Shamrock 'N Roll (5k) - Run5k

This was my first race since my ankle sprain, so I wasn't expecting anything great. It was pouring down rain, so I was debating on whether to even go or not. I decided to suck it up and head down to the race hoping the rain would let up a little. Thankfully it did. It was still raining, but only very lightly. Surprising, the rain didn't stop many people from going. There were over 500 athletes there for the 5k.
On to the race...so I started out right in front and went pretty fast during the first half mile. There were only about 6 or 7 guys in front of me and no women in sight. I kept up a pretty stead pace around 7 min/mile and kept wondering when I would get passed by other women. At each turn, the volunteers and policemen were yell out that I was the first female. This felt great. I had never been out front during a race before. The course was fairly flat with a couple of hills between mile 1 and 2. As I reached a turn around at mile 2.5, I saw another women closing in on me. I then started thinking how I could win this race if I could just hold her off. I had never won 1st overall before and I was so excited that I had the opportunity to get my first win. During the last half mile, I kept looking back to see how much she was gaining on me. She was getting a little closer, so I just gave it everything I had and sprinted on into the finish. The announcers yelled that I was the first overall female as I crossed the finish line. That felt great to hear! I was almost in shock but so excited to win a race. My ankle didn't hold me back too much and considering the rain, I was happy with my time.
The weird thing that happened later was at the awards ceremony. When they announced the winner of overall female, I got stopped dead in my tracks. They said "Diane Scott" won. What??? I was confused. How did she go by me without seeing? Why didn't anyone else see her on the course as they announced that I was in first. So I settled with 1st in my age group and went home with a nice gift certificate.
Well, then this started to bug me. I kept playing the race over in my head and I couldn't figure out how I missed seeing "Diane Scott". Well, I finally figured it out when I looked at the race pictures. Diane must have given her bib to a guy...because the picture of Diane Scott's bib number was indeed a guy. That explains why no one saw her. So I emailed the race director and they confirmed by suspicions. They were so nice about it and adjusted the results correctly. They also insisted on giving me my overall award which was the best award I've ever gotten at a race. Full of coffee mugs, socks, a hat, gift certificates, etc. Pretty sweet!

Awesome race! Very well organized with an exceptional post race party. Booths with give aways, swag, and food. Plus an entertaining irish band. I would definitely do this race again.