2024 Haunted Half 5K Race Recap - Salt Lake City, UT

Inflatables at the Packet Pickup

Official Time: 24:23
Placement: 4th in age age group, 107th overall
Race Website: Here

Results: Results
Weather: mid 40's, breeze from the north
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2023] [2022] [2021] [2020]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:43	Congested start. Took a while to navigate around people. Decent hill halfway through
2	7:59	Cruising now. Mostly a downhill mile.  Enjoying this segment and felt FAST!
2.96	7:42	Smashed this mile. Really happy with it.
	Total Miles: 2.96: 24:25

View of the lake at Sugarhouse Park

Introduction

Last year during the Black Friday sales, I wound up signing up for the Haunted Half 5K put on by Runtastic Events.  This race organizer puts on several races around the Salt Lake area and their Halloween runs are probably their most well attended event.  They have a sister event the following week in Provo that also offers a 5K and half marathon.

I would love to sign up for the half marathon, but I just hate gambling on my fitness and signing up for the race so close to the race date winds up being expensive (I think the registration got up over a $100 for the half marathon).  

This race is well attended, competitive and generates a huge crowd -- with over 1,000 runners in the 5K and close to that number for the 5K.

The starting line

The Race

I had grabbed my bib at the expo the day before, so when I rolled into the race around 7:45 AM (8:30 AM start), I was ready to go.  It was a chilly and breezy morning as I walked about half a mile from the parking spot to the race headquarters: Sugarhouse Park.

People I had to work around at the start

I knew I was going to warm up quick, so opted with summer attire -- shorts, t-shirt and thin gloves.  I wore the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 shoes which have served me well.

The park itself is iconic and home to many 5K races.  The Salt Lake City Marathon makes a lap around it and a lot of charity races throughout the year are held there.

The half marathon runners had started at 8:00 AM and had been bussed to the top of Emigration Canyon.  They had ample bathrooms and I wound up doing a quick warmup and strides to get ready.  I felt pretty good, but some soreness / fatigue in my legs.

The race started promptly at 8:30 AM and we were off.  We did a quick jog to exit the park before crossing a street and heading into a tree-lined subdivision.  In the fall, it is a pretty place to run.  The houses are older and it is just a fun place to run.  Also the first mile is a gentle culminating with a pretty steep climb.  I wasn't too shocked to see an 8:45 mile.  

Given the size of the race, the first quarter mile was pretty congested. I wasn't way up in front but I probably should've jockeyed a little closer.  There are a lot of "fun runners" and I often had to navigate around walkers, people pushing strollers, etc.  But eventually I did get to let loose.

I noticed right away that the mile markers were way way off.  I've run the route a few times and it usually comes in at 3.05 miles, but the mile 1 marker was off by at least .1 of a mile.  I certainly didn't think the route had changed.

Half marathoners coming in just after mile 12

At the summit of the largest hill in the race, we finally got to run downhill.  Memories of previous times I've run the route came back at me and I knew this was the mile to make up some time.  I felt like I had worked pretty hard to get where I was but I was renewed with energy and I careened down the gentle slopes -- dodging patches of potentially slippery leaves along the way.  

Once again the mile 2 marker was off but my Garmin rang in a sub 8-minute mile.  Could I salvage the race after a slow start?  I did get some shouts of encouragement from the other racers and I was still feeling solid.  

Upon passing the 2 mile marker (along with the 12 mile half marathon marker) I entered Sugarhouse Park to run a lap around the perimeter.  It starts off with a nice downhill and then a series of small uphill climbs.  I am never thrilled with running a lap around the park -- it doesn't feel fast and the finish line is so close, yet so far away.

Costumes and photo opportunities galore.

I didn't really see anyone in my age group and the one guy I was trying to keep in my sights, who I suspected was in my age group, had put a good 30 - 40 second lead on me (it turns out he was in my age group and why I didn't get an age group award).

I felt like I wasn't running very fast and there were moments when my pace felt like it dropped to a crawl and other times where I simply rebounded and overtook a few people.  I kept replaying in my head all the sessions that I've done in training and had to dig deep to complete.  I knew I could handle it.

Finally the finish line came into view and I could hear the music and announcer shouting out names.  I still had so far to go.  

I ran by the 3 mile marker and sure enough I was at about 2.80 miles or so.  Sometimes race organizers misplace the final one but it seemed to be eternity to get to the finish line.

Sadly, due to high wind conditions, the race organizers couldn't put up the inflatables along the finish line. Usually the last .10 of a mile involves running by a ton of blow-up Halloween decorations.  Also, you run through a long, dark tunnel filled with streamers.  It definitely slows you up (I think most runners were happy not to run through it) but it definitely adds to the Halloween atmosphere.

The finish line experience was sort of anti-climatic and I wasn't 100% sure where it ended but I sped through the finish line, finishing in 24:23 at a distance of 2.95 miles.

Smiles at the finish line

Conclusion

So a race converter basically puts me at around 25:40 or so.  About average for my current level of fitness.  I felt, however, that I could've chipped away a bit more time at the end and I probably lost a good 15 - 20 seconds from weaving and losing time at the start.

I did, however, feel that the race was a success. I ran strong and it just felt like a better experience that my most recent races.  

I was disappointed with my age group results -- 4th place -- 2nd in a row.  Turns out the guy I was trying to keep up with was in my age group and was the deal breaker for going home with 2 medals.

Post race refreshments were hydration (sports drink), bananas, oranges and donuts.  There was also a protein bar maker there that was offering that as well.

Bib, shirt, medal

The t-shirt design this year was above average -- but still a cotton / polyester blend.  I probably won't wear it much. Please race directors: 100% polyester, sports-tech.  The medal was a work of art and I really wanted the half marathon one: it was definitely a step above the 5K one.

I was really disappointed with the lack of a finish line experience.  It isn't the race director's fault but one of the joys is being cheered in by the crowds as we speed down the final stretch surrounded by inflatable objects.  

I do believe that last year, we started a bit further west along the service road, hence the discrepancy in the race distance.  The race's course was the same, but I think this was the primary reason why the race wasn't even 3 miles (most people got between 2.95 and 3.05 miles).

All in all, it was a great experience.  The weather was perfect and many of my friends were in attendance.  While not a stellar performance, it was a small step in the right direction for me.  At this point, I'll take my wins where I can.

Upcoming Races

10/26: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

11/02: Vineyard Blizzard 5K - Vineyard, UT (Confirmed)

11/09: Sandy City Thanksgiving 5K - Sandy, UT (Maybe)

11/16: Snow Canyon Half Marathon - St George, UT (Confirmed)

11/28: 2024 South Davis Recreation Center Thanksgiving Run 5K - Bountiful, UT (Confirmed)

02/23: 2025 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/26:2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

2024 Sound of Hope 5K Race Recap - South Jordan, UT

Sound of Hope 5K Welcome Flag

Official Time: 25:58 (gun time)
Placement: 20th overall, 13th male
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 60's with brisk breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2022]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	7:59	Nice little tailwind. Feeling rock solid.
2	8:24	I lost everything once I hit the turn around.
3	8:50	Yuck. Just nothing left
3.10	0:40	Sprint to the finish
	Total Miles: 3.10 - 25:54

Packet Pickup

Introduction

There were a handful of races in the Salt Lake valley this weekend.  It was a hard decision but ultimately, I decided to go with a very local race that I've done before -- the Sound of Hope 5K in South Jordan. The race supports a group in the prevention of suicide with all of the proceeds going to support that initiative. 

I've done the race before when it was held at a park a few more miles down the trail.  I think due to overcrowding and a parking situation, they have moved the race to the East Riverfront Park.  The race's starting location is a familiar one:  many of the SOJO 5K / 10K races begin and end there.

The Race

The race started at 9 AM and I was showed up at the park, found parking, and grabbed my bib by 8:15 AM.  It allowed me ample time to warm-up, get some strides in, some photos and use the bathrooms.

My legs have been shot most of the week and it took a while before I was able to get some life in them.  The strides and drills really helped.

For a local charity event, the race is well managed and it started on time.

About 500 runners started just off the trail, went under the starting / finish line arch and headed north up the Jordan River Trail.  I don't normally make it to South Jordan on my local runs but I've run the area plenty of times.  So I knew exactly where I was at and what to expect: a pancake flat, paved bike trail.

I started off feeling pretty good as we ran along the bike trail. There was a bit of a breeze that was mostly at my back and the first mile came easily.  It was nice to run along the Jordan River and the trees are just starting to change from green to yellow.  The air temperature was warm, but not hot.

I didn't look at my watch when it came to what pace I was running.  I did make a mental note of the distance I had run when I hit a mile marker on the bike trail.  It is a helpful tactic so that on the return trip I could "know" that I had .75 of a mile left to run.  Normally I wouldn't worry too much about it, but with many races, they aren't always reliable as far as total distance run.  

One thing that gave me confidence on the overall race distance was that the mile 1 (and mile 2) markers were spot on.  I hit mile 1 in 7:59.  A little faster than I thought but it felt good.

The race, if it has a fault, is that there are no age group awards.  I believe they give an overall award for pre-teen, teen, and adults (over 20+).  I was tailing a guy who looked to be about my age and using him as my pacer / competition.  I figured I was in the top 25.

It seemed to take forever to hit the halfway point.  It was a simple turnaround sign -- at exactly 1.55 miles.  Perfect! The race appeared to be set up correctly.

I grabbed some water at the aid station: mostly to rinse out my mouth and clear some of the building junk out of my throat. My allergies had been bothering me pre-race but so far it hadn't slowed me down.

I wound up passing my "competition" and I picked up the pace ever so slightly. I was on target, for what I felt, was a good race.  Although, I did notice that I was being slowed up by a bit of a headwind.  There wasn't anyone to take shelter behind either.

Just before I hit the mile 2 marker, I knew I was hurting.  My competition overtook me and left me in the dust.  I was running on fumes. Breathing-wise, I was just done.  I hit mile 2 in a disappointing 8:24 and I felt like I wasn't going to magically bounce back either.

There were a few other folks around me but the pack I was working with disappeared and there wasn't much of anyone behind me.  I had received a lot of cheers from the outbound people as well -- once again I felt like an elite athlete with getting so much encouragement.  

My pace dropped off a cliff and my job was simply to finish at this point.  I knew this mile wasn't going well.  

Finally the finish line came into view and I could hear the music.  I pushed the final quarter mile as best as I could. I also knew they'd be recording the finish line, so I put on the strongest look I had and sped under the Sound of Hope arches for another finish.

Conclusion

So my time -- was a disappointing 25:52 or so.  As I write this, they haven't posted the official results.  My competition had completely left me in the dust as well.

I grabbed my finisher's medal, caught my breath, and found a group of runners to commiserate with.  

While there was nothing on the line for this race, I was disappointed. Given last week's solid race, I was expecting to finish about 20 - 30 seconds faster.  

I wound up getting my phone and got some finish line photos.  And once my stomach had settled down, I grabbed some snacks for the road.  They had a lot of prepackaged chips, granola bars, etc.  Hydration consisted of cold water bottles.

So I knew what I was getting when I signed up for this race.  My only complaint is no age group awards.  Honestly, that is what has stopped me from registering in years past: for me, I need a shot at competition.  However, this year, I simply wanted to race, and get out and have some fun.  

The race is a bargain.  One it goes to a good cause and two, they deliver on a well organized race.  They also had a nice swag bag, which included a very cool shirt (best shirt of the year, perhaps?), a buff, a blinking night light, sunglasses, etc.  The food was above average and overall, I am happy with my experience.

Finisher's medal + t-shirt

My performance, on the other hand, wasn't what I was hoping for.  I noticed on Strava that many runners had a fast first mile and followed up with a slower 2nd and finally an even slower 3rd mile.  It was nearly the exact same pattern as me.  I think the wind did play a factor.  Also, it is interesting to note that running last week at 600 feet elevation saves me almost 1 full minute off of a 5K.

I am hoping for redemption in the next weeks as I try to salvage what is left of 2024.  It's been a rough go and I was hoping I had turned a corner after the Cole Porter Race, but clearly, it isn't quite there.

Upcoming Races

10/19: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

10/26: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

11/02: Vineyard Blizzard 5K - Vineyard, UT (Confirmed)

11/09: Sandy City Thanksgiving 5K - Sandy, UT (Maybe)

11/16: Snow Canyon Half Marathon - St George, UT (Maybe)

11/28: 2024 South Davis Recreation Center Thanksgiving Run 5K - Bountiful, UT (Confirmed)

02/23: 2025 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/26:2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

2024 Cole Porter Classic 5K Race Recap - Peru, Indiana

The start / finish line of the Cole Porter Classic

Official Time: 24:51
Placement: 2nd in the 50 - 59, 5th overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Upper 50's, breeze from the south east
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First year for me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	7:58	Solid but hesitant start.  Mostly intermingling with the 10K runners
2	8:10	Was running solo after the turn around
3	8:12	Cruising along
3.08	0:31	Sprint to the finish
	Total Miles: 3.08 - 24:52

Packet pickup

Introduction

So, I happened to be in Kokomo Indiana for a wedding this past weekend and since it was a weekend after all, I decided to scout around for a race.  At first I didn't find anything, but after I expanded the distance I was willing to travel, I found the Cole Porter Classic Race (38th edition no less).

The race is located about 20 miles north of Kokomo in Peru.  Peru, it turns out, is the birthplace of the famous American musical composer Cole Porter.  As a fan of the American Standards (Sinatra-esque songs), I *had* to run this race.

So I got the okay from the wedding organizer (I was a groomsman after all and I didn't want to shirk my responsibilities to the groom), and plunked my money down and signed up for the 5K.

About quarter mile into the race course

The Race

The race was held at the local YMCA, so we had flush toilets and a clean place to hangout prior to the race.  It was easy to find with ample parking.  I was able to snag my bib, shirt and a swag bag in no time at all.  I followed that up with about 20 - 30 minutes of jogging to warm-up (and a time to get course photos).

There were 3 races, a 5K walk (which you had to actually walk), a 5K running race and a 10K race.  There were approximately 150 participants scattered amongst the races.

The race started at 9 AM sharp and I cautiously started the race.  The race is held on the Nickel Plate Trail -- a paved bike trail running along the Wabash River. It is a popular trail and I've heard it goes for a significant way -- so it is a great place for a long run.

View of the Wabash River.

I coasted through the first mile, tagging along with a bunch of what would be 10K runners.  I had no idea who my competition was because everyone started together.  I didn't look at my watch at all until the first mile beeped -- coming in at 7:58. 

Running at lower altitude was definitely a treat.  The air was thick and heavier but I didn't have to work as hard to obtain oxygen. I was pleased with my start and I felt solid.

The course had a series of roundy turns, but nothing to actually slow me down.  There was only one hill in the entire course and that was to cross the river bridge, and it was hardly much of a climb at all.

Finally, I hit a neon orange cone for the turn around.  The course came in around 1.54 (I think) and the race was an out-and-back.  Mentally I was breaking down the race into parts and there was a mental burden released knowing that I had reached halfway and I knew the course.  

Most of the runners that I was running with were running the 10K and I suddenly found myself running solo. I think one other runner followed behind me. I wasn't sure how old they were but I tried to put some distance on them -- they were clearly an adult.

I got a lot of cheers coming from the other races yet to reach the halfway point.  I felt like an elite runner -- just powering by myself as fast I could. I really dialed in a nice effort.

I had lost site of the 4 other runners that were well ahead of me.  I think at one point, I would spot one, but my memory may be wrong.  It was just a matter of not letting anyone else pass me at this point.

Once again, around mile 1.75 I started to choke on something.  I do believe it is allergies, but phlegm gets caught in my throat, making it hard to swallow and invokes a gag reflex. I knew I lost precious seconds as I slowed down to catch my breath and try and clear my throat.  

Fortunately the event was short lived and once it passed I continued on, hitting 8:10 for mile 2.  I passed the one and only aid station and recalled my tough workouts where I pushed the pace.  Occasionally, I'd look over my shoulder and I was running in the clear.  My nearest competitor was a good 30 seconds or more behind me.  And I felt strong. I knew I had still had more in me and I wasn't hurting as bad I usually do this late in a race.  This embolden me to push just a little harder.

That didn't stop me and once I hit .5 of a mile left, I remember that just 30 minutes ago I was running there during my warm-up.  I had picked out visual sites in order to gauge how much longer I had to run.  Also, with the course being accurate, I knew I only had to look at my watch to know how much further I needed to run.

Finally, I could see the rooftop of the YMCA and hear the din of the music.  I rounded a corner and saw the arches ahead -- just a little further.  The nearest runner was no where in site.... and I crossed under the finish line in 24:51.

Runners waiting for awards

Conclusion

First off, I have to say, running at 650 feet elevation versus 4500 feet is quite a difference.  My time was about 45 seconds faster than a comparable race here in Salt Lake City.  I also felt a lot stronger in the race and wasn't gasping for air quite as much.

Potential Awards

I managed to get to my car and grab my phone.  I scanned my bib and saw that I was 5th overall, 2nd in my age group.  They only give out awards to the top 2 in each 10 year age group.  The guy trailing behind me: was indeed in my age group and if I hadn't gotten by him, I would've been out of an award.

I really enjoyed the course. It was shaded and I loved the scenery along the way. It reminded me of the Path to Opioid Prevention 5K.  I was sad I couldn't run the 10K but with time constraints and not wanting to feel like I was trash after the race, the 5K made the most sense.

Shirt, plus medal, plus age group award

Post race refreshments included what I think was a Subway cookie, bananas and bottled water.  Pretty standard refreshments for a $35 race.  I absolutely loved the shirt.  Just a super cool design and it is one, despite the material, is one I will keep. It is a nice cotton but once again, I prefer polyester.  But I can't wait to wear it.  The finisher's medal was nice and heavy and again well designed.  The age group awards, were definitely on another level though. I wouldn't have expected an actual custom made trophy.  Bravo race directors!

Post race wedding attire

Overall, I was really pleased with my race experience. The people were friendly and despite not knowing anyone, I quickly made acquaintances with several people.  If you are in the area, this race is well worth doing.  It is well organized from start to finish and the course is definitely a treat.

Race performance-wise, this was the best 5K I've run in a while.  I just wish I had given it a little more in the middle miles.  With the oxygenated air, I should've been able to put a little more into it.  This race may go down as one of the better race performances I've had this year.  Also, calculators I used indicate my time was 100% in line with what I'd run at 4300.  Definitely a good day for me.

Upcoming Races

10/12: 2024 Sound of Hope 5K - South Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/19: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

10/26: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

11/02: Vineyard Blizzard 5K - Vineyard, UT (Confirmed)

11/09: Sandy City Thanksgiving 5K - Sandy, UT (Maybe)

11/16: Snow Canyon Half Marathon - St George, UT (Maybe)

11/28: 2024 South Davis Recreation Center Thanksgiving Run 5K - Bountiful, UT (Confirmed)

02/23: 2025 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/26:2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

2024 Witch Run 10K Race Recap - West Jordan, UT

The dawn before the storm

Official Time: 51:12
Placement: 2nd in the 50 - 54, 21st overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Upper 60's, breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2023] [2022] [2021] [2020] [2019] [2018]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:45	Hemmed in at the start.  Took a while to get going
2	8:21	Coasting along - settled into a solid pace
3	8:22	Surprised this went as well - had a little allergy attack
4	8:27	Still running pretty well
5	8:29	Intermingling with the 5K runners.  Holding a decent pace
6	8:28	Lots of turns at the end. Chasing down another runner as best as I could
6.04	0:15	Sprint to the finish
	Total Miles: 6:04 - 51:10

Introduction

One of my traditions for the last 6 years has been doing the Witch Run at Gardner Village.  This race is on my "home" course in the fact that I run and train on it all the time.  

Over the years, the race has changed, from a simple 5K that was run at night, to now, a morning race with the traditional 3 race distances: 5K, 10K and half marathon.

The race is well attended by both the serious runner and the casual one.  And it is a great way to see people in costume and familiar faces.

The Race

The morning of the race found me a bit sore from an intensive training week.  Since the Cedar City Half Marathon, I've been building a stronger base and added a few more sessions.  In September there is a bit of a lull in the racing scene so it gave me time to focus my training.

I had picked up my bib the night before the race, saving myself a $5 fee and was dropped off at the race site in the morning to avoid the $10 parking fee (ouch!).  Since I live only a few miles away, after the race, I simply shuffled home.

Runners assembling

The half marathoners had departed at 7:00 AM and I had just missed them.  My race didn't start until 7:30, which afforded me the opportunity to do a brief warm-up and get settled in.

I lined up about 30 - 40 feet behind the lead runners and off we went.  

The starting line has changed this year: normally we start in a larger section of the parking lot and have to make immediate turn and then have traffic waived for us until we got on the Jordan River Bike Trail.  There are a number of safety issues with this (including the cars) and I also found there were some tripping hazards.  This year, we started along a partitioned off corridor along the side of the road.  It was super congested and with lots of newbie-ish runners, it was a slog before I get going.

Half Marathoners Coming in.

Soon, though, we were on the bike trail and another .1 of a mile I could run comfortably at my own pace without having to clip someone's heels.

I tried to gauge who my competition was (I had spotted one of my age group rivals) but since I was running with 5K runners, I wouldn't know for sure who I had to watch out for.  But suffice to say, I was gunning for 2nd place at best.

All of the course was familiar territory and it is basically pancake flat bike trail running.

A pasture along the trail

Mile 1 passed in at 8:45 -- slow but not surprising given how I probably lost 20 seconds (at least) with the slow start.  I was feeling pretty good and just worked at dialing in my 10K pace -- about 8:15 - 8:20.

Soon, we reached the 5K turn around.  A few master level runners peeled off and made the turn to head back.  The amount of 10K runners definitely thinned out.  My rival was running the 10K, which I was hoping he'd be running the 5K.  Perhaps, though I could catch him -- our times aren't too far off.

Mile 2 came in around 8:20 -- pretty much where I wanted to be.  I was still feeling good and just working on keeping an easy pace.  I had a bit of a breeze coming at me, but I didn't feel like it was hurting my pace.  I was working with a few other young men.

On my way to the turnaround, I started to get some allergy issues.  I get this issue when the weather starts to get colder and I get -- for a lack of a better word -- snot that drips down the back of my sinuses and it is hard to get rid of.  I knew this was likely to happen and had been working on clearing it, but I failed.  I probably slowed down a bit during this section.

Typical stretch of bike trail

As we made our way past the Sandy City golf course, I knew the turn around was coming up.  A few of the lead pack were already headed back.  I wasn't sure who, if any, were running the half marathon.  My rival shouted that the turn around was coming up soon. I couldn't wait!

Finally, a simple turn around cone was in place.  At about the point I hit it, my Garmin chirped letting me know I had run 3 miles.  The course was definitely going to be short.

My rival was a solid minute (or two) ahead of me and another masters level runner I had passed about a mile before was still tailing me.  I wasn't sure if he was in my age group, but I suspected I was at worst in 3rd place in my age group.

I also got to see if anyone was coming up behind me and most of the runners were definitely under the age of 40.  Getting their cheers and encouragement spurred me on, and with a bit of a tailwind, I bumped up the pace a bit.

Mile 4 saw me slow down a bit, which was a bit discouraging.  I felt like I was running faster.

I was in the home stretch though and soon I went through the 5K turn around.  There were a handful of 5K walkers scattered about for the rest of the race and I had to use a bit of energy to weave around them.  It wasn't terrible though and they shouted kind words as well.  While I am (very) far from any sort of elite athlete, I definitely felt like one.

The next mile also saw a fairly consistent split of 8:27 or so. 

The masters runner, at this point, had caught up with me.  I was trying to gauge how old he was and I almost asked him.  He looked younger but there was a hint of gray in his hair.  Could he be?  I wasn't sure.  He overtook me but he was in my sights for the rest of the race.

My goal was to try and catch the runner.  He knew I was dogging him, and a few times I made some spurts but I was holding back: the last quarter mile has a series of sharp turns, small hills and places where you definitely have to slow down.  It always costs me time.  

On one of the final turns, the guy missed it and proceeded to head south (you have to do nearly a 270 degree turn).  Fortunately (for him), he figured it out pretty quickly, but it allowed me to gain a few seconds on him.  The course is clearly marked and we weren't alone, so I think he just zoned out on it.

I felt bad for him and I tried to keep up but he knew the finish line was coming up.  With a few other 5K runners coming up and a very short and sharp descent, I had to slow down.  I was hoping I'd catch him in the final .1 of a mile of the funneled chute but he had another gear.

I hadn't really paid too much attention to my overall time, but as I passed under the chute I looked at my watch: finishing in 51:10 and just seconds behind my goal runner.

Conclusion

I felt pretty good about my time.  I've alluded to the fact that racing in 2024 has been a challenge, given the health setbacks I've had.  But this seemed like a step in the right direction.  My splits were fairly consistent, I felt strong and never totally gassed, and I didn't give up.

I wound up getting a few photos and congratulating other runners I was working against.  I honestly felt really good.

Finisher's Medal + Age Group Award

With some fear, I looked at the age group awards:  I was in 2nd place!  It does turn out -- the guy I was running against was in my age group.  Right before the awards ceremony he found me and thanked me for getting him in 3rd place.  Since he had started in the front, and I had about a 10 - 15 second delay before starting the race, I had a bit of a cushion -- I wound up taking 2nd by a mere 2 seconds.  I suspect, his goof on the turn cost him.

Post race refreshments were candy, oranges, bananas, sports drink, carbonated water (provided by a sponsor). 

I had signed up for the 10K race way back during OnHillEvents Thanksgiving day sales.  It winds up being a nice bargain and the medals were a hit.  The shirt was pretty basic and again, the cotton / polyester blend doesn't do much for me.  

T-shirt + socks (I love the socks)

Overall, I was pleased with my experience.  I wish the course was a bit closer to an actual 10KM, though.  The course was well marshalled and there was an aid station we hit twice (I think the 10KM turn around station was misplaced).  I do think with a full 10KM, I would've run about 52 minutes -- nearly 2 minutes slower than last year.

Upcoming Races

10/12: 2024 Sound of Hope 5K - South Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/19: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

10/26: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

11/02: Vineyard Blizzard 5K - Vineyard, UT (Confirmed)

11/09: Sandy City Thanksgiving 5K - Sandy, UT (Maybe)

11/16: Snow Canyon Half Marathon - St George, UT (Maybe)

11/28: 2024 South Davis Recreation Center Thanksgiving Run 5K - Bountiful, UT (Confirmed)

02/23: 2025 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/26:2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)