Due to not specifically training for this race and the uncertainty of a travel race, I decided to start out using my previous PR time from last November as a guide. Overall this worked really well and I generally had no difficulty keeping a pace faster than that.

The first couple of miles were a little fast due to everyone starting out fast, especially since the 5-milers started out together with the half marathoners. Mile 2-6 were tough due to the hills and intense sun next to the airport. Starting around mile 6, the course switched over to the trail system that runs along the water. The miles went by quickly enough although I was a little conservative since I didn't really know what to expect. Eventually we left the trail and came into a neighborhood with a very steep climb up from the waterfront. After this climb it was just a flat run into the finish.

Since it was a small race, I found myself pacing off of other runners for longer periods of time than I normally do in a race.

First, I would start out a little slower. Second I would have gone a bit faster on the middle miles on the trail. The hills and sun at the beginning were more difficult than expected so I was hesitant to push too hard until I was closer to the finish.

Cooled off in the post-race area and recovered pretty quickly.


Mostly not knowing the course.


For a small race, this one was relatively well organized. Since so many of the participants are from out of state, a bit more information for out of towners would have been nice (ie better parking information).

My only complaint was that a couple of the mile markers along the trail were way off with my Garmin showing very short miles. All of the other miles seemed to be very consistent.