I received the opportunity to run any race at the Runner's World Half & Festival. Of course, if you're going to give me that option, I'm going to pick the challenge. I recently finished racing the Runner's World Hat Trick, which was a fantastic experience all around. I'll be writing about all three races. You can find my review of the 5K already on the blog. Next, I'd like to talk to you about the second leg of that journey, the 10K.
Runner's World 10K Recap and Review
The 10K took place also on Saturday, following the completion of the 5K. So if you'd like to read about the morning before the races, to read about my packet pickup or parking experiences, go read the 5K recap first. I'll be waiting right here for you.
As mentioned in the last post, the post race fuel included bagels, bananas, raisins, and fresh baked Subway cookies. I was hungry, from running and from not actually eating enough before the race, so I chowed down and felt much better following. As the race time neared, I mulled around near the back of the starting area, knowing my blazing speed was best suited for the back again. I found myself near Team RWB, which is always nice to me. Their purpose to help veterans is one that is near and dear to my heart, so I really must join the local chapter sometime.
The 10K course takes you on a tour of some historic areas of Bethlehem. At the start, I was aligned with the announcer side, and received a high five from Deena Kastor. I thought that a pretty cool way to start a race. In order to force myself to take it easier, I dropped my intervals from 45 / 30 to a 30 / 30. This helped me keep a more relaxed pace for myself. The course started the same as the 5K, crossing the Fahy Memorial Bridge, which included a DJ posted at the end. The bridge offers a good view of the steel stacks. The course then takes you past the Historic Moravian settlement, the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, and through the historic residential district. That’s a lot of “historic”.
The course offered some elevation change, but nothing too drastic. The finish wrapped passed the Sands Casino and back through some chutes for a great finish line experience, complete with Runner’s World editors calling you across the finish. The course included 4 water stops (3 with one that you passed twice) which was a good number for a 10K, but welcomed.
As mentioned in the last post, the post race fuel included bagels, bananas, raisins, and fresh baked Subway cookies. I was hungry, from running and from not actually eating enough before the race, so I chowed down and felt much better following. As the race time neared, I mulled around near the back of the starting area, knowing my blazing speed was best suited for the back again. I found myself near Team RWB, which is always nice to me. Their purpose to help veterans is one that is near and dear to my heart, so I really must join the local chapter sometime.
The 10K course takes you on a tour of some historic areas of Bethlehem. At the start, I was aligned with the announcer side, and received a high five from Deena Kastor. I thought that a pretty cool way to start a race. In order to force myself to take it easier, I dropped my intervals from 45 / 30 to a 30 / 30. This helped me keep a more relaxed pace for myself. The course started the same as the 5K, crossing the Fahy Memorial Bridge, which included a DJ posted at the end. The bridge offers a good view of the steel stacks. The course then takes you past the Historic Moravian settlement, the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, and through the historic residential district. That’s a lot of “historic”.
Running right past Historic Hotel Bethlehem |
The course offered some elevation change, but nothing too drastic. The finish wrapped passed the Sands Casino and back through some chutes for a great finish line experience, complete with Runner’s World editors calling you across the finish. The course included 4 water stops (3 with one that you passed twice) which was a good number for a 10K, but welcomed.
I finished with an official time of 1:33:54.
Race Review
Great race with interesting historic views. Same great big finish.Race grade: A-
Check out my review on BibRave
Final Take Away
Was the race course interesting?Yes. Love the old buildings to run past.
Was it a great event beyond the race?
And then some.
Would I do it again?
Yes, as part of the challenge or even by itself.
Have you ever raced a challenge?
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This is the race I ran when I did Runner's World. I do remember it being hilly and was surprised how good my time was despite the challenging course. Of course I hadn't just ran a 5K prior to that..haha. Glad you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteYeah. It has a bit of challenge but in a way I'm sure you can put out a great time. That's why I'd love running any of the races again, even if it wasn't for the hat trick.
DeleteDid you feel like you had enough time between races? I'm so slow, I've always thought events like this with more than one race per day seem to start the next event a little early for my turtle speed!
ReplyDeleteI'm slow too but felt like I had enough time in between. I was able to grab a snack, snag a pick or two, watch the last finishers and still hit the bathrooms with time to spare. I was worried about that too but didn't seem to be a problem.
DeleteI've never done a multi-day event, but I'd sure love to - looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It was really cool. A challenge but fun. Made for a cool full weekend of events.
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