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| Start line before the Alpine Days 5K |
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 | ||
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
08/23: 2025 Path to Opioid Prevention Half Marathon - Riverdale, UT (Confirmed)
03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)
