I love small races. I am not sure why but they are always my favorite. They are intimate, quiet and just all around good races.
This one had some "disappointments", however.
It started immediately. We went to get our packets and my name wasn't on the list. My husband mailed it a month prior. I told them this and they asked if the check cleared and if I was sure. I was sure. I called my husband just to make sure and he confirmed, yes he did mail it and yes, it had cleared. I told them this. They handed me a registration to fill out. They wanted me to re-register and pay the fee again. While, yes, it went to a great cause, I was not about to pay a fee again. Then when asked what size shirt I wore (medium), they said they didn't have any more mediums and I would have to take a large. This isn't the first time a race didn't have my shirt. I don't understand when I pay for a specific shirt size, shouldn't I get it? Well, they didn't have my registration is why. Finally, as I started to fill out the paper - lo and behold they found my registration. It was overlooked. But....I still didn't get a packet or correct shirt size. Whatever.
We waited the 30 minutes before the race started and when they said to line up, my pal and I made our way over to the start. The start was very unclear on which direction we were suppose to go. Therefore, everyone just sort of stood around not knowing which way to face.
It was a gun start and the gentleman with the gun made his way over. We overheard a lady jokingly ask him - "Are there any bullets in that gun?" His reply? "I don't know, let's find out." He then held the starter gun to his temple. I was moritified. At the rate of suicide in our nation and the fact that small children were around.....I was so angry.
At the gun shot, we took off. We had to run up a grassy hill and run down an area where railroad tracks used to be. Odd. We then came out on a road and ran the course which conisisted of around a walking park, through alleys behind people's homes and through the town. The course wasn't marked that well - cones with construction paper arrows.
I just ran. They had one water station that I opted to forgo. I actually felt pretty good. When I saw mile 1, I was surprised at how good my breathing was and how my legs felt.
The finish line was not clearly marked. It was timed but by a person writing down our bib numbers and marking our times. I use an app on my phone while I run. I hope to get a Garmin soon. It would make it so much easier.
They had water, bananas and granola bars. However, it felt like if they didn't know you (small town race), that you were ignored. Thanks, guys.
After my pal crossed the line, we left.
Overall, I ran the 5K......but not the best experience. It did however, help me reach my goal of 15 - 5Ks in 2015!!!!
So, the review of the event Extra Mile 5K:
Terrain - grassy, hilly, pavement, race was 3.3, not 3.1
Organization - Not well at all, course not clearly marked, no volunteers on course, other volunteers didn't seem to know what they were doing
Cost - $20 per person - went to a good cause
Time of Race - 8:30am
Overall - not a good experience, probably wouldn't do a race in that town again
Award - none
My Time - unofficial time (haven't gotten time yet) - 32min for 3.3
Race # in our 15 in '15 Challenge - 15/15 --- YAHOOO
#BeastModeActivated
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| Only pic we got, my pal and I before the race |
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