We finally started running and I decided to start easy with a 6min pace which worked well. It was not really possible to run faster anyways as there were so many people. The first 5km were over before I realised it. I walked about 101-5 seconds at the add stations and then kept running right away. At km 9 I felt that I really had to pee so I stopped at a porta-potty right before the 10km mark and that meant I lost 1 min of my goal pace which meant if I wanted to have a chance to run 2:06 I needed to make up for that minute over the last 11km and I kind of knew right away that this would not be possible today. The next 5km I kept a steady pace and between km 13 and 14 you ran through a part of the course where there were a ton of spectators and lots of music and this really lifted my spirit. Shortly after I was running next to two men and they were chatting and one said: "I am just so happy to be here and to be able to run...its a privilege". That sure hit home so I started to smile and be happy to be there no matter how fast or slow I would go. at km 17 I really had to go to the bathroom again and this time spent about 2,5 minutes in there....after that I knew that not even a PB would be possible today so I slowed down a bit to at least get through the run without any injuries. The legs were still OK at this point but the quads were getting quite tired like usual and I was hoping they would hold up. The last 3km the legs were heavy so I got a really good opportunity to practise some mental training of blocking out the heaviness and discomfort and it worked fine. KM 19-20 you ran through the shopping street downtown and by the Dome which is really cool. Small uneven copperstones after that and I took it really easy there and kept thinking: "Don't fall, don't fall"
The last km is over the bridge which is also the final km of the Half-Ironman that I did 6 weeks ago and I was somehow in trance running over there. I had blocked out any discomfort and was actually thinking about that in 1km my season would be finally OVER! I started to think about all the races this year, starting with awesome Abu Dhabi and I am so proud of myself for all that I have accomplished this year!
When I saw the finish line I once again had only one thought: "DO NOT FALL FLAT ON YOUR FACE" lol which worked.

Once over the line I watched all the people around my cheering and hugging each other and being happy to be done and I felt NOTHING. Not sure if I was just exhausted but I felt like: "Oh OK now this is over...". Kept walking to get my medal and then I got some food and decided that it would probably be good to let my legs walk a but more so I walked the 1.7 miles back to the hotel.
All in all not the race I was hoping for but considering all the circumstances I am happy and thankful I was able to do it and get through without an injury. Quads are very sore now but thing compared to how they were after the HIM so I know I will recover quickly. :)

(My Garmin showed the distance at 21.54km. They chanced the route from last year so I wonder if it was actually a bit long...)