race report: superhero run 8k |2.13.21|

The Superhero Run 8k was a completely new-to-me race. I seem to have a few of these on the schedule. It’s kind of neat to be out there on new courses for new causes, earning some different bling and swag.

Why the Superhero Run 8K?

I selected this race specifically because it was a smaller field (limited to a total of 400 runners between the 5k and 8k) with wave starts. Additionally, the idea of an 8k intrigued me. It’s just shy of five miles, which seems way more fun than 5k. The Superhero Run 8k hard a great price point ($30 for race, shirt, and medal), and the course ran along the riverfront, so at least the views promised to be pretty.

The night before race day

Life is a funny thing, and my race plans fell a little out of sorts. My running buddy ended up not being able to join me. Bad storms threatened the entire weekend. I kept my chin up, determined to run, regardless of rain, and just kept my fingers crossed as I laid out my flat runner on Friday night.

Pre-race and packet pickup

With a start time of 8:30 AM, I planned to arrive at the venue around 7:40 AM. There was a decent walk from the parking area to packet pickup, and I’m glad I built in the extra time. Runners had to pick up bibs and shirts inside a school office (the race’s partner charity was a local school), and while masks were required there and in the start/finish area, it was a bit more crowded inside than I liked. I got my things as quickly as possible and then hustled back outside and away from other people.

Then it was the trek back to the car to drop off my shirt, and back again to the start line for a quick potty break. My stomach has been very uncooperative this week, and I didn’t want any additional challenges.

The one mile fun run scheduled started at 8:00 AM, and once those runners started coming through the finish line, the race director stepped up to the bullhorn. He shared instructions for the waves and for the course differences between the 5K and 8K runners. The played the Star Spangled Banner, the pastor of the partner school said a quick prayer, and then it was time to go.

On your mark, get set, go!

I registered for the second wave of runners. After the first wave took off, everyone moved up, masks on, to take a place on the orange cones on the ground.

It was a great way to keep everyone separated about six feet apart. Of course, once we crossed the start, everyone sort of came together for a bit. I kept my mask on until I had some distance from the rest of the pack, and then tucked it into my sports bra with my keys.

We first made a loop around the block, passed the finish line, and headed down to River Road, so named because it runs along… the river. The race takes place in Moosehaven, which is a gorgeous, ‘private membership retirement community” in Fleming Island. The homes are absolutely stunning, and so are the water views. Even though it was a gloomy, dreary day, at least there was something nice on which to focus.

In spite of everything, I had a great run. I felt really strong and stuck to my plan. The 8k runners continued past the 5k turnaround, and at the end of River Road, took another loop around that block, made a small out-and-back on a side road and then headed back to the start line. I stuck to my intervals and pushed it the whole way.

Taking my PR!

At the finish line, I claimed my medal, a PR (for a new distance) and put my mask back on as requested.

After a quick picture in front of some of the superhero-themed signage, I made my way back down to the river for another race photo.

I made it back to the car literals just as the rain started. Whew! It was sheer luck to be done and ready to head out before the bad weather, and I was grateful to be dry for the ride home.

All in all, it was a great event. I loved the shirt and medal, and am happy to have both in my collection. Time to turn my sights to a race for March!

Ever run an 8K? Do you ever choose a race based on the views?

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