2025 Swiss Days 10K Race Recap - Midway, UT

Arriving at 6:15 AM -- chilly out!

Official Time: 1:01:26
Placement: 66th overall, 7th in the 50 - 59 age division
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 40's, no wind
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2023] [2022] [2021] [2019] [2018] [2017] [2016]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:42	Right on target. Holding steady. Let's see what this race has to offer
2	9:20	Grinding up a steady hill
3	8:39	Fast mile here. Mostly downhill.
4	9:56	Fatigue setting in. Begin to climb Memorial Hill
5	10:22	Wrap up Memorial Hill. Get a bee sting and heading back down.
6	8.33	Grind uphill then mostly flat until the finish.  Just wanting to be done.
6.64	5:52	Longest finish ever
	Total Miles: 6:64- 1:01:27

Starting line just before the start

Introduction

To kick off the fall racing season -- and to celebrate Labor Day Weekend, I have usually done the Swiss Days 10K race in Midway Utah.  

For the uninitiated, Swiss Days is kind of a big deal.  It draws thousands of attendees who come to enjoy the bucolic Swiss town, enjoy food, entertainment, and buy knick-knacks (as I like to call them).  The Saturday morning's first activity is the 10K race, which takes places on the city streets of Midway.  Although, we are only in the heart of the downtown area for a little before disappearing into the more residential areas.

Last year, the race didn't happen.  They did have a 1 mile race, but there was no way I was going to drive nearly an hour to run a simple 1 mile race.  I think a lot of people were upset.  This year, they did find a race director and someone willing to hold the race -- so the 2025 edition of Swiss Days (and it has been in existence for quite some time) was "on".

First stretch of the course.

The Race

So I quickly found out upon arrival that this was going to be a new course.  There was some road construction coming into town and that construction included some of the race course's roads.  I sort of know Midway, but I only visit once a year.  So I kind of got a gist of the course, but I got the hint that it was going to be a hilly one.

How bad could it be?

After some brief instructions, we took off just a hair after 7 AM.  Like previous years, we headed south on Center Street.  Normally, we hang a right at the first intersection.  And in fact, I saw several runners in the middle of the pack (like me) attempt to make a turn but they were waved off.  The lead pack and many others had gone straight.

Smaller race this year

This was mistake number 1.  We were supposed to make a right. But we went about another 2 blocks before turning right and going down Main Street.  I had never run along here.  And after another block or two, we hung another right and soon I found myself on familiar ground -- just like races in the past.

Despite the confusion, I ran okay -- 8:42 for the first mile.  About what I expected to do.

The mile 1 mile marker showed up about .35 late.  I figured at this point there was an error in laying out the markers, or we indeed missed the first turn.  It turns out, it was the latter and I knew we were in for at least a 6.5 mile 10K.

The stretch from mile 1to 2 is always a challenge. It is definitely work as you make a slight climb.  It is a straight shot and you are surrounded by houses and some farm fields.  Lots of memories came over me from the many years I've run this course.  My pace dropped, but I felt like I was still holding steady.  

Ascending Memorial Hill

Normally at the end of the road we turn left and head towards the Wasatch State Park Entrance.  This year, we hung a right.  I was greeted with the best site ever: sweet downhill where I normally smash the my best mile.

Mile 2, despite the downhill, came in slower than I had hoped -- but not totally unexpected.  A 9:20 this early in the race could be salvaged.

The start of mile 3 was great. I was flying, finally.  I was a little fatigued from all the racing I've done, but this was definitely one of the more enjoyable sections of the race.  The downhill didn't last as long as I hoped, but it did buoy my confidence.

Mile 3 ran up in 8:39. I wanted it to be faster, but I knew my pace was settling back into a normal 10K rhythm.  I also knew that there was a hill up ahead.  If it was the one I thought I was going to encounter, I knew I had better have something left.

I had sort of surveyed my competition at the starting line.  I got the impression, that likely, my age group was stacked.  There seemed to be lot of older guys there.  Despite a fairly low turnout (for this race) I had some hopes of placing, but I also knew that the age groups were 10 year increments.  I was likely going to need a lot of luck to place here.

After about the 5K point, the course headed off the beaten track.  I did pass by an aid station, but it was on the other side of the road and if my memory serves, it was the only aid station in the race.  I wound up not taking anything, although a sip of something would've been nice.

My pace dropped off and sure enough we were heading towards Memorial Hill.  This is a prominent hill that leads to a Veterans' Memorial Marker at the top.  Along the way, visitors are treated to views of the Heber Valley.  I had a feeling sometime in the past I had climbed up to the top, but it had been a long time ago.  Either way, runners run around the circumference of the hill via a dirt road until they reach the top and do a lap around the perimeter before descending.

My pace suddenly dropped to the low 11's. I was in marathon shuffle mode. So much for a bragworthy time.

Mile 4 -- still differing by about .35 of a mile from my watch -- came in 9:56.

Despite the work required to climb this hill (my Garmin is suggesting it was about 250 feet), I was enjoying the views.  It was actually stunning and I whipped out my camera for a photo or two.  At this point, a few seconds off my time wasn't really going to matter.

About this time I had an unusual experience.  I was running along, hugging the inside part of hill, just working my way up, when all of the sudden I was being buzzed by bees.  Lots of them.  Whether they were hornets or wasps, really don't matter, but I seemed to be under attack.  I literally screamed and started frantically trying to brush them off.  I felt a sting in my leg, my arm and my ear.  Fortunately, they didn't follow me and I heard people behind me screaming too.

The summit! Finally.

Long story short, I am told, that a lead runner was doing exactly what I was doing: hugging the corner and brushed against a tree or shrub and disturbed the nest.  And those bees were definitely angry and attacking anyone who got near.

After I got by it, I took stock of my situation.  I was a little "pukey" feeling from the stings and my nerves were rattled.  I took it easy for a bit and got to the summit of the hill.  I did a lap at the top and made my way down.  There was only one way off this hill and it was the way I came.  I figured the best I could do was try and stay to the outside of the hill and get by it as soon as possible. Fortunately, I'd be running downhill.

What a view

Running downhill was so much fun and I took advantage of it.  Perhaps I could close this race out with a fast finish.  I warned everyone I could about the bees on the way down (I wish the other lead runners had warned me as well).  I did manage not avoid them and not get stung anymore.

I crossed the mile 5 marker at 10:22.  All things considered not too bad.

I could see the LDS stake where we'd finish and it seemed so close, yet far away.  Just how long was this course going to be?  The mile markers were still coming up significantly long. I still had plenty of endurance, but I wanted this race to be done.

I was now running back in the residential areas and mostly running alone.  A few other runners were working with me, but it was mostly solo running at this point.  I had pretty much given up hope of an age group placement... but I was still going to go for a fast finish.

I had parked near the mile 6 sign and my car was a welcome sight. I had just run an 8:33 mile.  Some of it was benefited by the downhill, but I still had maintained a pretty good pace in the flat section.

The final turn arrived and I hooked a right. I could see the finish line at the top and I just wanted to cross it.  My ear seemed swollen and parts of my body still felt like it had been stung.  I gave whatever I could in that final quarter mile sprint and just willed myself to finish.  With little fanfare, I sped across the finish line -- in just over an hour.

You can see me finish at this YouTube link.

Conclusion

So this race was kind of a hot mess for me. The extra distance threw my confidence in the tank and getting stung didn't help.  It was just a challenging course and as someone coming in the race somewhat dead legged, it just seemed harder than it should've been.

On the plus side, we had nice weather but running at 5300+ feet made this one even harder.

T-Shirt

Overall, I liked the older course better.  This one had some great views and it was a lot more challenging, but the bee sting incident sort of soiled my experience.  Also, it made it harder to compare myself to other times I've run this race.

Suffice to say, though, I am just glad this race happened.  I really enjoy this race and despite some of the missteps / misfortunes, I'd love to come back. I do think there could've been 1 more aid station and the one around mile 3.2 wasn't accessible, since most of the runners had already jumped to the other side of the street.  I do think that the mile markers were probably accurate if we hadn't missed the first turn.  That being said, I think there could've been some better markings on the course (spray chalk) perhaps.

The t-shirt was an awesome design but it is cotton.  It'll be relegated to weekend wear.  Still a cool one though.  There wasn't a finisher's medal for this race, which is always sort of sad.

Due to the bee situation and the long course, if you knew who to ask, you could score a free breakfast ticket ($10 value), which was awesome.  The breakfast, which kicks off Saturday's Swiss Day events is a good one.

Swiss Days Event Area

Post race refreshments were jam sandwiches, fruit (bananas and oranges), protein fortified drinks, and water.  I definitely missed the gourmet donuts they usually have at the end.

All things considered, I wasn't mad about my race performance.  Given the nature of the course and the adversity I ran into, I want to say I did okay.

I came in 7th in my age group.  I think if I had managed to run a little faster, I could've come in quite a bit higher.  I think the bee sting and a few extra photos cost me a place or two.

Upcoming Races

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2025 Path to Opioid Prevention Half Marathon Race Recap - Riverdale, UT

Official Time: N/A
Placement: N/A
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: mid 70s with breeze from the south
Course Map / Garmin Route: Here
Previous Years: [2024]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	9:27	Into the wind. Man is it warm out!
2	9:13	Got into a tailwind.  Still feeling warm, but nice tailwind
3	9:21
4	9:29	On to a dirt trail
5	9:40	Easy start -- into a pretty good wind.
6	9:32	Seriously debating on quitting at the halfway point
7	9:40	Really working hard. Perhaps I should've stopped
8	9:56	Running on fumes.
9	12:17	Done.
10	15:30	Mostly walking back
11	17:07	Mostly walking
	Total Miles: 11 - 2:01:35

Introduction

Last year, I ran the Path to Opioid Prevention 5K -- a charity run supporting ways to avoid the perils of Opioid addiction in beautiful Riverdale UT.  After completing the 5K, I was so awed by the course I knew I wanted to come back and run the half marathon.

I normally don't run half marathons in the summer, so stating that I wanted to run the longer edition of the race took some guts.  But I figured I may suffer a bit, I could finish it and experience the Weber River Trail.

Starting line area

The Race

The race was held in Riverdale Utah, about an hour from my place.  I brought 2 new racers to the event as well -- how could we pass up an affordable race?  I think I also sold them on the beautiful course and the race's societal benefits.

They had two bus pickup times, 6 AM and 6:30.  We got on the 6:30 AM bus.  Everything was well timed and we had plenty of time to make it to the starting line and use the bathrooms.  Transportation took about 10 minutes and was on a simple yellow school bus.

Dirt trail portion

There were only about 60 runners for the half marathon (they had quite a showing for the 5K).  The race isn't chip timed but we were assembled around 7:00 AM and headed out with little fanfare.

The race headquarters was at an LDS church.  They had about 3 porta potties for us, which turned out to be plenty.  

Once the race started, we headed into a quick neighborhood run and we were greeted with a bit of a headwind.  I knew it was going to be a challenging today on account of the heat, but the wind too?  Fortunately, we only had to run about a mile into the wind, which was coming down the canyon.

After about a mile, we were running along 6600S.  It was a lightly trafficked road.  Beside us, locomotives ran back and forth.  It was kind of cool to be honest and took my mind on how hot the race was.  Already, I had worked up a decent sweat and I felt like I was working harder than I should've for a half marathon.  By pace was well over 2-hour pace but today it felt hard.

The first 5K or so was along residential street and I rather enjoyed this section.  It reminded me of some of the farm roads in Illinois that I used to run along.

At the 5K point, I was right on target where I wanted to run.  I had hopes that I was going to run 2 hours but I think that was going to be a stretch given the temperatures -- and I had heard that the course had some dirt sections.

After hitting the 5K mark, we jumped onto a dirt trail.  It was rocky in spots and there were some spots where the Weber River had worn away the banks of the trail, but technically -- it wasn't that technical of a trail at all.  The race is small enough where I was never hemmed in on the thin trail and there were other cyclists, runners and dog walkers on it too.  It was also beautiful with the river and vegetation.

I was still working hard by the time I reached the 5K race's turn around.  They too had started at 7 AM and I only ran into a few walkers at the tail end of the race.  It was also the time the race turned into pavement.  Finally, a little more bounce from my shoes!

Memories of last's year race came back.  The miles were clicking off quickly but I was started to get achy and sore.  I had put in a fairly solid training week followed by some work around the house, so my legs were fried from the get go.  I had carried my own hydration (as well as getting some hydration, which was offered at about every 2.5 miles), but I still don't think I was drinking enough.  And I was still sweating a lot, despite the tree's cover from the rising sun.

At about mile 6.5 or so, we pass right by the exit to the finish line.  I could hear the 5K runners celebrating their accomplishment.  I was tempted, though, to call it a day and peel off the course. I knew hard times were coming and mentally I wasn't quite ready for that thought, so early.

I had faced hard races before and things would get difficult, but I could push on.  Perhaps the thoughts of quitting were just fears.  My pace was still holding okay but I knew I wasn't going to be able to hold it.  It was just a matter of when I'd be doing the marathon shuffle, not if.

I left the noise behind me and proceeded to mile 7.  I had run a few miles of this stretch of trail on my cooldown last year and a memory of a Halloween run I had done came back to me as I progressed further northward.

The route also got a little hillier and I remember grabbing water from an aid station, and it was ice cold.  And it seemed to hit my gut like a heavy weight. It was awesome, but it just didn't sit well.  I had to go up a hill and I wound up walking it -- it was a very short hill -- but one that I just decided to walk up.  And once I got to the top, I felt sick and kind of woozy.  My pace had already dropped considerably.  I looked at my watch and I was about a quarter of a mile from mile 9.  By my calculation, I had about another .75 to .9 of a mile to go before the turn around.

Given that the race was so lightly attended, I stood there. Part of me was wanting to walk to the turn around and part of me knowing the race was over and that walking wasn't something really wanted to do.

Perhaps panic set in, I pulled off my bib and started to walk to the finish line.  I tried running periodically, but I never could hold any sort of a run longer than a minute or so.  I was just drained.

It took about 2 miles to walk to the finish line and I reported myself as a "Did Not Finish".

Conclusion

So this was the 2nd race I've ever not completed; the other being the 2017 Las Vegas Marathon. 

In hindsight, I probably panicked over my state.  I could've forced myself through the race.  A lot of it was ego (I didn't want to be caught in a death march) and part of it was genuine fear that I was not doing well from the heat.  I was upset about it, but not overly so; it happens.  It was also a painful reminder to respect the distance and response the weather.  Also, I came in with a very casual attitude.  I was kind of using it as a supported training run to see where I was at for future half marathons. 

There were some positives though: I did pace myself pretty well and I did bank 9 miles of solid effort.  I just wished I had come in with fresher legs.  Also, the course was pretty. Last year's write-up has way more photos.  

The race was $35.  I heard rumors they had a half price sale as well. I believe the 5K was $25.  You really can't beat that in terms of pricing for any race, let alone a half marathon.  

They had well stocked aid stations (although, I heard rumors they ran out of cups) that had gels, water and sports drink.  We were all a little worried about whether we'd get lost on this course given how small the race was, but the race was easy to figure out and any turns were clearly marked / marshalled.

The race organizers also had nice medals, a jam-packed goodie bag and t-shirt.  The t-shirt is a cotton one and was like last year's.  There was also food and drink after the race as well.

I highly recommend this race.  We all enjoyed it and I think the general consensus was that we'd go back again - even just for the 5K.  It looks like this race is slowly getting larger and other runners should give this one a shot.

Upcoming Races

08/30: 2025 Swiss Days 10K -- Midway, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2025 Provo Canyon to Pleasant Grove 10K Race Recap - Lindon, UT

Scenic views -- we'd have to run past the temple

Official Time: 56:41
Placement: 2nd in the 55 to 59 age group, 41st overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Low 80's, breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2024] [2022] [2021] [2020] [2019]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:59	Initial climb into the race. Just settling in
2	8:45	Exactly where I was hoping to be. Feeling pretty comfortable
3	8:57	Running out of gas.  Turn around is where it should be.
4	9:12	Definitely out of gas.  Not as bad as I felt, but not where I wanted to be.
5	9:35	Wanted to be done at this point.
6	9.38	About all I cared to try at this point
6.20	1.43	Not even much of a final sprint. Just done.
	Total Miles: 6:20 - 56:43

Introduction

Time to run the PC2PG run in 2025!  I've done this race pretty much since its inception, except one year, when I chose to run the 2023 Rock 'n Roll Salt Lake City inaugural half marathon.  Even one year I topped 3 the 10K (It was very small attendance for that distance).  

The PC2PG is a growing race -- I've been there when there were a few hundred runners. This weekend, there were over 700.  For a simple bike trail run (and a scenic course) the race continues to grow each year.

Each year I've done the 10KM race.  It is simply too hot to do a half marathon, although the course does look very pretty.  The race is basically named after the half marathon, however.  It starts in Provo Canyon and makes its way to the city of Pleasant Grove (on the border of Lindon).  The 5K and 10K race offerings start at the finish line and are an out and back run on the Murdoch bike trail.

Lining up at the start

The Race

The race was moved to 8:30 AM for the 5K / 10K start.  Not exactly what I wanted to hear when I saw the weather forecast. Most races in the summer start early in attempt to beat the heat.  Due to the logistics (I think) of hosting a half marathon and the other two distances in different spots, the start times are wildly apart.

I came into the race feeling very fatigued. One just simply has to look at my recent posts and realize I've  been racing a LOT.  To compound matters, I put in a heavy week of 2 sessions and a few double runs. I was definitely tired.

Staging Grounds at the School

With the race being a bit of a low key one for me (I didn't have any realistic plans of PRing).  Also, as I stood around waiting for the race (and doing a half ass warm-up) I was already feeling extremely warm.  I didn't want to wind up in the medical tent on this one.  

The race started at 8:30 and I immediately went into about half marathon pace.  It was a struggle to get going but it felt okay.  I was swallowed up by several runners -- some of whom were running the 5KM race.

I had scoped out the competition prior to my arrival and realized that I didn't recognize any of the names.  It just sort of removed the pressure from worrying too much about my placement.

The first mile was a bit congested and you have to summit, almost immediately, the biggest hill of the race.  It is kind of a long one and it makes you question your life's choices.  

The first mile came in at 8:59.  To be honest, about where I wanted to be, but given I was supposed to be taking it a little easy, it felt a little fast.

Still, I was settled into a nice comfortable pace, I was familiar with the route, and I was slowly picking off runners.  

The race is held on the bike trail and it offers beautiful views of Utah Lake on your left and a houses / vegetation on the right.  It does change a bit and you run through some open green sections as well.  The course is also littered with cyclists and other runners.

I sped through the 5K turn around and crossed a marshalled street.  I was still running okay but I was distinctly worried about how the heat was affecting me.  It did feel warm but I was still moving okay.  Finally mile 2: 8:45. Maybe this was going to be an okay race. I'd be happy if I could hold 8:45's.

You are never really alone at this race.  From the get go there were half marathon runners coming in and there were enough 5K and 10K runners to keep you motivated.  I worked with a variety of runners throughout the race.

Heading to the finish

Finally mile 3 and the aid station. Normally, runners would hang a left here and go down a few strides before turning around.  This year, the volunteers were telling everyone to run to the cone and turn around. The first cone that was in view, was a small red one placed to encourage you not to run into the street.  I saw a few people turn here, which would result in a shortage of about .1 of a mile (each way).  The real cone was to the left.  This year, the cone was set at exactly 3.10 miles.  To be honest, I was a bit sad  -- because I was already just ready to be done with the race.  

Mile 3 came in at 8:57.  I was fairly winded and I knew the rest of the race was going to be a challenge.  The first 3 miles felt like it was slightly uphill. Perhaps I'd see better splits on the way back.

I grabbed a cup of Powerade at the return aid station and soldiered on.  I kept reminding myself I wasn't racing but this was a race.  Definitely a conflict of interest.

I got shouts of encouragement from other runners, which always helps.  I kept recalling all the workouts I've done where I had run faster than what I was currently doing.  I could do this.

The way coming back seemed faster in terms of my perception of time.  I had run this section many times and I was recalling all the times on it.  It is a pretty area and there were a ton of people out on bikes, walking their pets, and running. I was really happy I had gone with the tank top.  I normally don't run in one, but it definitely helped me feel cooler.

Mile 4 came in at 9:12.  Disappointing but not unexpected. Again, I was fatigued and at this point I was working hard for every step.  

Mentally, I was relieved to hit the 5K turn around again.  I greedily grabbed some drink and poured a little over my head.  I was passing many half marathoners but I couldn't really figure out who was left running the 10K.  

The course did feel like it was slightly uphill both ways. I suspect that is just the nature of a rolling hills course.  Other than the initial one, none of them are terrible, but I wouldn't call the course pancake flat either.

I crossed mile 5 in 9:35.  I expected about this much. I was just gone at this point and hoping to finish.

Still, with a net downhill on the final mile, I decided to push a bit.  Occasionally, I did get my phone out to take a picture.  I was really worried about the heat getting to me and I could feel a bit of a chill coming over me -- the first signs of heat stroke.

I hadn't really seen anyone in my age group, so whatever I was going to get at this point, I was going to get.

Finally, I made a left turn and I was greeted with the hill that I climbed nearly an hour ago.  I didn't have much to take advantage of it with in terms of energy but I let gravity pull me down.  The course also seemed to be get a lot more crowded. I think I had inadvertently joined up with a group of recreational runners, who clearly were enjoying their run.  I couldn't figure out if they were on their cooldown or they were part of the race.

This half mile section is really the only part of the race on car road.  The rest of the course is on the bike trail.  I had access to the sidewalk and there was never really any danger. I just wanted to be done and I could hear the finish line in the distance.

Mile 6 came across at 9:28.  So much for a big benefit of the hill.  I just wanted to be done.

There was a decent crowd lining the finish line.  With a race of over 700 runners, those who had already finished or who were spectators gave shouts of encouragement.  I actually started to try a bit harder here.  Might as well, put on a brave face and make it look like I was a pro runner as I sped through the finish line.

Conclusion

So once again, this wasn't a race "race" for me.  It was a get it done, hope I win something in my age group, and bank a solid effort.  The other goal was not to wind up in the medical tent or having to walk (mission accomplished).

My time, was a whopping 3 minutes slower than last year.  Last year was a "sufferfest".  This one wasn't as bad but I wouldn't call this one an improvement in terms of performance.  But given my race load and the weather conditions, I raced this one pretty much to plan.

Podium Picture

I was happy to find out I was 2nd in my age group, and in the top 50 runners.  

I had brought my own hydration for after the race, but there was a typical spread of food: cheese sticks, oranges, bananas, etc.  There were also some vendors.  I don't think I could eat anything though and I wound up socializing until the awards came about.

The shirt appears to be of the same color / model as last year's.  Not thrilled with it, but it'll work for a Saturday bum around the house shirt.  The medals were heavy duty and nicely designed.  I was happy with those.  Price-wise, I paid nearly $40 about a month before the race to register.  Not a bad price all things considered.

Medal and shirt

The course is a nice one but challenging.  Other than being a bit more explicit on where to turn around for the 10K, the course was safe, well marshalled and had ample aid stations.  I really enjoy it and I would consider running this wide bike trail on a leisurely run as well.  The 5K, though, does appear to come in significantly short (around 2.95).

This race is a lot of fun and I got to be with a lot of my friends for the morning. Running in Utah County is always a treat and I'd put this one on your list if you are looking for a race in mid August.

Upcoming Races

08/23: 2025 Path to Opioid Prevention Half Marathon - Riverdale, UT (Confirmed)

08/30: 2025 Swiss Days 10K -- Midway, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2025 Alpine Days 5K Race Recap - Alpine, UT

Start line before the Alpine Days 5K

Official Time: 26:13
Placement: 9th in the 55 - 64 age division, 239 out of 531
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: mid 50's no wind
Course Map / Garmin Route: Here
Previous Years: [2024] [2023]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:46	Congested start and slightly uphill first mile
2	8:29	Better. Rebounded after the climb
3	8:37	About mile 2.5 I was grinding away.  Still not a bad closing mile
3.05	0:20	Flying at the end
	Total Miles: 3.05 - 26:14

Going to have to try this one sometime

Introduction

Yet another race in the "Days" races I have all year long.  The Alpine Days one is a very competitive one and helps celebrates the city summer festival.

The local high school comes out for this one -- and they are some of the nation's best.  In addition, their parents (who are often times alumni) show up.  Suffice to say this race has a lot of talent -- even at the adult level.  To make things even more challenging -- the age groups after pretty wide, so you have to show up at your best level to have a shot of winning something.

The Race

I showed up at the race just after 6:15 AM for the 7: AM start.  I had had someone get my bib the day before so a quick walk and a few pins later I was doing my warm-up.  I actually felt half way decent.  Normally, after a week of running, I come in on tired legs, but today -- I have to admit, I felt good.

I did about a mile and a bunch of drills and I made it to the starting line with 5 minutes to spare.  I sort of felt like I needed another fifteen minutes though.

The weather was unusually cool and the air definitely felt very fall-like.  I lined up about 20% of the way back and the race started promptly at 7 AM.

The race is held at Burgess Park and you start about .12 miles from the park's entrance.  After crossing under the arches, you run down the park's service drive and quickly hang a left.  It was crowded but the runners (all 500+ of us) spread out a bit by the time we hit the streets.

I hadn't really studied my competition -- just too many people.  Although most of the runners are high school age or younger.  I just focused on giving it my all.

The first mile is mostly uphill and is often times runner's slowest mile.  I told myself to be patient -- faster miles lay ahead.

About .33 into the race.

After a series of S-curves, we reached the summit and were running on the parade route.  People had set up their stuff but the parade would not be in session for a bit.  The uphill had ended at this point but we had a few rollers.  Early onto this street, I hit my first mile in 8:46. I felt like I was running faster and I was disappointed with it.  Part of me wanted to give up.

Quite a field at the Alpine Days 5K

I reminded myself, though, that the first mile was the hardest.  While this wasn't going to be a barn burner of a day, I could still turn in a half way decent race if I pushed the final 2 miles.

To keep myself motivated I kept looking for the next left turn.  It would signify that I was half way through the race and I had vague memories that after the turn, it was largely downhill.  

Reverse view of the climb

Finally, I hit the turn and I turned on the jets.  I still had something left and I wound up picking up my pace.  There was a bit of a downhill (and in the distance an uphill). Here was my shot.

There was a bit of crowd support and I used it to motivate me to run a bit harder.  I hit mile 2 in 8:29.  Better!

One more mile to go.

I still had a lot left and I was pushing the pace as hard as I could.  At this point, I was running with a couple of women and father / daughter combos.  I think there  may have been one guy who was maybe in my age group.  None the less, I was giving it my all.

There was a nice downhill to kick off the final mile but it didn't last long.  Also, everyone else could sense the finish line.  

With about half a mile to go, I reached the elementary school. I had run to this point prior to the race so I knew exactly where I was and how much further I needed to go.  However, now I was running on the flat parts and I was struggling.  There was a bit of an incline here but I just didn't have a lot to give.

Finally, I pushed past the school and made a right hand turn.  In the distance, I could hear the finish line sounds and I knew I was almost done.  The finish line always come quicker than it seems on this one and I kept telling myself: just one more quarter mile.

Heading into the finish

The entrance to the park appeared. I had measured from the 3 mile marker to the finish and it was about .1 of a mile. The course, at least according to my Garmin, always comes in a smidge short.  This year would be about the same (3.05).  Mile 3 rang up at 8:37.  Decent, I guess.

I flew by a couple of people and a guy half my age sprinted with me at the finish (and definitely beat me).  

I crossed under the finish line in 26:14.

Smiles at the finish

Conclusion

So I was pretty happy with my time -- all things considered. It is still about a minute slower than last year (this year hasn't gone to plan at all).  But this week's time is about a minute faster than the previous 2 or 3 5K races I've done.

The race is a scenic one and I actually enjoy running with the new generation of runners.  They bring a lot of dedication to the sport -- and joy.

Post race refreshments were bagels, chocolate milk, water, a peach and a cookie.  All things considered, not a bad spread for a budget-friendly 5K (I paid about $25).

There are no finishers medals on this one, but if you are fortunate to earn an age group award; I am told the medals were epic.  The t-shirt is a cotton one and fairly basic.  It has a nice design on the back though.  It'll be relegated to weekend wear.  

This race will appeal to the true 5K runner who enjoys a competitive, no frills race on a challenging course.  You'll be inspired by the new generation of runners and the Alpine area is really pretty. Definitely one to put on your list.

Upcoming Races

08/16: 2025 PC2PG 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

08/23: 2025 Path to Opioid Prevention Half Marathon - Riverdale, UT (Confirmed)

08/30: 2025 Swiss Days 10K -- Midway, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)