This is a Holiday themed 5K in Rochester produced by Yellow Jacket Racing. I've done it virtually but this was my first year participating inperson. There is the option for … MORE
This is a Holiday themed 5K in Rochester produced by Yellow Jacket Racing. I’ve done it virtually but this was my first year participating inperson. There is the option for packet pick-up either the day before or race day morning. I got it the day before. If you are one of the first 200 to pick up your packet (which I was) you get reindeer antler headband too. Packet also included the shirt which is a nice long, sleeved cotton shirt. The course starts at Blue Cross Arena in downtown Rochester. They email a race guide with info on parking, etc. I found parking in a garage right by the start that was about $4. I did see some open street parking if you were willing to walk a little further if you didn’t want to pay. The start/finish at the arena was great as it was warm inside. It was a crisp, cool morning around 32 degrees. Not super cold and comfortable for running if you dressed correctly but it would be cold to hang out outside so it was nice to wait indoors. The race has a common start/finish with a timing mat and big arch. The course is set up very smart where the first half of the course is on closed roads so there is tons of room to spread out and find your pace and the second half is on the canal path which is a bit tighter but by then the runners are already spaced out properly. They did have to modify the course this year due to construction so one part usually on the canal path had to be on side walks. This part was too tight and the only part I didn’t like but I don’t think it is supposed to be part of the course. The scenery is fine and it does go on the part of the canal path with a beautiful view of downtown Rochester. everything is very well marked and there are mile markers. Course is pretty flat. Just one bridge but its a gradual one. This was my first run since my marathon and I did run-walk intervals to play it safe but there was no uphills I would need to walk. I didn’t push myself too hard since I wanted to make sure I didn’t get injured and was aiming for a comfortable ~12 minute mile pace which is exactly what I did. The finish line was nice and you get a really nice medal for the 5K. Inside the arena there are post race snacks including mini muffins and fruit & grain bars. This was a very nice, festive 5K and I would recommend it for locals or if you happen to be in Rochester.
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Nice, Festive 5K
This is a Holiday themed 5K in Rochester produced by Yellow Jacket Racing. I've done it virtually but this was my first year participating inperson. There is the option for … MORE
This is a Holiday themed 5K in Rochester produced by Yellow Jacket Racing. I’ve done it virtually but this was my first year participating inperson. There is the option for packet pick-up either the day before or race day morning. I got it the day before. If you are one of the first 200 to pick up your packet (which I was) you get reindeer antler headband too. Packet also included the shirt which is a nice long, sleeved cotton shirt. The course starts at Blue Cross Arena in downtown Rochester. They email a race guide with info on parking, etc. I found parking in a garage right by the start that was about $4. I did see some open street parking if you were willing to walk a little further if you didn’t want to pay. The start/finish at the arena was great as it was warm inside. It was a crisp, cool morning around 32 degrees. Not super cold and comfortable for running if you dressed correctly but it would be cold to hang out outside so it was nice to wait indoors. The race has a common start/finish with a timing mat and big arch. The course is set up very smart where the first half of the course is on closed roads so there is tons of room to spread out and find your pace and the second half is on the canal path which is a bit tighter but by then the runners are already spaced out properly. They did have to modify the course this year due to construction so one part usually on the canal path had to be on side walks. This part was too tight and the only part I didn’t like but I don’t think it is supposed to be part of the course. The scenery is fine and it does go on the part of the canal path with a beautiful view of downtown Rochester. everything is very well marked and there are mile markers. Course is pretty flat. Just one bridge but its a gradual one. This was my first run since my marathon and I did run-walk intervals to play it safe but there was no uphills I would need to walk. I didn’t push myself too hard since I wanted to make sure I didn’t get injured and was aiming for a comfortable ~12 minute mile pace which is exactly what I did. The finish line was nice and you get a really nice medal for the 5K. Inside the arena there are post race snacks including mini muffins and fruit & grain bars. This was a very nice, festive 5K and I would recommend it for locals or if you happen to be in Rochester.