5th Line 5k Review

 As is often the case, the event really starts well before the race, with race-week info emails and packet pickup.  Racers have a generous three-day window to pick up their race package.  A friend and I stopped by right away on Thursday morning, and there wasn’t much of a wait, though the store’s setup and packet pickup area were confusing enough that they needed to have someone on hand just to explain it.  Fortunately, though, we were in and out in a short amount of time, with bibs and race shirts and coupons in hand.  And then we were left to agonize over the best gear options for race day. 

Since the 5th Line 5k always takes place in February (this year, it was on the 11th), the weather is always a wild card.  In February, the weather in Central Ohio can be anywhere from arctic to spring-like—so you have to be prepared for anything.  This year, we’d been experiencing higher than average temperatures—beautiful sunny days with highs in the 50s—but forecasts predicted a temperature drop just in time for race day.  So while we’d been walking outside in spring gear, we found ourselves pulling the fleece-lined layers back out for the race. 

On the morning of the race, instead of having to meet before 7 am to get downtown and find parking in time for an 8 am start time, my friends and I were able to sleep in and take our time—because this race doesn’t start until 10 am.  (And if all other race organizers could take note and follow suit, my fellow night-owl participants and I would greatly appreciate it.)

Since this was my third time participating in this race, I knew where to park—and I’d double-checked my race week info email.  But when we neared the course, we found that volunteers weren’t set up at one of the busiest parking garages.  I’m sure that caused some confusion for racers who were less familiar with the area, but since my husband works downtown, I was able to get a pretty sweet parking spot in an otherwise empty garage.  

Though the weather wasn’t unbearably cold before the race, we still made our way inside Nationwide Arena with the other racers.  Having the arena open through the race means that participants have access to real indoor bathrooms instead of the usual porta-potties.  In previous years, a number of booths have also been set up on the main concourse, offering promotional trinkets and samples.  This year, though, the sponsors’ booths were strangely absent, so we took advantage of the short line to have our picture taken with the Blue Jackets’ cannon.  

But then it was time to make our way outside to the starting corrals.  We gathered toward the back of the pack, where people who love a good race mingled with people who just really love hockey.  There were participants dressed in everything from their best race day gear to cargo pants and a Blue Jackets jersey.  It’s definitely a mixed bunch—which also means that it’s a great race for first-timers.  Admittedly, the start of the race was pretty crowded.  But once we were able to separate ourselves from the rest of the pack a bit, the course made for an enjoyable Sunday morning race through downtown Columbus.  

To finish, racers reenter the arena and head toward center ice.  The music is pumping, and the jumbotron shows video footage of arriving racers as they make their way to the finish.  Then there’s plenty of space for those finish line selfies before heading up the stairs, back to the main concourse. 

Once up the stairs, racers are handed their medals and directed through the concourse, where they can grab bananas and water or Gatorade.  This year, they could also continue on into a line for a free slice of Jet’s pizza (which is always welcome after a race).  And racers were happy to hang around, enjoying the party atmosphere and that post-race energy while taking more selfies around the arena.

If you’re looking for a fun race and you happen to love hockey, too, the 5th Line 5k is a great choice.  The atmosphere is energetic, the swag is spectacular, and, with such a varied crowd, it makes a good race for first-timers who just want to see what races are all about.  Of course, race conditions might be a little more pleasant if it weren’t held in the middle of February in Ohio—but as long as you’re prepared to add some extra layers if winter weather hits, it’s a race that’s worth a shot.