2024 Provo Haunted 5K Race Recap - Provo, UT

Welcome to the Haunted Half

Official Time: 26:43 (*25.44 for my 5K)
Placement: 4th in my age group, 117th overall
Race Website: Here

Results: Results
Weather: Mid 40's breeze from the south (but felt like the north)
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2022] [2021] [2015]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:06	Hemmed in start, but still feeling good throughout.
2	8:19	Slowed down a bit. Lactic was definitely building up
3	8:30	Overall, this mile isn't too bad but it felt bad.  Was just done.
3.22	1:49	Given the dropped hat and running through a tunnel, not too bad.
	Total Miles: 3.22 - 26:44

Getting my bib at Utah Valley University

Introduction

About 2 years ago (yes 2!), I picked up a cheap entry to the Haunted 5K Provo edition.  The race organizer, every Thanksgiving timeframe, offers up all of their races for a cheap price.  If you can commit to a race a year in advance, you can save a lot of money.  

Unfortunately in 2023, I couldn't attend the race due to a wedding on the west coast, so I had to defer it to 2024.  So this year, I finally got to collect on money spent back in 2022.  Yeah for me.

So, on Friday I drove to Utah Valley University, scored my bib (and 4 others for friends) and deemed myself ready to race this year.

Folks lined up behind me

The Race

So this race is a big one -- it sold out in the final days leading up to the race -- with 1400 runners potentially racing.  Runtastic's Halloween races are some of the most highly attended races in the Salt Lake Area.  They also had a half marathon going on as well.

Almost at the start

I arrived at the race site at 7:45 for the 8:30 AM start.  I got settled in and used the ample bathroom supply and did a fairly short warm-up.  I managed to meander my way to the start line, sneak up into the front (not 100% in the front but close enough to not be hemmed in too badly).  It was cool out but not terrible and I went out with thin gloves, a t-shirt and shorts.  Other than the gloves I wasn't dressed any differently than some of my summer races.

And off we went.  Initially I was hemmed in.  The race organizers, if they were looking for a way to improve the start line experience, would be to encourage slower runners to start further back (or even having pace areas)

I was hemmed in but managed to navigate my way around people.  I probably lost 5 - 10 seconds here.  It wasn't the worst but it definitely cost me a few precious seconds.

The race was situated at a corporate park and we took off on a small side street and eventually headed down a service road.  I think I ran this service road in 2021.  While my Garmin reports the wind was blowing from the south, it felt like it was coming from the north.

I wound up passing two people that I suspected were in my age group.  I had no idea who else was in my age group but my goal was to go out strong and hang in there.  

I knew going in that the race was going to be somewhat long.  On their website, they had a mapped out course, with the measurement coming in at 3.18 miles.  So I wasn't too surprised to see my Garmin chirp well before the first mile marker.

Pumpkin Finish Line

Despite the congestion, I had started off at 8:06. I felt really solid and the pace came easily.  The course was fairly flat and I was having mini competitions with the runners around me.  In fact, I was willing to bet at that point I was going to have a fantastic race.

We were on bike trail for a bit before circling around the perimeter of a shopping center before jumping onto a tree shrouded bike trail.  If I have one complaint about the course (other than it was long), it was that I'd run within a quarter (or half) mile of the finish line twice and I just want to be done.  I could hear the announcer and the din of the crowd each time.

I knew I was slowing down but I told myself I would hit it hard on the final mile and to be patient.  My mile 2 came in at 8:16 -- not quite what I was hoping for but okay, I'll take it.

Mile 3 was tough.  Again, there was a gentle breeze and it just seemed to take the life out of me.  Also, I suddenly found myself running back in the corporate park.  The mile markers at this point were .12 miles out of sync and I knew this was going to be a long race (they matched up with the half marathon though).

Mayhem at the finish line

This part of the course was dull and I could sense the race course was just making up distance so that it could get in the mileage.  I felt like my pace was in the crapper and I really didn't want to look at my watch and figure out how slow I was running.  I gave it what I could.  I did glance at my watch several times trying to calculate how much further I had to run -- including the shorted distance.

We passed right by the starting again and I knew I had about a quarter mile to go.  I dug deep and finally got off the quiet street and onto the driveway to finish the last part of the race.  

I was deciding on whether to run through the tunnel.  Runtastic's Halloween runs have about a 50 yard darkened tunnel with streamers, low light, etc that you get to run into.  It definitely slows you down due to the lighting and you have to actively move the streamers aside to avoid getting slapped in the face.  I knew it was coming and they give you the option to run along side of the tunnel to avoid it.

The tunnel of doom!

I was wearing a cap and of course at the first round of streamers, it took my hat off (I noticed the runner in front of me had the same experience).  I was tempted to leave it behind and get it later, but I stopped, turned around and grabbed it -- costing me another 5 seconds or so.

Running down the inflatable alley is always fun and there was a decent fan base cheering us on -- it felt like I was finishing a marathon.  I finally sped under the inflatable pumpkin finish and I saw the first number for my minute time was in the 26s.  Yuck.

Happy / Sad Eddie

Conclusion

So, I was disappointed but hopeful that I was going to place in my age group.  I hadn't seen too many people in my age group so I had hopes I'd place.  But it was a big race and over a 100 people had finished before me, so I knew my chances weren't great.

Turns out I finished 4th -- again.  

So all things considered I ran "okay".  Not great, not terrible, but simply right about on par.  I clocked my 5K at 25:44 (or so) given that I had lost a few seconds at the start, it is about average for what I am running right now.  I was baffled though because I did feel like today was going to be a good day, but the final mile -- it just wasn't there.

I had a good time, though.  All things considered this is a fun event.  Provo is such a pretty area and running along the fall colored trees next to the Provo River -- that is cool.  The course was nearly 100% flat as well, so it was primed for a good race.  There were, however, quite a few turns, but I actually enjoyed that as it broke up some of the "sameness".

Finisher's 5K medal + shirt

The medal -- as usual -- was very cool.  The shirt was basically a repeat of last week's but a different color.  Not a fan of the material, but none the less a cool Halloween shirt.  Post race refreshments included sports drink, bananas, oranges and donuts.  There were vendors there as well giving out protein bars and samples.

Although I am frustrated with my race time, I did have a great time and it was a picturesque fall racing day.  I couldn't ask for a nicer day in fact.

For a race that had 1400 5K runners (plus spectators) and a large half marathon race (I think nearly a 1000), the race was well organized and marshalled.  They had marshals to ensure people weren't cutting the course as well as providing instructions on where to go. 

Put this one on your list to get you in the Halloween spirit!

My attire for the race!

Upcoming Races

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

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

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 Salt Lake City Haunted 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)