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| Sunset Park |
Placement: Unknown, but probably top 10
Results: Results not timed / published
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 50s. very little wind
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First Year for Me
| Mile | Time | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8:12 | Wow. Nice first mile. Feeling good. |
| 2 | 8:45 | Okay, I went out a little fast. Once I hit around 1.65 miles I was done |
| 3 | 9:11 | Struggled here. The last quarter mile I picked it up. |
| 3.08 | 0:35 | Smash it to the finish |
| Total Miles: 3.08 - 26:46 | ||
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| Finisher medals |
Introduction
So with a lull in racing last week, I was kind of itching to get back at it this week. The pickings were a little slim in the area but when I had done the Great Chef Run 5K I had received a $10 discount code for this race.
It was a simple 5K at a popular park (Sunset Park) for 5K running. In fact, when I was doing my warm-up I ran into a person who said there is almost a 5K race of some sort there almost every weekend.
The race also supports a worthy cause: supporting those affected by human trafficking and preventing it.
The Race
As stated before, the race was held at Sunset Park, which was a bit of a drive for me (about 35 minutes). It was a bit surreal to be driving by the Las Vegas Strip on my way to the race. I actually live here now.
The park is located somewhat close to the airport.
I had arrived nearly an hour ahead of the race and I was able to get a good parking spot. Packet pickup was a snap and after getting a few pictures of the starting area, I began my warm-up.
The race, was a small one. Local newscasts state there were about 150 runners. Some were doing a walk (I think a mile or two) and some were running the 5K. The race was definitely geared towards beginner runners. It included a nice warm-up and lots of enthusiasm to get you going.
A little after 8 AM, the race started. I had already picked out the winner of the race before the race even started. A wiry guy about my age was warming up and dressed like a pro. He was lined up in the front and I had hopes of hanging with him -- at least for a bit, but after about a 100 yards he left me in the dust.
I held onto 2nd place for a while before people half my age passed me. Fortunately, not that many did pass me. At some point, I was working with one of the top female runners. It was nice to have someone to work with as the number of competitors was pretty slim at this race.
The park was actually a delight to run through. The bike trail was paved and wide enough so I never really felt hemmed in. The course was lined with desert shrubbery with an abundance of little rabbits and even a roadrunner or two. It was about as "naturey" as Las Vegas is going to get.
I never really looked at my watch or my pace in the first mile. I knew I was working hard but I still felt good. For a race that likely didn't even have age group awards (I didn't see any awards prior to the race and often times the charity runs wind up being fun runs) I was pushing the pace. I hit mile 1 in 8:15. I was happy about that, but could I continue it?
I am happy to report that the course measured spot on. The mile markers were mostly "on" too. With first annual races, I am always worried if the course is going to be short or long or if the volunteers on the course know where to direct us. So far, all things, were super well organized and on point.
We crossed a little service-way road and the front runners were starting to come back on the out and back course. I wasn't too far away from them but with my flagging speed, there was no way I was going to catch them.
I knew I was redlining and I was questioning how much longer I could hold the pace. My legs felt heavy but my will to run hard was there. There was a simple turn around just before another service road. I glanced at my Garmin -- 1.55 miles. Pretty much spot on.
On an out-and-back course, it is always rewarding to get cheers from those still going out. I used it to motivate me. At this point I had the impression I was around 10th place or better. Other than the leader, the only one that appeared to be over 40 was me.
Mile 2 came in at 8:45. I knew it was going to be a bit slower and I was okay with it.
The last mile was tough. The race had thinned out and the woman I was working with had another gear. There just wasn't a lot left. I had come into the race a little on the tired side. I kept looking over my shoulder: was anyone gaining on me.
The coast was clear, but I was still trying to catch the woman who was ahead of me. But she had left me in the dust. I did look at my watch and I had a reasonable shot at doing sub 27 minutes. These days, that's about where I am at.
I sped around the final quarter mile and was greeted with the volunteers who I had chatted with prior to the race. I was was pushing it here and I ran through the coned off parking lot as if someone was right behind me.
I glanced at the clock and saw that I was well under 27 minutes: a successful race.
 |
| Shirt + Medal |
Conclusion
So I knew going in that the race wasn't chip timed. There was no tag on the back of my bib, hence why I started up front. I also knew that there weren't any age group awards but I still gave this race my all. In my opinion, the course is a fast one. While my Garmin did register some hills, I would argue that this course is about as flat at they come.
Unfortunately, the race didn't have any official results either. I was really hoping they'd have some up as I like to record my results on AthLinks.com
The race's best calling is the organization and the swag bag. My race bag was filled with a lot of promotional materials, including some stuff I'll actually use. I'll also give props to the t-shirt designer. The shirt is of technical material and one I will definitely wear in the future.
For $30, I got reasonable value. My money went to a good cause and I got a supported and accurate race. The medal was small, but worthy enough for a charity 5K. Post race refreshments consisted of just water, although some 3rd party vendors were there.
I really liked the course though. It was fun and never boring. There were a lot of curves on it though and I was constantly trying to find the most efficient way around them. There was just a very solid vibe with this race.
Overall, the race isn't going to appeal to the serious runner looking to take home a trophy -- or even an age group award. They may change this for next year and I hope they at least publish the results. Despite the non-competitive nature of the race, I really enjoyed the experience from start to finish. I ran well and it was a beautiful morning to support a very valuable charity.
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