This race had 3 categories – 10k, 5k times and 5k family run (untimed). I ran the 10k and my husband ran the 5k timed. I like races where there … MORE
This race had 3 categories – 10k, 5k times and 5k family run (untimed). I ran the 10k and my husband ran the 5k timed.
I like races where there is a family aspect – not because I’m bringing children to the race myself, but because it’s fun to see families sharing healthy and wholesome activities together.
Unique: the 10k started in a different location from the two 5k races – but all 3 races finished at the same location.
Pros: good cause (education), beautiful morning, great participant energy (happy families), efficient shuttles from the main location to the 10k start in Danville.
Cons (ugh, where to start): Truly the most disorganized race I’ve participated in, which was a surprise since this was the 34th year of the event. I should have expected the disorganization when 1) received blast email day before race they desperately needed volunteers (about 40!) and 2) had no idea where to pick up bibs for the race. Bib pickup usually easy enough to figure out, but it was an important detail for this race because the two starting points were miles from each other. We took a guess that bibs would be at the 5k race, but if my husband hadn’t been with me and I was only attending the 10k race, I would have been out of luck for a bib.
Course: Course itself was fine – flat. The problem was the congestion which was only made worse by disorganization. No corrals so everyone jammed in at same time. Was frustrated for a full mile at start because it took that long to spread out – middle miles were nice. The last 1-3 miles were awful. They had originally staggered the start of the 3 races, but the 10k started 20 min late and they didn’t hold the 5k races so everyone ended at the same time – huge cluster! The last 1-3 miles of the 10k overlapped with the 5ks so it was jammed at the end. Also, families with strollers (double strollers!) in the 10k lane – unbelievably frustrating.
Swag (all about the swag): The first 500 10k entrants were supposed to get a beanie and a tech shirt. When I got there, I was in that category (yay) and was given the beanie, but when I got the shirt, it was the regular cotton shirt. I asked about the tech shirt, but the volunteer didn’t know what I was talking about. The 10k racers got a swag bag at the end (nothing special, but something), but the 5k runners didn’t get anything, and I mean anything….no medal, no bag, nada (other than the shirt at start).
Many other examples (parking, pictures, etc.), but you get the idea. Great cause, great healthy day for families, but a disaster for people who really wanted to run a real race.
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Good Cause, Good Energy, Disorganized
This race had 3 categories – 10k, 5k times and 5k family run (untimed). I ran the 10k and my husband ran the 5k timed. I like races where there … MORE
This race had 3 categories – 10k, 5k times and 5k family run (untimed). I ran the 10k and my husband ran the 5k timed.
I like races where there is a family aspect – not because I’m bringing children to the race myself, but because it’s fun to see families sharing healthy and wholesome activities together.
Unique: the 10k started in a different location from the two 5k races – but all 3 races finished at the same location.
Pros: good cause (education), beautiful morning, great participant energy (happy families), efficient shuttles from the main location to the 10k start in Danville.
Cons (ugh, where to start): Truly the most disorganized race I’ve participated in, which was a surprise since this was the 34th year of the event. I should have expected the disorganization when 1) received blast email day before race they desperately needed volunteers (about 40!) and 2) had no idea where to pick up bibs for the race. Bib pickup usually easy enough to figure out, but it was an important detail for this race because the two starting points were miles from each other. We took a guess that bibs would be at the 5k race, but if my husband hadn’t been with me and I was only attending the 10k race, I would have been out of luck for a bib.
Course: Course itself was fine – flat. The problem was the congestion which was only made worse by disorganization. No corrals so everyone jammed in at same time. Was frustrated for a full mile at start because it took that long to spread out – middle miles were nice. The last 1-3 miles were awful. They had originally staggered the start of the 3 races, but the 10k started 20 min late and they didn’t hold the 5k races so everyone ended at the same time – huge cluster! The last 1-3 miles of the 10k overlapped with the 5ks so it was jammed at the end. Also, families with strollers (double strollers!) in the 10k lane – unbelievably frustrating.
Swag (all about the swag): The first 500 10k entrants were supposed to get a beanie and a tech shirt. When I got there, I was in that category (yay) and was given the beanie, but when I got the shirt, it was the regular cotton shirt. I asked about the tech shirt, but the volunteer didn’t know what I was talking about. The 10k racers got a swag bag at the end (nothing special, but something), but the 5k runners didn’t get anything, and I mean anything….no medal, no bag, nada (other than the shirt at start).
Many other examples (parking, pictures, etc.), but you get the idea. Great cause, great healthy day for families, but a disaster for people who really wanted to run a real race.
Fun for good cause
Parking is a pain; plan extra time and check road closures, expect to walk a long way. Expect lots of walkers and kids stopping and cutting. Otherwise great energy, flat … MORE
Parking is a pain; plan extra time and check road closures, expect to walk a long way. Expect lots of walkers and kids stopping and cutting. Otherwise great energy, flat and fast course, entertainment along the way, and lots of give-aways at very popular expo at finish line.