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| Typical stretch of view along the Weber River Parkway |
Placement: 9th overall, 1st in the 50 - 59 age division
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: mid 70s with 30 mph wind from the south.
Course Map / Garmin Route: Here
Previous Years: First Year for Me
| Mile | Time | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8:15 | Easy start -- into a pretty good wind. |
| 2 | 8:35 | Wind was more intense. Lost a lot of ground here. |
| 3 | 8:12 | Nice tailwind and managed to regroup nicely. |
| 3.08 | 0:34 | Speed it through to the finish line. |
| Total Miles: 3.08 - 25:37 | ||
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| All is calm before the start |
Introduction
With another weekend upon us, I was looking for a race to do. There was kind of slim pickings in the Salt Lake Area for a change, and for once I thought about sitting this weekend out and just getting in some quality miles.
But then I had a massive case of FOMO (fear of missing out) and just felt like getting out of the house. One of the races that landed on my calendar was the Path to Opioid Prevention 5K and Half Marathon. I was initially waffling between the 5K and half marathon and was leaning towards the half marathon, but I've been battling some plantar fascia issues and opted to play it safe, and signed up for the 5K.
Also the race was held in Riverdale, Utah, a suburb between Layton and Ogden. I hadn't ever been to Riverdale, although I had driven by it on the freeway many times. So part of me was curious to see what the city had to offer.
Another thing going for the race, was that I knew the timer, who reported to me that the race was well run, had a scenic course, and was lightly attended. Opting to try something new, I plunked down my money and signed up for the race.
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| Getting ready to start |
The Race
Both the half marathon and 5K started at 7 AM, but the half marathon runners had been bussed to a different start location by the time I got to the race site (6:15).
I managed to snag my bib and an enormous swag bag and began a warm-up.
The race started at a park, and would make a quick turn at the end of the park and jumped onto the Weber River Parkway. I wound up running the first half of a mile at an easy clip to get a sense of the course. It was also photo opportunity time so I grabbed a few photos along the way. I also picked up that the first half of the 5K, which ran south, was going to be into a pretty decent headwind.
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| Runners getting ready to head off |
My first impressions of the course was that I was going to be in for a treat. While the bike trail was pretty modest in width, it was astonishingly pretty and serene. The babbling river would constantly be on my side and there were views of nature all around me. 5Ks are hard but at least I could try and enjoy the views along the way.
The race started promptly at 7 AM and our instructions pretty much were to follow the bike trail until we hit the first bridge, where volunteers would be, turn around, and head on back. Simple enough.
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| Typical view of running route |
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| View Heading back into the park |
The first 200 meters were kind of congested. Given that the race was a charity run to prevent underage drinking and drug use, there were a few runners who were a little on the inexperienced side. But it wasn't a huge hinderance and I was able to jockey myself into a decent position so that by the time I did arrive on the bike trail, I was running smoothly and without interference.
I was working hard but not killing myself. I never glanced at my watch during the first mile and when I did, it beeped one mile -- at about 8:15. Right about where I wanted to be given the headwind.
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| Sun coming up over the eastern range |
98% of the course was pancake flat. There was only a tiny stretch of it that had a divot that required me to slow up to account for it. Without the wind, this course could be a solid personal best contender.
As I ran, I was looking for anyone in my age group -- there were about 100 runners in the race, but hadn't spotted anyone. With a 10 year age increment, I wanted to at least put myself into the running for whatever award they had to offer. I figured I was in the top 15 and was slowly picking off runners as the race progressed.
I couldn't wait to get to the turn-around. As I sped along the bike trail, I was buffeted by blasts of wind. There really wasn't anyone to cover behind and despite the gale force winds, it didn't seem unsurmountable. But it was definitely additional work to hold a "5K" pace and I knew I was running a lot slower than I felt like.
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| Typical view along the bike trail |
Finally, the lead pack had reached the turn around and were coming back. Just a little bit more and then I'd get that hard earned tailwind.
The bridge came into view and the first (and only) aid station was there, armed with a few volunteers. They asked that you grabbed a plastic wrist band to show that you had reached the turnaround (which was nice) and I snagged one off of the table.
I made a loop around the signage and sped off with a renewed sense of vigor.
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| Can I just cut through here and call it a day? |
I think the energy boost of knowing I was halfway done salvaged this mile. It was still an 8:30, which is disappointing, but given that the first half of the mile was into a strong headwind, it wound up being not too bad. Perhaps I could salvage the race.
My competitors had thinned out and I was chasing 3 other runners. I did hazard a look behind me and didn't see anyone so it was just a matter of catching the few in front of me to keep me motivated. I was running well but I was definitely hitting that point where I didn't have much left. Despite not running the day before, my legs also felt unusually unresponsive.
The turn around had come in just shy of 1.55 miles and at this point I was looking at my watch, not for my pace, but how much longer I had to go. I reminded myself throughout the race that I had put in hard interval sessions and I could hold the pace longer than I felt like. This was a race after all!
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| Along the half marathon route |
Finally, the starting park came into view. It was a bit heartbreaking to run along the bike trail past the finish line (which was on the street just 50 yards away). The start and finish basically had you run the perimeter of the park to the street entrance. Looking at my watch, this was almost a quarter mile. I wanted so badly to just cut across the grass and call it a day.
I made it though, and I gave it all I had in the final 100 meters and crossed under the arches in 25:35. The 3 others that I were working with beat me to the punch but I almost caught one of them.
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| Successful day at the running office |
Conclusion
Despite the headwind, I felt like I had run, simply okay. I was disappointed that my time wasn't faster than last weeks race (this course was much easier) but given the windy conditions, I had to cut myself some slack.
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| Finishers medal, age group award and t-shirt |
I will say: this course was absolutely beautiful and may be one of my favorite 5K courses. The scenery of the river and bike trail was just stunning and so enjoyable. Usually, after a 5K I don't do much of a warm-down but after this race, I wound up running 2 more miles getting photos. The 2 miles I did run were part of the half marathon course -- which I would love to run next year.
I wound up paying $35 for the race (plus taxes / service fees). The entry fee went to a fantastic cause and I definitely got a bargain on it. The medal was one of the better ones I've received this year and the age group award -- I took first -- was also nice. Two super heavy medals.
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| Finisher's coming through |
Post race refreshments included plentiful chocolate milk, water, muffins and oranges. They were well stocked and I was planning on going out to breakfast after the race but wound up with more than enough food to hold me over for the 45 minute drive home.
The goodie bag was well stocked with band-aids, informational items and promotional stuff. The shirt was nicely designed and I'd wear it but I like the 100% polyester ones. This was a cotton blend -- nice but probably won't be used for running.
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| View of the River |
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| Half Marathon route. |
Overall, I was really happy with my experience. I expect this race to grow as word gets out. It was well organized from start to finish and the course was just great. Also, for a half marathon, the race was priced nicely at $45 -- even for a late entry.
I'd highly recommend this race and I hope to run it again next year!
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| Anticipation before the race! |
Upcoming Races
09/07: 2024 Cedar City Half Marathon - Cedar City, UT (Confirmed)
09/28: 2024 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)
10/05: BLOCKED OUT WEEKEND
10/19: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)
10/26: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, 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)
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