The Celebration 5K is our local, annual 4th of July race. It’s a Grand Prix, which means it’s one of our better attended races in town, but that makes it fun. The event provides flags for runners to carry, if they choose, and also has a watermelon eating contest after the running is done.
Packet Pickup
I was able to get my packet in advance this time, which saved me time on race morning. Of course, I put together a red, white, and blue ensemble in honor of the day.
Race Morning
J and her daughter C planned to join me, with the rest of her family coming later. Mr PugRunner got up early to drive us to the race. It was a 7:30 AM start (yay for an early one), but they still needed their bags We weren’t as early as I normally like to be, and we struggled for parking. Mr PugRunner finally dropped us off and looked for parking further away.
It was a busy morning, with long lines for pickup and registration. There was also a huge line for the bathroom – for some reason, there were less than 10 portapotties, and everyone was in need. Eventually, we got everything settled and handled, and took some pictures before heading for the start line.
The Start
Annoyingly, the race director held up the start due to people still registering. I get that it’s a popular run, but I also hate watching time tick away on a hot morning.
There was the slightest hint of a breeze, and for a few minutes, I really thought we were going to be able to crush this race. Ah, sweet summer child that I was.
Finally, we were ready to go. We had a live rendition of the National Anthem, the wheelchair athletes took off, and then we were on our way.
Miles 1-1.5
The first mile of this course is a straightaway on Baymeadows. It’s boring and unshaded, and this particular race started out fairly crowded. The three of us started with intervals, but C was having some issues from a volleyball injury. She graciously told us to go ahead. It was so hot that we took her up on it.
At the one mile mark, we turned, and headed into the residential portion of the course. Here, there are more turns and trees, so it gets a little more interesting. We passed the first water stop and kept on going.
Miles 1.5-3.1
It just got hotter and more oppressive the longer the Celebration 5k went on. There was another water stop, which was nice on a warm day, but at this point, I just wanted an ice cold diet Dr. Pepper.
Finally, finally, we were in sights of the finish line. I told J we could go back for C, but she said she was right behind us. And sure enough, within minutes, she crossed the finish line, too!
Summer running is just extra hard here, and I’ve never been so happy to be done.
Final Thoughts
I feel like the Celebration 5K is a great race, but not necessarily a PR race. It’s inevitably super hot and humid, and it just isn’t safe to push things too hard. At least not for me. I enjoy getting out there on a holiday, and it’s fun to race in the middle of the week, but this will never be my most favorite run.
We skipped the watermelon eating and went across the street to the Cuban Cafe for breakfast. it was the best way to wrap things up for the morning.
Did you run a 4th of July race?
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Sounds like such a fun event! I completely agree with you about delaying the race start–that half marathon I did last month was delayed by a half hour due to issues with the shuttle buses and it warmed up significantly during that time. I am not blaming the race delay for my poor performance, but it did not help!
I love watermelon after a hot run! I don’t think I’d be entering a contest to eat as much as possible, but it does really hit the spot.
Great outfit. I love themed races.
Ugh! on delaying the start… not when it’s HOT!
I love watermelon after a summer race but I would defer to brunch too.
Great job, getting it done!
Summer racing is a challenge and you met it head on.
Summer running is extra hard! Good for you for getting out there and having fun on a hot day
There’s nothing better than a live national anthem. I started implementing that with one of my track meets. The recordings just aren’t great.
Sounds like a fun race but I totally get making it a fun run instead of a race. Racing in the summer is hard, especially down in your neck of the woods!
Congratulations! And… I think 7:30 is already a little late to start a Florida race (how about 7?) so to have it further delayed would be hard. But you had a good attitude- not shooting for a PR, just out there to have fun and enjoy the holiday. I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t have photos of you at the watermelon eating contest though!
I think its an unwritten rule that 4th of July races are never ones to PR…lol. Non the less they are fun for the community and a great way to celebrate! Congrats on pushing through!
Absolute truth!