Apparently Brindley Beach Vacation & Sales, along with OBXRunning has a 5K series that happens throughout the summer- from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This particular race was in Corolla and it was their "Pink" race which benefits one of the local hospitals if I remember correctly. Brindley Beach in particular, seems to host their race every Wednesday. Fortunately this was one of the only days while I was on vacation that neither a Tropical Depression nor a Tropical Storm was scheduled to come through. The day, in fact, turned out to be gorgeous.
I got up around 5:15 that morning so I could get ready and headed out of the rental house around 6. I had seen on the website that they do registrations on-site from 6:30-7:30 with the race starting at 8. I had ventured up through the town of Duck before and knew that it was slow going (single lane each way plus slow speed limit), so I wanted to make sure I not only had time to get there but I didn't put myself in a rush. Well it worked out really well as I was one of the first people, not including the workers, that was there.
Upon arrival, the signs were clear and concise- big signs pointing to parking and what the event was. After I parked, you couldn't miss the big start/finish line. It was a little bit of a trek from the parking lot I parked in, but that was fine. It was gorgeous weather too. The volunteer directed me to the sign up table where I got my race bib, tech t-shirt (which let me say is super-soft after washing), and a drawstring bag. I was able to take my time and take things back to my car and get myself appropriately ready.
One of the things I was looking forward to with this race was finally being able to use my RaceDots. For those that haven't heard of them, they are super-strong magnets to hold your race bib on without putting holes in your clothes. While I've read of some people needing practice with them because they want to hook together, I had no issues at all. They're a little heavier than safety pins, but not something that you really end up noticing. They also did stay on and in place the entire race. It's a fantastic product! (No, they have not paid me to say any of that)
As race time approached, there were several announcements, as it was also apparently Mr Brindley's birthday (yes they had cake after the race). I also met a nice couple from Pasadena, MD with whom I chatted with for a bit and crossed the finish line with the young lady (I caught up with her near the end of the race...was a good ending).
The gun went off on time and everyone was off to the races. Now, I'm not one to judge *wink wink* but I don't think I needed to see the one guy only wearing American Flag Speedos to run in. While a bit entertaining looking back, just no (I mean he did finish near the front, so go him!). The water stop was at mile 1 1/2 which felt like I had been running forever. I never saw the 1 mile sigh, just the 2 mile marker. I found out later that there was a sign for 1 mile though....I think I would have felt a bit better seeing that!
Overall the race went well and smooth. I set a new PR at 9:19/mile. Granted this course was also flatter than my first 5K. They had volunteers handing out finisher medals and water as you crossed the finish line, with anyone finishing in the first 30 minutes also getting a video of them crossing the finish line. Yes I did get in under 30 minutes thank you. No I'm not posting it up here just yet.
A breakfast of various fruits, cereals, and juices...and cake were served afterwards. It was a good time and well put-together and I'm hoping to run it again next year.
Thank you to Brindley Beach, OBXRunning, and of course one of my new favorite products, RaceDots.
Captain America RaceDots
2016 Finisher's Medal- Only criticism would be that I would have liked it to have the year stamped on it. Otherwise, I think it's a nice medal.
62nd out of 187 and a new PR. I call that a win! Also 5th of 14 in my age group. Not bad for a newbie.
