The New Year’s Rockin’ 5K was the answer to a Florida runner’s prayer. Holiday races are truly so special to me, and I was stoked to have the chance to register for a 5K centered on the new year.
Why This Race?
We had a choice of two New Year’s themed races this year. I didn’t check out the price difference, but I liked the idea that the New Year’s Rockin’ 5K was at a new venue. Also, I was even happier to welcome back a local race company, that had taken a forced year off due to the pandemic. We are so glad to see them back on the scene!
Additionally, the race required masks at the start line, and requested runners provide their own water for the course. Individual bottles would be provided at the finish line, but that was it.
Pre-Race + Packet Pickup
No early pickup was available for the race, so we had to get our packets on race morning. Pickup and registration was scheduled from 7:00 – 8:30 AM (race time), so we made our way to the Beachwalk Club and amenity center. We got our packets, which included bibs and technical t-shirts, and had plenty of time to drop them off in the car, as well as use the (real) bathrooms).
The Course
I was super excited to run in a new neighborhood. Beachwalk is a brand new luxury subdivision, boasting a gigantic, crystal lagoon in its center. It’s not entirely finished, but it’s so close.
The 5K was a loop from the amenity center, through the residences, out onto the main highway, and back to the amenity center. Unfortunately, the weather was super uncooperative: it seemed like the headwind was always against us.
However, we pushed on. We started in the middle of the pack, with plenty of room, and held our position throughout the race. With only 80 participants, it wasn’t hard to socially distance. As advertised, there were no water stops, which was fine (I never drink during 5ks), but I missed the visual cue of ticking off distance. At least we could be out there, running.
We pushed through to the finish, and completed the distance faster than our Cottonmouth 5K time! Yay! I was so proud of us.
Post-Race
Obviously, post-race “parties” are a thing of the past, but no one said we couldn’t have mimosas! That’s right, the volunteers happily handed out complimentary mimosas to the runners, and I was so there for it.
In addition, the Beachwalk community graciously opened their lagoon and amenity center to the runners. We could explore the area, stay for the farmer’s market, try out the new restaurant, and participate in the polar plunge. While we did take some photos by the beautiful water, we opted to head out for breakfast. The festivities didn’t really start until 11, which was a long time to wait.
Excited? Yes. Yes, I was.
We finished the morning by picking up coffee and breakfast at Starbucks. The irish cream cold brew was the perfect complement to my mimosa.
And then it was home to warm up.
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