Got to the race start about ten minutes before start and went towards the back since I'm a relatively slow runner. Once the race started it took me approx 2 minutes to get to the start line which was actually poorly marked. I started my watch at that time. I was still held to a walk due to so many people congested in the area. I ended up following a couple of others onto the sidewalk behind the spectators to get around so many walkers and slow runners. I realize I was probably out of bounds or whatever, but I had to get around somehow and gained no distance advantage by doing this. For the first mile I was constantly weaving in and out of people and up on the sidewalk to get around slower runners. My first mile split was 7:58 I think, which would've been a lot faster had it not been so crowded. The rest of the race was enjoyable and I really tried to push it as hard as I could. Got behind a couple of people with a fast pace and forced myself to keep up with them. Grabbed a sip of water at the water stop but I didn't really need it. Down the final stretch I could see a big inflatable tent up ahead which I assumed was the finish. It was actually only the 3 mile mark and I was almost spent. I just continued my sprint to the finish and was nearly oxygen deprived. It made for a tough finish but probably helped me have a nice time. 23:43 according to my watch is by far a 5K PR for me. I haven't done a 5K in a long time, so I don't actually remember my best time, but I know it was much slower than that.

Nothing, ran hard and was completely satisfied with my race.

Just did some walking and got water. Waited for my sister-in-law and cheered her into the finish. Went home and watched football and ate turkey and drank beer withou guilt!!!


Large crowd of people.


This was a nice race and apparently has been going on for 39 years or something. Everything was nice and the race started right on time. My only critique would be that the race start was poorly marked and the start could've been seeded better. I got to the start a bit late so went towards the back. Once it started, I spent the first mile just trying to weave around slower runners and walkers. There were walkers way up towards the front of the start. Perhaps some signs seeding racers by their min/mile pace would help alleviate this. Otherwise lots of fun and lots of great volunteers and positive people.