Time: 20:02
Pace:
Awards: None (but I came in 4th overall female so I think that counts!)
Since I started running back in January with the group, I started meeting new people, really getting into it and every Tuesday night I’d come home and tell my boyfriend, Kevin, how much fun it is and how I wished he’d get out there with me. That said, this race was all his idea and of course, I was excited that he was getting into it so I was all too eager to sign us up.
This race was a memorial to a tragedy that involved 9 firefighters in Charleston two years ago, and it seemed to be a really good turnout. There were even a brave group of firemen who “ran” the 5K in their full fire suits (minus the boots- they wore sneakers). Granted, I know that they go into burning buildings but that still had to be a struggle – way to go guys!
I had a bit of dejavous with getting to this race because once again, it took place in a state park and once again, the line to get into the park was backed up about 3/4 of a mile due to the toll to get in. Why not just include it in the race packet?!? Kevin and I made it in just in time, but like the race in Hunington State Park, they ended up having to push back the race time because of the entrance issues. Soo what was supposed to be a 9am race ended up going off around 9:40…in June…in South Carolina…eek! Needless to say, it was HOT, but luckily, a somewhat shaded course through trails in the state park.
The race started off by a large group of people lining up horizontally across the start line in a field and then funneling in to the narrow trail. It was impossible to pass one another for the first half mile of the race, which was actually a good motivator to me because I didn’t want the person behind me to think I was running too slow! The race went over boardwalks through the march, through wooded trails, curved around tall trees and finally, ended up coming through the same field to cross the finish line. I kept a steady pace throughout the race, though I have to admit, for the heat and the crowded-ness on the run, I’d be willing to bet that the course was a little short because I ended up with a 20:02, and I didn’t feel like I did when I ran a 19:57. Oh well! An overall great race that ended with brunch at IHOP and a drive around charleston with my top down! (convertible, you perverts..) 
Run for the 9 Flyer
