Tallmadge Memorial 5k/1 mile Review

The Tallmadge Memorial Day 5K is an annual event going back 31 years.  This year my experience was a little different than in years past because I was unable to run due to severe plantar fasciitis in my left foot.  My injury did not however prevent me from participating in the race.  Luckily my foot was recovered enough that I was able to a lead bike escort with a fellow Team ER member.  This was my first time leading a race by bike.  I got a little nervous when I arrived and found out that there would not be a police vehicle in front of us.  I was afraid of two things.  The first was that some of the runners would be faster than I would be on my bike and the other was that we would lead the runners off course.  Fortunately neither of the scenarios happened.  The course was well marked with plenty of volunteers and signs along the way.  I really enjoyed being able to participate in the race without actually running while at the same time getting a little bit of exercise and rehab done on my foot.

The race as always was well organized by Josh Ritchie and Mickey Rzymek.  Weather conditions were very humid with some strong wind gusts and temperatures in the mid 60’s.  Rain was forecasted but thankfully it stayed away.  Participants received nice t-shirts.  There were lots of awards for overall and age group winners.  Post race snacks included a variety of small bags of chips and bananas.  Team ER members walked away with 6 awards which was awesome.

I was extremely proud of Team ER at this race.  In part for the 8 members that competed but more so for the 10 members that volunteered.  Team ER members helped at early packet pick up the night before the race, day of race packet pick up, course set up, race site set up, the mid point water station, as lead bike escorts, with the finish line water station, and we even had a member on crutches recovering from hip surgery stand in the road and course marshal.  It was so awesome to see so many team members support this race and give back to the local running community.