This was my first time at the US 10k Classic. Actually my first "running only" race since college. But from the 2 tri's I have completed this year, I expected a timing mat at the start since they offered a "chip" option. When I didn't see one, I managed to get close to the front of this mass start race.

My first mile I thought I was at a good pace, never exceeded zone 3. However, I was shocked when they called out 7:29 at the first mile and knew I had to slow down a little. I felt the hill to mile 2 and really felt the hill from mile 4 to 5. I was disappointed at the split and picked up the pace. I was planning on sprinting to the finish but the last 1/10th seemed like another small hill.

Overall this was a good race for me. This was a PB since college but just short of my goal (a seeding time for PTRR).

I should have driven the course beforehand. Do some more hill training. I missed qualifying for a seeded position at Peachtree Road Race by 51 seconds. Now, I've GOT to do the Buckhead Sizzler 10k (haha) which is also a qualifier for the Peachtree. Good thing it's a flat course, or so I've heard. Just hope I'm recovered from the Disney Oly.

Walked around and stretched. Talked to other runners.


Lack of hill training.


This was a well organized race with a lot of great sponsors. It started with cycling (men's and women's), inline skate, wheelchair, then runners. I liked the family festival on Saturday and wish I had planned more time to check things out other than just pick up my packet.

The men's bike was delayed a few minutes due to traffic on the course. They were able to get the other races started on time.

The only thing that didn't happen was a seeding order at the beginning of the race. I expected this because they requested an official results sheet if you wanted to be seeded. Seeded bib numbers were green, timed runners orange, and non-timed runners were white. I was surrounded by all bib colors.

Several musical groups playing at about every 1.5miles. Water and gatorade stations just past each mile marker. It looked like there were some "ad hoc" water stations by some of the local businesses too. Volunteers were great!

The post-race festival was also good. Publix had a very nice spread of muffins, bagels, sandwiches (love these), bananas, pears, plums, yogurt and other food. Plenty of Gatorade too, seeing as they were a co-sponsor.

CCT was also well organized with transportation back to the start. Even though the line for buses was long, it was always moving.

Overall, a very good race and not bad since I only started running again in late March. This will definitely be on my calendar next year.