2024 Apex Skin Towpath Freedom 5K Review

This was my second time competing in the Apex Skin Towpath Freedom 5K.  It was a beautiful morning for a race around Summit Lake.  It was a little chilly but the sun was out and there was little to no wind.  Before the race begins all veterans present are honored and awarded a pin for their service to our country.  The race offers free registration to the first 35 veterans as another way to show appreciation for their service.

After all of the veterans were recognized race participants made their way about a quarter mile up the trail for the start.  The beginning of the race was a little delayed waiting for some walkers to get to the start line.  Finally the gun sounded and we were off down the trail back where we had come from passing the race staging / finish area, over a bridge and around the corner of the new trails following the direction of the lake.

I was on pace through the first mile clocking it at 7:00.  I am not sure what happened but the second mile I really fell off my pace and lost some time.  I was a little surprised that the second half of the course had been changed from the previous year.  Instead of an out and back course that I was expecting this year the course was a loop going all the way around the lake.  I must say that I enjoyed the new course a lot more than the previous course, I just wasn’t prepared for it and it through me off a little.  I managed to gain a little time back in the 3rd mile.  With a half mile to go I was passed by a runner that appeared to potentially be in my age division.  He wasn’t far ahead but I started my kick too late and finished just 3 seconds behind him.  Of course he did end up being in my division winning it so I  placed a close 2nd behind him,  My goal was to complete the race under 22:00 minutes. I finished in 22:17 placing 15th overall. Last year I was 19th overall so moving up 4 spots is a win.

I loved the new course and racing with Team ER member Nancy Wardell is always pure fun!

All participants received long sleeve tech shirts and military star themed finisher medals.  Division awards included fleece blankets.  They also had tons of snacks after the race.  The race was very well organized.  My only suggestion to improve the race for next year would be to offer age divisions every 5 years instead of 10 years which is what they have had the last two years.  The race was sold out so it was big enough for the extra divisions.  They do offer a separate division for the top 3 male and female veterans which is really nice.

Thank you to Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, the sponsors, and all of the volunteers that make this race possible to pay tribute to our veterans.