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 Eggs Legs 10K Race Recap - West Jordan, UT

Easter themed billboard at Gardner Village

Official Time: 53:16
Placement: 1st in the 55-59 age division, 29th overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 30's, Breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: Previous Years: [2024] [2023] [2022] [2021]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:38	Controlled start. A little hemmed in but was running strong
2	8:33	Still a solid effort
3	8:47	Pretty baked at this point. Still running okay though the but the turn around couldn't come soon enough
4	8:49	Pushing hard.
5	8:57	Running on fumes
6	8:58	Guarding my position but at this point, my position was locked in.
6.07	0:30	Looking good at the finish line.
	Total Miles: 6.07 - 53:16

Packet pickup at Gardner Village

Introduction

Another weekend -- another race.  I hadn't raced the previous weekend and I opted to give another 10KM a go.  I decided to give my local race another shot -- after my terrible showing at the Lucky 13 Race about a month ago.

I have felt stronger and better suited to racing and I knew that this weekend was going to be a better result than my horrid 56:12 time at Lucky 13.  Am I in personal best shape? Definitely not, but I knew I could do better.

This race is held at Gardner Village, a local shopping area, a mere 2 miles from my house.  I usually train on the course on my Sunday long runs and I am very familiar with the area. 

Due to flooding, the race was held on an open lot just south of the village.  Normally the race starts and ends at the village but due to an underpass being flooded, it was moving to a dryer spot.

Ready to race!

The Race

I had gotten my bib 2 days before the race.  With Friday being Good Friday, packet pickup was on a Thursday.  So by the time I got to the race site on Saturday morning I was ready to go.

The 10KM race started at 8 AM.  The half marathoners had started at 7 AM and the largest race of all -- the 5KM would start at 9 AM.

It was chilly out but dry.  There was a bit of a breeze but it wasn't terrible.  I was wearing a short-sleeved shirt, thin gloves, arm warmers and my Saucony Pro 3's.  I was very comfortable throughout the race.  I felt sorry for some that had overdressed as it warmed up quickly, especially when the sun came over the mountains.

The race started on time and after a brief warm-up, I felt pretty good.  The race is held on the Jordan River Bike Trail and runs south towards the city of Sandy, and ultimately into South Jordan.  I lined up near the start and was ready to race!

The first quarter mile was a little congested as we sorted out the faster runs with the slower ones.  I had surveyed my competition and didn't see anyone around me that looked to be my age.

I felt comfortable as we sped across a bridge and I settled into a strong, but not dying pace.  

Looking fresh at the start

Mile 1 came up at about 8:37, solid.  I was hoping to go a bit faster but given where my fitness is at (which isn't very good) I'll take it.  It was also at this point that a man, who appeared to be my age, overtook me and put a bit of a lead on me.  I made it my mission to stick with him.

I was working with a group of runners, so I wasn't running along.  Most of the people were at least half my age but it kept me motivated, although mentally, I was fatigued from the route: I run this route all the time, so it wasn't terribly exciting.

As we continued south, I noticed that there was a bit of a breeze. It wasn't awful but it just seemed to slow me down a bit.  There really wasn't much of anyone to run behind either.  The effort also seemed to be getting harder.  How long could I hold this?

I got a bit of water at the 5KM turn around and continued into Sandy. I was in the top 20 at this point and I want to say that I had overtaken my competitor. Was there anyone else my age ahead of me?  I really didn't care, I just kept pushing.  Mile 2 came in at 8:33, faster yet.  Could this be a breakout race?

I couldn't wait for the turnaround.  I had reached the golf course and this part always seems to break me down.  Mentally, I am usually tired at this point and I keep willing myself forward to get to the turn around so I can be done.  This is where there race suddenly gets "real".

5KM runners in the home stretch

After a series of turns along the golf course area (but still a paved path for cyclists and runners) I finally saw the 2nd aid station, which would mean that I am close to the turn around.  Thank goodness!

I hit mile 3 just shy of the aid station in 8:47. I knew it was going to be a slower mile but I told myself I'd negative split it.  

The mile markers were mostly spot on and I was shocked to see the mile 3 marker and then almost immediately after it, the turn around (which coincided with the aid station). I suspect we were supposed to go a bit further but given that everyone else turned around at the stationed cone, I did as well. The course was going to be a bit short.

At the turn around, I realized that I was being pursued by a bunch of runners. I clearly appeared to be one of the older ones but still, I was so focused on picking up my pace, I really didn't care.  My competitor wasn't in sight fortunately.

From about mile 2 on, I was encountering many returning half marathoners.  At various points in the race, as runners paced me, I wondered if they were running the 10K or half marathon.  It made me nervous when another runner my age passed by me who I wasn't going to be able to catch.  Fortunately, he was running the half marathon.

My pace alternated between a shuffle and an elegant tempo paced stride at this point. I got some cheers of encouragement from outgoing 10KM runners which helped me.  That is one thing I like about this race, is the community support.

Mile 4, despite my best efforts was an 8:49. I wasn't getting any faster.

At this point, I was grinding and occasionally a half marathoner would glide by me. Very frustrating because here they were 11 miles into the race and I was less than 5. Why couldn't I keep up?  I wasn't sure at this point who was running what distance either.  Occasionally I'd throw a look over my shoulder to see if anyone was pursuing me, but the people I did see were female or clearly younger than me.

Looking south along the Jordan River Bridge

Mile 5 was an 8:59.  Yuck.  Why couldn't I run faster?

Even though my position was pretty much locked in, I really made an attempt to push as hard as I could for the final 1 and change miles.  I knew it wasn't going to be a record setting day, but it meant something to me to just dig deep.

Some runners who were on the cool down shouted encouragement and there were a handful of spectators as well.  Again, mentally, I was strong but my body wasn't cooperating.  Mile 6 was just as painful as 5.

Finishing Strong (looking)

I was (sort of) grateful that the race was a bit short.  The agony ended about a minute sooner than a full length 10 KM race.  But I made a strong showing and gave it all I had in the final sprint.  I sped into the finish line just as the 5KM runners were starting to assemble for their 9 AM start.

Finish line mayhem

Conclusion

All in all, a massive improvement over Lucky 13 race.  But definitely a massive let down versus last year.  I felt pretty good, especially at the start, but the speed endurance wasn't there. In January, I probably could've held onto an 8:15 pace but, now it seems a lot harder.  Overall, this was good, but not where I want to be. I am still hungry for improvement.

I grabbed my finisher's medal and congratulated those that had finished around me.  Assuming some of the people in the half marathon weren't actually running the 10KM race, I felt pretty confident I had finished first.  

I checked my phone and saw that I was in first and the other runner that had taken an early lead took 2nd.  

I wound up getting some photos of other runners as they came in.  I also had an opportunity to see the 5 KM runners start (and finish)

Podium Photo

I wound up taking 1st in my age group, so it was a double medal Saturday.  

Post race refreshments included granola bars, fruit, sports drink and cheese sticks.  I was a late registrant so the race was close to $50.  The shirt was nice and I actually wore it on this morning's long run (Easter Sunday) so it seemed appropriate.  Still, not 100% polyester but it held up.  Maybe I'll have to reconsider some of these shirts.  The medals were also nicely designed.

The course is flat and well supported.  All the important turns were clearly marked or marshalled.  If you haven't run in the West Jordan / Sandy / South Jordan portion of the Jordan River Bike Trail, this will be a treat, but for me it was old hat.  There is something to be said, though, for competing on your home turf. Other than the 10KM being a little short (the other two races appear to have been spot on), this was a very enjoyable race.

If you are looking for an Easter themed race check this one out.

Upcoming Races

04/26: 2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

05/04: 2025 Bob Blazier Run for the Arts 5K -- Crystal Lake, IL (Confirmed)

05/10: 2025 Run Farmington 10K - Farmington, UT (Confirmed)

06/28: 2025 Taylorsville Dayzz 5K - Taylorsville, UT (Confirmed)

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

2025 Lucky 13 10K Race Recap - West Jordan, UT

Somewhat Happy times at the start

Official Time: 56:12
Placement: 2nd in the 55-59 30th overall
Results:  Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: mid 30sF, 10 mph+ breeze from the north
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2022] [2021] [2019] [2018] [2014]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:44	Crowded start. Had to do a lot of navigating
2	8:50	Cleared up, but first half of the mile was fairly congested
3	8:57	Definitely not my day. The turnaround can't come soon enough
4	9:12	Can I rebound? A bit of headwind though.  Just trying to finish at this point
5	9:13	Just picking up milestones in the distance and trying to reach them
6	9:23	Felt like I was running a lot faster here
6.19	1:37	Finally, finished.
	Total Miles: 6.20 - 55:58

Packet Pickup at Gardner Village

Introduction

One of the St Patrick's Day race traditions for me is doing OnHillEvents' Lucky 13 Race.  I've done this race several times over the past decade.  The race, however, has changed a bit over time -- different locations throughout the northern Utah area.

Normally where the race is held

Like the past several years, this year's race was held at Gardner Village -- a mere 1.75 miles from my house.  It makes it super convenient and I know the course well; doing many of my long runs on Sundays along the course.

I had gotten a pretty good deal on the race from the race organizer's Black Friday sale and given the familiarity with the race, it made it a no-brainer to attend.

Pre-race mayhem

The Race

Packet pickup was strongly encouraged for Friday and given that Gardner Village is less than 2 miles from my house, I made the jaunt there after my work day was done. There was a bit of a line-up but overall, it was a quick in-and-out experience.  It also saved myself anxiety getting my bib the day of the race.

Normally the race starts and ends at the shopping center.  But given that just days before the race, the underpass that leads from the shopping center to the bike trail was flooded, the race was held about a quarter of a mile down the trail from the shopping center.  The starting area isn't as elegant as the shopping center but it did save us the misfortunate of having to go into ankle deep water at the start of the race.

Coming into the race, I knew it would be a long shot for me to turn in a decent time. I have some posterior tibilias tendonitis and I was coming off a week of no running.  Ever since Vegas (and even before), I haven't been in peek shape and my running has felt labored, and honestly, not coming easy.

Normally, the race starts off with the half marathon, followed by the 10K runners (me) and the 5K.  As the racers started to congregate to line up, I presumed that they were all half marathoners.  From previous experiences I would start about 5 - 10 minutes later.

Long story short -- I was wrong.

Suffice to say I was one of the last ones to start. And given that the race was being run on a standard-issue bike trail with nearly 700 runners -- it meant a very congested start.

So I spent the first mile navigating my way around walkers and slower runners.  They were pretty much occupying the entire lane too; so I was doing a lot of running in the dirt on the side of the trail or gently trying to merge my way through shoulder-to-shoulder runners.

I knew it was going to be a tough day, but this wasn't how I was hoping I'd start the day.  

The first mile came in at 8:44.  I expected to be slow but I was also okay with it given my current level of fitness.

The race crowd begin to thin, but also at this point, I was dealing with the 5K lead pack coming the other way.  Any passing lane I felt like I could take suddenly was blocked off.  Still I was okay with it. 

Once I passed through the mile marker (perfectly placed at 1.55 miles), the crowd thinned out and I could no longer use crowds as any sort of a justification of my pace.

I had no idea who my competition was (although a friend of mine was running the 10K who is in my age group -- who is also MUCH faster than me), so I knew at best I was shooting for 2nd in my age group.  

To be honest, at this point I knew I was already pushing too hard.  The pace should've been easy, but it wasn't coming easily.  Mile 2 came in at 8:50.  Consistent but disappointing.  But I was conserving energy, right?

Despite the freezing (or near freezing temperatures) the running and air temperature were perfect. In the first quarter mile of the race, however, the bridge had a very slippery sheen of ice on it.  Fortunately that was the only complaint I had about the course.  Little did I know, I also had a bit of a tailwind to start the race.

As we sped our way south near the Sandy Golf Course, I couldn't help but hope that the course was short.  News flash it wasn't.  I was just so cooked and I was working hard.  I felt like I was running 8:15 or so, but the effort was closer to 9 minute per mile.  

Finally I saw the 2nd aid station and the 10K turn around.  It was at 3.10 miles and I just wanted the race to end.   My pace was now in the 9 minute per miles and what should've been an easy 2-hour half marathon pace was now a gut buster.

I was frustrated with myself and I should've been able to pick up the pace.  And now, I had a bit of a headwind to contend with.

I saw maybe one person ahead of me who might me in my age division but in a way, I was beyond caring.  My time was rubbish, I hated running, I am going to quit racing -- you know the drill. My head was telling me I was running 8:15's but my body was shuffling along at 9+ minute miles.

Mile 4 saw more degradation to my time.

On the plus side, seeing the outgoing 10K runners spurred me on a bit and once in a while I'd overtake someone.  I had about a 3-minute buffer of when I started and when the race actually began.  So I really didn't have a clue as to where I stood with other people.  My goal at this point was to try and rebound.

My tendon was causing problems, but nothing that would stop me.  I know it does impact my push-off but I'd be using that as a lame excuse to my race time today.

I kept working on biting off chunks of the course.  Get to mile 4. Get to the 5K turn around.  Get to 1 mile left.  Just little milestones to keep my head in the game.  I was using every trick in the book.

Mile 5 came along and it wasn't much better than 4.  Why was this so hard today?  I had been training at 8:15 pace all winter.

Frustration was mounting and I really wanted to just stop and walk.  An occasional runner passed me, but for the most part, I didn't have anything to worry about in regards to my placing except to hold on.

Mile 6 was the slowest yet: 9:22.  Please let's just end this race.

I couldn't even really muster a final push in the final quarter mile. I had nothing. The last quarter mile was dotted with spectators and I used their motivation to push me forward.  I did straighten up my form for the camera people and sped under the OnHillEvents arch and I finally completed the 10K race.

Conclusion

So the writing on my race performance was already predicted before I completed my first 100 yards.  I had a lot of things going against me:

1) I was not in peak shape.  The last 3 - 4 weeks my running has felt flat and uninspired.

2) I wasn't really in the mood to race / run hard

3) I have an injury (that sort of flared up in the race but ultimately effects my push-off)

4) My last 3 - 4 races have resulted in slower times than predicted.

I do feel like something is wrong.  Either I am over-trained, dealing with some sort of physical problem, or struggling with the effects of aging.  

I grabbed my medal and found a seat away from other people and just sat there -- disappointed.  Where was all my hard earned fitness that I had banked over the winter?

Glad to be done!

Eventually I composed myself, and wandered amongst people -- congratulating my fellow competitors and checking in with friends.  I also grabbed my camera and got photos of people.  I've had bad races in the past and I'll have them again in the future but a string of them is hard to swallow.

The weather had been threatening rain, sleet and snow but we caught a break.  For a brief moment during the race it had snowed but it wasn't anything to be concerned about.  I had brought some extra clothes to the finish line and the jacket I had got me through to the awards ceremony.  I had gotten 2nd in  my age group -- my competitor 1st.  I was hoping he'd take the top 3 and I think at one point he was in the top 3 (which would've put me in 1st).

Post race refreshments were bananas (very green), cheese strings, oranges and granola bars.  Pretty much standard fare.  There were 3 aid stations for the 10K (you hit the 5K one twice).  

Other than the start, the race was well organized.  The mile markers were spot on, the course measured up, plenty of marshals and markings on the course to indicate directions to run (which I already knew, having run the course many times).

The medals were nice too.  A pretty nice St Patrick's Day theme medal.  The shirt was also cool, although I am not a fan of the cotton blend shirts.  

So what comes next? I am not sure.  There were times in this race where I seriously wanted to retire from racing -- and even running. I put in a lot of work over the winter and my first serious race went very well -- and subsequently the rest -- not so much.  Just a steady decline into the abyss.

I'll have to sort things out.  The obvious factors are that I am probably burned out and two the tendonitis issue is holding me back.

Fortunately, I have a bit of a break coming up from racing. I may take some time to regroup.

Upcoming Races

03/22: 2025 Vineyard City Gold Rush 5K -- Vineyard, UT (Confirmed)

04/26: 2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

05/10: 2025 Run Farmington 10K - Farmington, UT (Confirmed)

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

2024 Witch Run 10K Race Recap - West Jordan, UT

The dawn before the storm

Official Time: 51:12
Placement: 2nd in the 50 - 54, 21st overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Upper 60's, breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2023] [2022] [2021] [2020] [2019] [2018]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:45	Hemmed in at the start.  Took a while to get going
2	8:21	Coasting along - settled into a solid pace
3	8:22	Surprised this went as well - had a little allergy attack
4	8:27	Still running pretty well
5	8:29	Intermingling with the 5K runners.  Holding a decent pace
6	8:28	Lots of turns at the end. Chasing down another runner as best as I could
6.04	0:15	Sprint to the finish
	Total Miles: 6:04 - 51:10

Introduction

One of my traditions for the last 6 years has been doing the Witch Run at Gardner Village.  This race is on my "home" course in the fact that I run and train on it all the time.  

Over the years, the race has changed, from a simple 5K that was run at night, to now, a morning race with the traditional 3 race distances: 5K, 10K and half marathon.

The race is well attended by both the serious runner and the casual one.  And it is a great way to see people in costume and familiar faces.

The Race

The morning of the race found me a bit sore from an intensive training week.  Since the Cedar City Half Marathon, I've been building a stronger base and added a few more sessions.  In September there is a bit of a lull in the racing scene so it gave me time to focus my training.

I had picked up my bib the night before the race, saving myself a $5 fee and was dropped off at the race site in the morning to avoid the $10 parking fee (ouch!).  Since I live only a few miles away, after the race, I simply shuffled home.

Runners assembling

The half marathoners had departed at 7:00 AM and I had just missed them.  My race didn't start until 7:30, which afforded me the opportunity to do a brief warm-up and get settled in.

I lined up about 30 - 40 feet behind the lead runners and off we went.  

The starting line has changed this year: normally we start in a larger section of the parking lot and have to make immediate turn and then have traffic waived for us until we got on the Jordan River Bike Trail.  There are a number of safety issues with this (including the cars) and I also found there were some tripping hazards.  This year, we started along a partitioned off corridor along the side of the road.  It was super congested and with lots of newbie-ish runners, it was a slog before I get going.

Half Marathoners Coming in.

Soon, though, we were on the bike trail and another .1 of a mile I could run comfortably at my own pace without having to clip someone's heels.

I tried to gauge who my competition was (I had spotted one of my age group rivals) but since I was running with 5K runners, I wouldn't know for sure who I had to watch out for.  But suffice to say, I was gunning for 2nd place at best.

All of the course was familiar territory and it is basically pancake flat bike trail running.

A pasture along the trail

Mile 1 passed in at 8:45 -- slow but not surprising given how I probably lost 20 seconds (at least) with the slow start.  I was feeling pretty good and just worked at dialing in my 10K pace -- about 8:15 - 8:20.

Soon, we reached the 5K turn around.  A few master level runners peeled off and made the turn to head back.  The amount of 10K runners definitely thinned out.  My rival was running the 10K, which I was hoping he'd be running the 5K.  Perhaps, though I could catch him -- our times aren't too far off.

Mile 2 came in around 8:20 -- pretty much where I wanted to be.  I was still feeling good and just working on keeping an easy pace.  I had a bit of a breeze coming at me, but I didn't feel like it was hurting my pace.  I was working with a few other young men.

On my way to the turnaround, I started to get some allergy issues.  I get this issue when the weather starts to get colder and I get -- for a lack of a better word -- snot that drips down the back of my sinuses and it is hard to get rid of.  I knew this was likely to happen and had been working on clearing it, but I failed.  I probably slowed down a bit during this section.

Typical stretch of bike trail

As we made our way past the Sandy City golf course, I knew the turn around was coming up.  A few of the lead pack were already headed back.  I wasn't sure who, if any, were running the half marathon.  My rival shouted that the turn around was coming up soon. I couldn't wait!

Finally, a simple turn around cone was in place.  At about the point I hit it, my Garmin chirped letting me know I had run 3 miles.  The course was definitely going to be short.

My rival was a solid minute (or two) ahead of me and another masters level runner I had passed about a mile before was still tailing me.  I wasn't sure if he was in my age group, but I suspected I was at worst in 3rd place in my age group.

I also got to see if anyone was coming up behind me and most of the runners were definitely under the age of 40.  Getting their cheers and encouragement spurred me on, and with a bit of a tailwind, I bumped up the pace a bit.

Mile 4 saw me slow down a bit, which was a bit discouraging.  I felt like I was running faster.

I was in the home stretch though and soon I went through the 5K turn around.  There were a handful of 5K walkers scattered about for the rest of the race and I had to use a bit of energy to weave around them.  It wasn't terrible though and they shouted kind words as well.  While I am (very) far from any sort of elite athlete, I definitely felt like one.

The next mile also saw a fairly consistent split of 8:27 or so. 

The masters runner, at this point, had caught up with me.  I was trying to gauge how old he was and I almost asked him.  He looked younger but there was a hint of gray in his hair.  Could he be?  I wasn't sure.  He overtook me but he was in my sights for the rest of the race.

My goal was to try and catch the runner.  He knew I was dogging him, and a few times I made some spurts but I was holding back: the last quarter mile has a series of sharp turns, small hills and places where you definitely have to slow down.  It always costs me time.  

On one of the final turns, the guy missed it and proceeded to head south (you have to do nearly a 270 degree turn).  Fortunately (for him), he figured it out pretty quickly, but it allowed me to gain a few seconds on him.  The course is clearly marked and we weren't alone, so I think he just zoned out on it.

I felt bad for him and I tried to keep up but he knew the finish line was coming up.  With a few other 5K runners coming up and a very short and sharp descent, I had to slow down.  I was hoping I'd catch him in the final .1 of a mile of the funneled chute but he had another gear.

I hadn't really paid too much attention to my overall time, but as I passed under the chute I looked at my watch: finishing in 51:10 and just seconds behind my goal runner.

Conclusion

I felt pretty good about my time.  I've alluded to the fact that racing in 2024 has been a challenge, given the health setbacks I've had.  But this seemed like a step in the right direction.  My splits were fairly consistent, I felt strong and never totally gassed, and I didn't give up.

I wound up getting a few photos and congratulating other runners I was working against.  I honestly felt really good.

Finisher's Medal + Age Group Award

With some fear, I looked at the age group awards:  I was in 2nd place!  It does turn out -- the guy I was running against was in my age group.  Right before the awards ceremony he found me and thanked me for getting him in 3rd place.  Since he had started in the front, and I had about a 10 - 15 second delay before starting the race, I had a bit of a cushion -- I wound up taking 2nd by a mere 2 seconds.  I suspect, his goof on the turn cost him.

Post race refreshments were candy, oranges, bananas, sports drink, carbonated water (provided by a sponsor). 

I had signed up for the 10K race way back during OnHillEvents Thanksgiving day sales.  It winds up being a nice bargain and the medals were a hit.  The shirt was pretty basic and again, the cotton / polyester blend doesn't do much for me.  

T-shirt + socks (I love the socks)

Overall, I was pleased with my experience.  I wish the course was a bit closer to an actual 10KM, though.  The course was well marshalled and there was an aid station we hit twice (I think the 10KM turn around station was misplaced).  I do think with a full 10KM, I would've run about 52 minutes -- nearly 2 minutes slower than last year.

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)