The Memorial Day 5k is one of my longtime forever favorites. I try to run it every year. After all, it was the first 5k in which I ever competed and I have a serious attachment to the event.
Registration + Packet PickUp
To be honest, I was a bit of a late registrant this year. Memorial Day weekend was scheduled for some storms, and I didn’t feel like running in the rain. However, things cleared, and I signed up. I paid a little more for the honor, but I didn’t mind.
By the time I registered (Thursday before the race), only race day packet pickup was available, so I planned to arrive at the venue early enough to get parking and my things.
Race Morning
The Memorial Day 5k is staged at the Orange Park Town Center. It’s a huge park area, near the fire house and some municipal buildings. Parking is super limited, but I was able to snag a spot in the strip mall next door.
Snagging my packet was easy: just a bib and t-shirt from the gazebo in the middle of the park. I was able to grab it, hit the portapots, drop everything at my car, and hang out, with plenty of time to spare.
The start time for the 5k is 8:00 AM (with a kids’ race starting around 9:00). With about 15 minutes to go, the crowd began to line up by pace. It was actually a bit more crowded than I expected, and I found a spot in the middle of the pack. We observed a moment of silence for our fallen heroes, and one of the runners sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. And then it was time.
During The 5k
In all the years I’ve run the Memorial Day 5k, the course hasn’t changed. It’s pretty much an out and back, with a little extra block in the beginning. The course winds back through some neighborhoods, so runners get to see cute houses, and even some spectators. There are nice pockets of shade, but it is always hot and humid, and hard with some little hills and elevation.
For some reason, while we were waiting to start, there was a gentle breeze, and that was glorious. Until we started running and it vanished. Ugh. Oppressive is the best way to describe the humidity.
The first half mile is always super crowded, with lots of turns. The older I get, the less I like being penned in, so I stayed to the far side of the road and hoped for the best. Once the initial bit was finished, the course eased and we all found our stride.
I had bumped up my intervals and was actually pretty good on pacing. I skipped both water stops, too: it was too hot to drink anything and not get sick.
The final stretch is always tough – you hear the crowds and music before you turn the corner on to the last 1/4 mile. And then it’s just a straight shot to the inflatable arch. Nothing to do at this point but lean in and run hard.
Post-Race Celebration
I came through the finish line so very ready to be done. Volunteers handed out medals and water.
In the park, volunteers had set up tables with water, Gatorade, and snacks. I love when these local races go above and beyond for their runners. It’s such a nice touch.
There was also a stand for Jeremiah’s Italian ice, and runners got a free mini cup with their bib. It was a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Final Thoughts
Even when it’s super hot, I love this Memorial Day 5k. I really do. There’s just a lot oof hometown running love wrapped up in those 3.1 miles and I’m always happy to be there.
I’m calling the race a win. While it was not a PR, it was also not a personal worst. I’ll take it!
Check out my TikTok from an awesome day!
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Congrats on your race! It can be fun to do the same ones every year. But the heat definitely makes them more challenging!
Congrats! Looks like a fun little race. These small town celebrations are always fun. Nice swag too!
Okay, 8:00 is a LATE start for a Florida race in May!!! The heat must have been intense. But sounds like you enjoyed it- glad it didn’t rain. Very cool that this was where you ran your first 5k! Must be some nice memories.
Ha, love that Tiktok video that you made, Jenn!
Florida can be so unbelievably hot and humid. People here in Switzerland complain about “humidity” and I always think they should try out running in Florida for a change.
Sounds like a fun holiday race, even with oppressive heat. And not a PW is winning!
I’m definitely a last minute signer up too.
I’d run that for the Italian ice.
I ran a 5k in Florida in May so I remember that heat and humidity.
Finishing is winning. You are a winner.
Sounds like a fun race to do each year.
Congrats on your race! It’s fun to have a hometown favorite to run every year!
Those snacks at the end look perfect! I’m so glad you decided to participate again this year.
BTW I love your use of the word “Oppressive” to describe the humidity!