Let's get the shocking fact out of the way first: I ignored all 'alternative' drink stations, believe it or not! It was hard to resist the bloody Mary/mimosa table, but there was a crowd around it which deterred me. I didn't want to waste time wading through people.

OK, now the race recap. The first mile was slow going because it starts on the hill and the entire first mile is nothing but hill. Also, there were a lot of walkers to dodge, many walking multiple people abreast in the middle, sides, wherever they pleased. This also meant dodging other runners dodging walkers! The wind also seemed to be funneling right down the street into our faces, and it was no gentle breeze, it was wind. LT was partway up the hill cheering us on. She's awesome like that.

Got through the first mile and got a brief respite of downhill before hitting the first of two very steep uphills. Ugh, this thing goes on forever! (or so it seems) I refused to walk and made a running-type motion the whole way up the hill. Huff, puff, tried to keep up a decent pace and recover from the hill at the same time. Near the end of mile 2 is the 2nd ugly uphill, just as steep as the first but not quite as long. It's conveniently next to the cemetary so they won't have far to take the bodies ;) People crowd around the hills to see the carnage, I think. There is decent spectator support throughout, but they seemed to congregate at the 'action' spots, sick devils! At the top of the hill, a guy was yelling, "It's all downhill from here, with a tailwind, and there's beer at the finish!" Motivating (and true!) words to be sure!

Kept moving as fast as possible, working with the downhill and the tailwind. Got to the steep downhill, slowed some out of necessity, and prayed I wouldn't fall or no one would fall into me. Yes, it is that steep/sketchy. Kept pumping on the stretch to the finish, again praying I'd keep my feet under me and stay upright. LT was cheering and I tried to go faster after doing some goofy move (see pics), but there wasn't a whole lot extra to give at that point. Hit the line happy and spent.

Maybe go a little harder on the first mile, but overall I'm OK with my time. It's a course PR for me, since it's the first year I've really been able to race this race. The first year I stayed with Cuda since it was her first 5K, and last year I took it easy after just returning after a hamstring injury.

Grabbed water and snacks (which I left in Cuda's bag and never got to eat), then headed back up the hill to find LT to watch/cheer for Cuda. She came in a little sooner than expected, a 5K PR!! Woooo!

Kept my tradition of getting a pic with an interestingly costumed runner by asking gladiator man to pose with me.

Next we got in the beer line for our two free beers, toasted KH since she couldn't be there because of recent neck surgery, ate some buffalo pierogies and had fun people watching and chatting. Enjoyed the live music and fun atmosphere. Checked out the gift shop at the brewery and got some goodies. Grabbed some Yuengling Carmel Sea Salt ice cream on the way to the car, then headed back to, you guessed it, Vito's for lunch! For lunch I had some tasty bang bang wings which I shared with Cuda and had a delicious caprese salad and another Summer Wheat.


Pottsville is very hilly. Hills make most people who are old and not part mountain goat run slower. :)


This is a very well organized race which we enjoy coming back to year after year and it just keeps improving. The cool part is Mr. Dick Yuengling, owner of the brewery, is present and available during the afterparty, mingling and getting photos with the runners. Mad props to him for keeping it fun, real, and grounded.