This event has starting corrals for the elites and the top seeded 3000 or so runners. The rest of us are put at the back. The gun went off and we waited, and waited, and they announced the leaders were at mile 1, and we waited and finally started slowly moving. Finally crossed the start line at about the 10 minute mark.

The race organizers have a contest for the various communities along the race to show their support. So through out the entire race there was something going on. DJ's, garage bands, Irish bands, and a couple of people playing bagpipes. People lining the streets on both sides of the road the entire distance cheering and supporting the runners. Very nice!

Tough to get anything going pace wise for well into the 5th mile. It was like a line at disney, 20 people wide trying to run together. Nothing that I didn't expect though. The end of mile 3 and most of mile 4 was a pretty good climb up past a golf course. A couple of the wheel chair folks over heated on this climb. After that it was down hill for the next mile or so, followed by some rolling hills. Up to this point the temp stayed relatively comfortable and the streets were lined with trees. Miles 7, 8, and 9 were through the commercial district and the combination of wide asphalt roads and no trees, the temp started creeping up. Along the course there were folks with garden hose spraying down the runners. This seemed like a good idea at the time, but the last mile or 2 the wet feet started feeling heavy. I guess I'll avoid that next time. There were probably 12 or more water and ice stations on the course so it was easy to stay relatively hydrated, unless you are unable to drink from a dixie cup on the run (like me). Walked the last 2 or 3 water stops as I could tell I was falling behind. Some slight cramping in the feet and calves gave that away.
This was the first race that there were significant numbers of people receiving medical treatment along the course. At least one a mile the last 3 or 4. In my sick mind, I laughed at the last water stop as it was in front of and manned by the staff of the local funeral parlor.

Considering the temp (which was better than I expected), missing some recent workouts with a tender hamstring, and a scheduled tri next weekend, I was happy with my time. I think if I had focused on this race I could have done better, but I accomplished what I had hoped.

Walked around the post race party, found Connie, changed shoes.


Me.


These people have put this race on for 30 years, they have it figured out. It is probably one of the biggest events in Utica so the whole town rally's around it. They had a huge party afterward at the old Utica Club brewery, where they now make Saranac beers. So the beer was free. Unfortunately for me, I passed. They also had Nik and the Nice Guys playing with jumbotron screens showing the awards and the band.

I don't know if they added water stations because of the projected temps or if they always have this many, but there were almost too many. Especially in the first couple of miles. Tough to get by the people stopping to get a drink. But I certainly appreciated them in the second half.