2026 Frostbite 5K Prediction Run Review

It was a beautiful morning for a run at the Frostbite 5K Prediction Run! This is a unique race because you win not by being fast but by being closest to your predicted finish time.  The weather was extremely pleasant for running.  It was a little chilly but the sun was shining and there was no wind so once you got warmed up it was really nice.  The course is two loops on the road around the park with lake views almost the entire route.  I showed up early to help with set up and registration.

Being that I am still in physical therapy for a back issue I went with a slow and easy predicted time of 26:40. Well being back on the start line got the best of me and I went out too fast. I did my best to slow down in the last mile, but I didn’t slow down enough and went under my predicted time by 1:03 minutes placing me 28th overall with a finish time of 25:37. I guess I’d rather be fast than predictable. It was a lot of fun to be running again in a race.

All runners received a custom race bib and a Valentine’s Day themed Frostbite 5K red crew sweatshirt.  Chips, bananas, cookies, and water were available after the race.  Prizes were awarded to the top 25 finishers.  The top 25 finishers each got their chance to choose a prize from the table which included apparel items from previous Frostbite 5K races along with other items from previous SARC races.

This is a great race that doesn’t really feel like a race.  It feels more like a fun group run with prizes at the finish.  There are no indoor facilities at this race so bring extra warm clothes to wear before and after the race.

Thank you to Josh Ritchie, Mickey Rzymek, and all of the SARC volunteers who helped put on another great running event!