This is a sponsored post. March To Get Screened has provided me with complimentary entries to give away, as well as two for my own use, in exchange for promotion of the event. All opinions are my own.
On Sunday morning, we were able to take our time getting ready. The March To Get Screened 5K Run/Walk didn’t start until 9AM, and packet pickup began at 8AM. This was pretty late for a morning race, and it was a nice break.
We found parking in a public lot right by the start line, and hopped out to grab our bibs. We also received string bags and soft cotton logo t-shirts. We stashed everything in the trunk and joined the crowd waiting to head to the beach.
There was plenty to do – volunteers were handing out blue beads, leis, sunglasses and tattoos. There was a face painter and balloon artist (little man obviously hopped into line for a balloon animal), and another vendor was handing out coffee, hot chocolate and chicken biscuits.
The area was full of people, alone and in teams, dressed in blue. There was a definite camaraderie in the air.
It was sunny but windy and cold. I was glad to have layered up, and even more glad that I remembered an ear warmer for little man.
After a visit with C, who I haven’t seen in AGES,
and a trip to the portapotty, we made our way to the sand.
The course had changed from the last time I had participated in the event. This time, we would head north, under the pier, passing the finish line along the way, continue for just over 1.5 miles, turn around and come back. The wind would be a factor on the return trip.
Prior to the start, a few trainers led everyone in a warmup session. After that, March to Get Screened Founder and colon cancer survivor Jan Pratt welcomed everyone and spoke a bit about the importance of annual screenings to help detect and prevent colon cancer. It’s such a critical message and just a simple exam can potentially save so many.
With that, we were off.
I wasn’t really sure of my strategy. My legs were tired from the two races on Saturday, but the weather was cool, so I shortened up my intervals and dug deep. Mr PugRunner and little man wanted to walk, so I left them to do just that.
The sand was packed and really flat, which helped a lot. I’m not usually a strong beach runner, but I did feel good, so I pushed. It was really a glorious morning, and before I knew it, I had made the u-turn and was heading back.
March To Get Screened is a very walker friendly event, and I passed a lot of teams in themed shirts as I was heading back. Among the humorous one-liners, there was one group whose shirts all read “Losing is NOT an option” and it gave me chills. I repeated that mantra in my head for the remainder of the course.
It was tough having the finish line in sight for a full 1.5 miles, but finally, I passed the 3-mile marker, cut through the churned up sand and finished.
There was more water at the finish line and finishers received a medal (last year was the first year of medals for this particular event). A nice throng remained on the beach to welcome back the rest of the field. I had a quick drink and then got back on the course to find the guys.
They had decided to start running a little, so I kept pace with them until they got to the finish line.
As always, the awards ceremony took place at Lynch’s Irish Pub, right across from the finish line. Runners could get a complimentary beer, listen to live music by Darren Corlew, and enjoy some delicious menu items. We didn’t join in the festivities this time, but the after-party is inevitably a great time.
To end on a really high note, March To Get Screened reported that this event helped raise over $50,000 for colon cancer research, education and awareness, surpassing 2016 by $10,000! That’s an amazing victory and those funds will be spent finding a way to end colon cancer once and for all.
Do you have a colon cancer awareness event in your area?
Do you run with other family members?
I do love a 9 am start for a race! Wow you are racing a ton lately.Love the whole family running with you so much. You are setting quite the example 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Planning My Race Schedule
It will taper off. This is just a busy time of year.
How cool, I’m totally not a beach runner but I could be convinced… 🙂
Such a great event. So important to have events to raise awareness. Love your skirt btw!
Beach running is tough! Even when the sand is packed, it still has more “give” than what you’d expect…it’s a great leg workout.
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…When in Florida….Sombrero Beach Run 10K
That sounds like a great event and a great cause! I do love it when my daughter comes out to a run with me, it makes it that much more fun! Great job on the beach run- those are always tough!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Gasparilla Lime Cactus Challenge Race Recap- Day 1
This sounds like so much fun! I love the family picture too…Congratulations!!! 🙂
What a great event! I love that picture of you and your family on the beach. And now you remind me that I do need to get a colonoscopy. I’ll just add it to the list of things I need to do…
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Are You a Raceplanner? Or a Racecrastinator?
Someone I grew up with (49 yrs old) just started chemo for Stage III colon cancer. This really hits close to home. Great cause!
Marcia recently posted…#Spring4Prana and Go Back to Your Breath
We have a 5K/10K race every June that helps to benefit the cancer wing at our local hospital. It’s the biggest race of the year in my city and I’ve done it every year (except last year) for the past 6 years. I really love when races help to benefit important causes.
Kimberly G recently posted…My First Cycle for Survival Experience
I ran in Florida this past weekend. it was crazy windy!!
I wish I had some family members that would run with me.
Lucky you and what a great cause.
Darlene recently posted…TOLT: Weather, Training, Racing, etc.
What a great cause to run for, and how fun that you all made it a family event. Running at the beach would have been the icing on the cake of a great race and day for me!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…My Goals for Saturday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon
What a great day! It must be so pretty running on the beach (especially with packed sand!). Our beaches up here aren’t conducive to running. There isn’t much packed sand and the beach is intersected with jetties frequently, so there’d be a lot of stopping and climbing.
That’s amazing that they raised so much money! And I love that your whole family participated.
Stacie Seidman recently posted…Thursday’s Threads
It is definitely pretty, even though I was sore for a few days.
I’m so glad for all this particular organization is able to do.
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It looks so pretty there and there is great they raised so much money for a good cause.
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! recently posted…13.1 Half Marathon Race Day Tips
They are still brining in money, and I’m so glad for it. It means so much to so many.
You ran that race on the sand? Awesome job, sister!