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It was a beautiful morning for a 5K on the fairways of the Raintree Golf & Event Center. It was so great to see so many Team-ER members there volunteering and racing. I have competed in this race several times in the past. I always enjoy this race because of the uniqueness of the course. It isn't every day that you get to run on the fairways of a golf course. This race is like a cross country event. The course changes from soft fairways, to cart paths, to a lengthy section on the roads of a housing development and then back to the fairways for the finish. The are a few small hills but there is a lot of the course that features long sections of just enough incline to make you feel it.
My race started off well with a decent first mile split of 7:15. I knew that there was a fast runner in my division that I was keeping an eye on. Through most of the race he was behind me but within my view. He really pushed my pace to try to keep him as far behind as possible. Just before the last two fairways there is a downhill section followed by a steep short hill. I slowed down on the hill enough for him to make up significant ground on me. Heading down the last two fairways I knew he was right behind me. Turning onto the last fairway I could see his shadow just behind me and then he was by my side, We both started to sprint and he passed in the last 50 meters. I finished 2nd in my division missing winning it by just 3 seconds.
My finish time was 22:57 which was 33 seconds faster than the last time I ran this race in 2023.
The race was well organized as always. Overall and division winners received apple pies for their efforts. There were was a nice selection of snacks available after the race as well as some sponsor samples of skin care products. All participants received t-shirts.
I really enjoyed helping with set up and packet pick up before the race. It was great to see my former college track team member and current mayor of Green Rocco Yeargin.
Congratulations to all of the Team ER members and North Water Brewing Run Club members that ran and earned their apple pies.
Thank you to Josh Ritchie, Mickey Rzymek, and all the volunteers that put on another great race.
Although I listed age groups every 10 years there were only 121 finishers at this year's race so it is understandable. If the race field would have been larger than I think they would change it to every 5 years.
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