Non-Tri question: Running a 5k?

No, the race organizers understand what is going on.  The people who should be starting at the front of the pack are the ones running 5-6 minute miles, maybe 7 min/miles in small races.  If you run 9 minute miles, you're in the way of all those people who run 6, 7, and 8 minute miles when you start at the front.  It isn't fun for you and it isn't fun for them.  Doesn't mean you MUST start at the back with the 17 min/milers, but ask the people around you and keep moving forward/back until you start hearing some reasonable-to-your-expectations times.  We had a race with 4000 people and big, BIG, B-I-G pace banners and yet 100 yards into the race people who started at the front were walking, forcing 3700 other people to go around them. 

If you're already running 9 or even 9:30 during a tri or training, you're probably capable of <9.  If your goal is to negative split the run, walk the first mile and VOILA! Instant negative split.  If your goal is to finish the race as fast as possible, go with something a little slower (5-10 seconds per mile maybe) than your "hard" efforts for the first mile (not to difficult if you seed yourself correctly) and pick it up as the traffic clears.  If you're worried your heart is going to burst out of your chest and you'll puke during the whole last mile, you're probably going about the right pace for a 5K. 

I have heard various 5K race strategys and generally break down to either go out fast on the first mile and then try to hang on and take the pain, OR try to run an even pace and speed up at the end.  I prefer the later -- I have accidentally done the first where I start way too fast, and then from the half way point to the end is miserable.  I don't recommend this unless you are mentally prepared for the pain. 

So basically, my advice is try to not start too fast, but chances are you will run the first mile faster than you expect.  I don't recommend lining up near the front of the pack because its easy to get caught up in the excitement and start too fast.  Sounds like you can do a 9 min/mile pace or even a little faster.  I would say have a range for each mile, like from 8:45 to 9:15, which will accomodate any tough hills on the course, and then that last half mile just give it everything you got.  Have fun and let us know how it goes!

Already back at it?  Here's my two cents, my very impressive friend. 

(1) I don't know which race you are doing, but most 5Ks are what I call cattle chute starts.  Everyone gets packed in the starting area, the gun goes off, and away the mass of humanity goes.  I've seen you in action; don't be afraid to manuever yourself to the front of the chute.  In my first race this year, I was behind lots of folks because of my late arrival.  I ended up dodging jogging strollers.  You'll be timed on your chip, but if you spend the first half mile like you are on the beltway zooming in out of traffic, you'll get less out of the experience.

(2) In one of my races this year, I was standing in the chute making small talk with a guy who told me he was going to run about the time I wanted to run.  I paced off him for the first mile and a half.  Make a friend or two of people who look relatively experienced and you may find someone who will help you set your pace.  That's assuming you aren't wanting to go out on your own.

(3) I'll be very impressed with you if you can set yourself up to run a negative split.  I've had real trouble controlling my pace this year.  I just want to run hard from 'go'.  With lots of people running around you, that kind of control is challenging without slowing yourself down too much.  I'll be interested to hear how it goes for you.

Props to you for jumping right back in.  Sounds like you are pretty hooked.