The Run Jax 5K Labor Day Run marked my return to holiday racing. It’s been a hot minute since I made sure to go out on a holiday or day off, so this was just so fabulous.
Last Minute Decision
We decided to register for the Run Jax 5K Labor Day Run as a last minute thing. With everything going on, it’s been hard to sign up to far in advance. As a result, we paid $40 per entry, but I didn’t mind. I’m not running quite as many races these days, so it’s a fair trade off.
Race Morning
Since we signed up so late, we had to wait until race morning to pick up our packets. We arrived at the venue super early, which was great because parking went fast. We got a spot near the start, and then walked over for our bibs and shirts. I was thrilled to see that instead of a race shirt, we received technical tanks. Sometimes the sizing on tech tanks is wonky, so I was even more happy that this fit well and can be used for my regular runs.
We pinned on our bibs, left the rest of our gear in the car, used the portapotties, and moseyed back to the start line. We have moved on from markers to keep the runners separated to pace flags to break things up.
The Run Jax 5K Labor Day Run
This is a course I’ve run many times before. We started in front of the 1st Place Running flagship store with the National Anthem, and then off we went. The first mile is a straightaway down Baymeadows Road. For some reason, this mile always stresses me out. I hate straightaways, and this one always seems to lead straight into the rising sun.
The route turns left, and then starts winding through a lovely residential area. It’s quiet, shaded, and gently curves along. Within the neighborhood were two water stops (I took drinks at neither one). Once we turned, I felt more myself and our regular conversation flowed again.
In the last half mile, runners turn left on to San Jose Blvd. This is a major road, with part of a lane marked off for runners. Another left puts racers behind the 1st Place Sports store, and from there it’s just a short sprint to the finish line. Yay!
At the end of the race, finishers received their medals, cold bottles of water, and electrolyte popsicles. On a hot day, they were a lifesaver.
My Takeaways
Yes, it was hot and humid, but it was a good, solid race, and I’m so glad we decided to go for it. My day definitely went downhill from there (Hufflepuff passed when I got home), but it was good to be out at a race, doing “normal” things for the day.
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Cool video!!!
Yes, it must have been sweltering out there. But it sounds like a fun experience overall- glad you had something positive, before the sadness of the rest of the day.
Those electrolyte popsicles look amazing! I want one after my next long run.
Jenny recently posted…Things I’ve Changed My Mind About
So happy that you decided to run this race.
racing always raises a runner’s morale.
Sounds like such a fun race.
And those popsicles = amazing!
So nice that you could race a 5k on Labour Day!
Congratulations on a strong finishing sprint. I would love to get a tank as a race shirt – I think the only time I got a tank was at a race in Florida!
So sorry about Hufflepuff, Jenn. He was such a fun pet. How old do hedgehogs get?
Sounds like a great start to the day, despite it probably being the highlight. Nice to see you back out there doing the thing! I LOVE those sneakers!
frozen popsicles at the end of the race are always welcome! Sounds like a fun one congrats to you all
Sounds like a great race! I’ve had popsicles at a race, but never ones with electrolytes…now that’s a win-win 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever done a Labor day race! I like signing up for races at the last minute. When I sign up too far in advance so much can change (especially now). Great job!
I used to like to get in at the early bird pricing, and then have it all on the calendar, but now… meh. It is what it is.
I don’t think we get electrolyte ice pops here, sadly! Well done on a good strong race, and a pretty medal. I’ve not done a bank holiday race here, I don’t think we really have them, although there is a May the Fourth (be with you) that coincides sometimes!
I would totally take on a May The Fourth race!
The electrolyte ice pops are awesome! It’s a nice way to finish a hot race.
Electrolyte popsicles sound amazing after a hot race! My most recent race was a last minute decision. I like that for shorter races because they I can decide based on how training is going and what my family’s schedule is like that week.