. His pastor spoke for a few moments and I had the opportunity to shake the young man's hand before leaving. He is a teenager with a very positive outlook considering his circumstances. His Mantra is John 16:33 as can be seen on the race shirts.
This was a MRT (McLelland's Racing Team) run and the course is one we've ran before. The starting point alters (YMCA, Lakewood Park, Methodist Church, Northview IB) but the route is usually the same or similar. A few hills en route but with lower elevations. A water stop at the halfway mark and LOTS of new signage for the roads / direction. Definitely a plus for this year!
I stayed through most of the awards ceremony since this was an evening race. I left around 8:45 PM and they were just beginning the Male Awards. This was MRT's first try at chip timing (disposable) so my fingers are crossed that all the "bugs" will be worked out by the time the Sweet 13 Summer Race Series begins. As is the norm for most of the MRT events, there are door prizes given out prior to the award ceremony, based on bib number drawings (must be present to win). I won an olive green Dansko t-shirt. Not a bad night, all in all.
In spite of local weather predictions, we had a humid, DRY, breezy run Wednesday night (6:30 PM Start) and we're looking forward to more runs with the MRT group over the summer.
Ready. Run. Race.
OFFICIAL TIME: 44:09