Cavedog Running

In a nutshell, I won!! 17:39 Mile splits: 5:57, 6:20 (uphill most of the mile), 5:47. The course was short. They didn't go as far down the road behind the school as they should have and did last year. So, unfortunately, this does not count as a PR but it sure was nice to see sub-18:00 on the clock for the first time.

Beautiful morning for a race, temperature was right at 50 degrees. Doesn't get much better.

The kid who usually wins this race is off to college, so that left me to take on a couple of high school kids. One stayed with me until the turnaround by the school just after mile 1 marker. From there, I was on my own chasing the police escort.

This was my 2nd ever win. It is so much fun actually coming in first and having the crowd clap and cheer as you come in.

The day didn't start off too smoothly as far as the race organizers went. When I got there just after 7 o'clock, there was a line of people waiting to register. They didn't have any forms or t-shirts. Instead of standing and waiting, I went ahead with my usual warmup before registering. I found out that they had only 15 people pre-registered and I am not sure if they ordered any extra shirts. I told them they should try online registration. They said they did on Active.com. I've never seen it on there. I checked when i got home and it wasn't on there. The only thing for Kumquat was for the 5K/10K walk that is a completely separate event. Funny, for both races I have won, I didn't get a shirt for either of them! The organizers should know and be prepared for at least the same number of people as in past years (it's not like this is a 1st year event).

They have a really good 5K course that isn't flat and not so hilly that all can enjoy. They just need to measure it correctly!! They also need to quit with the double dip prizes. I ended up also getting a medal for 1st in my age group.

This could really be a great race that attracts a lot more people if they would market and run it right. Along with the Kumquat Festival, it makes for one of the most enjoyable race days.

And they're off!!

Rounding the turn for home.

Nice trophy for the collection!