This was my very first ever 5k – back in June 2013 – about 2
years ago. I actually drove all the way
to Chesterton, Indiana just to run my very first 5k – maybe I was already
addicted to running before I even knew it.
Registration/packet pickup takes place outside the Omni
Health & Fitness center in the parking lot.
As for the route itself, it actually starts up the road a couple of
blocks. The course consists entirely of
neighborhood lots, with a couple of blocks of semi-commercial streets near the
end. The race starts early enough in the
morning where traffic is not a concern, and there are only a few cars in the
neighborhood. The final half mile
briefly took runners onto a feeder street into some businesses and then down
the road that goes into the area of Omni health. The roads were blocked off with cones,
leaving a clear lane for the runners – and the Police were ever present to
assist with safety.
The route makes several turns throughout the well-kept
neighborhood going past several different styles of houses. At one point, runners heading one way are
right up against – even crossing – the runner heading the other way – makes for
some good runner camaraderie. Plenty of
volunteers on the course to make sure there is no confusion.
This is a walk and a run – both groups start at the same
time with walkers towards the back.
Since the course is wide, there is ample room for walkers and runners to
share the route with no issues. There
are plenty of both, so no matter which category a participant chooses, they
will be around others. The course is
completely flat with no noticeable elevation changes – a good course for those
working on PRs.
Year after year, participants and viewers line the final
stretch on both sides cheering on the runners finishing up. A very very positive experience. It was this encouragement/camaraderie that
actually caused me to sign up for my next 5K.
At which point I learned, such fellowship is present at all runs!
Plenty of food and drink and music at the end and an age-group/overall
awards assembly. Plenty of parking –
plenty of volunteers.
No comments:
Post a Comment