Welcome to the last (?) race report of the season: the Spiked Apple 5K at Congaree & Penn! This race had everything I could have asked for: cider, donuts, and medals, all set at one of the most beautiful venues in Jacksonville. I couldn’t wait to sign up, and recruit some people to join me!
The Lead Up To Race Day
As I mentioned, the Spiked Apple 5K caught my eye based on the swag, amenities, and location. I’m all about an experience, and this sounded right up my alley. The race was held at the most beautiful farm in Jacksonville, and runners would get a pour of cider made on site, a donut, a great medal, and would then be able to explore the farm. We even made a reservation for lunch at the onsite restaurant. What could go wrong?
Race Morning
We made our plans for race morning. Packet pickup was day of only, and with a 9:30 start time, we ate breakfast at home and got to take our time. That being said, Congaree and Penn is about an hour away, and we wanted to make sure we had enough time to get situated, so we rolled out at 7:45. I’m glad we did as the packet pickup was a hike from our parking spot, and there weren’t a lot of restrooms, so that slowed things down.
Also. It was freezing. Literally.
We trudged through tall grass and gravel roads, easily got our bibs and shirts, and returned to the car. From there, we made our final wardrobe selections. I went with shorts, tank, long sleeve and cropped sweatshirt, with gloves and buff. I knew it would warm up. Then it was back to the start line, where J and I hopped on line for the bathroom.
The Start
Even though we were taking this race very casually, and the announcer was very clear that everyone would get to start, there is no worse feeling than being in the bathroom as the race is counting down to start. We finished up, dashed across the little field and looped into the race just as the runners were off.
Of course, this meant we got caught up in the speedier runners and had to work to make our way to the side. Good times.
After signing up, I learned that the race was going to be a bit more trail than road, and I had no interest in pushing it in that circumstance. In fact, we started in very thick, tall grass, which gave way to rocky gravel. As long as there was cider waiting for me, I was comfortable taking all the time I needed. J was on board with this, and the guys hadn’t been running at all, so I knew they didn’t mind.
Miles 1-3.1
And so we enjoyed the property. Despite the uneven terrain, it was the most beautiful morning. We went over some small bridges, looped around creeks, and ducked under trees. The fresh air was crisp and I couldn’t have been happier! Yes, running would have been nice but it was sketchy and I didn’t feel like paying for it later.
That being said, the trail was well marked. There was a water table at about the halfway mark. It wasn’t manned, but there were plenty of water bottles for the runners. I didn’t feel the need, but the rest of the group hydrated the second time we passed the table. This fortified us all to get to the finish line!
After The Finish Line
We crossed the finish line of the Spiked Apple 5K in a triumphant group and moved through the chute. First, we got our medals, and then we got a fresh donut, covered in sugar in cinnamon. I don’t know if I was just really hungry, but this donut was fire.
From there, we moved to the line for our cider. They offered their dry farm cider (which I took), or a sweeter honey gallberry cider, and we were all in. We found a table on bank of the creek and celebrated our morning.
The menfolk went to get more drinks, while J and I went for a swing and made this amazing new friend!
Of course, we couldn’t linger too long as we had a reservation at C&P’s restaurant. We still needed to trek back to the car, grab our things and get our table!
Post-Race
We had a gorgeous outside table under a big heater, and enjoyed sandwiches, salads, fries, and more cider. It’s not something we do all the time, but this was honestly just what we needed as a friend unit. Another race, done and dusted!
Final Thoughts
Y’all, this was just fun. It could have been super competitive, but taking it as a chill event was just as incredible. While I still don’t feel strong enough to perform well in a trail situation, I adored spending the morning at this farm and having a very different running view.
The Spiked Apple 5K did a great job with all their amenities, too. We got to take home our branded wine glasses, and our medals double as bottle openers! Teaming up with Congaree and Penn was genius, too, as it got people out to the farm and into the restaurant and farmstand. Honestly, I could have spent the whole day there.
Did you prefer road or trail? Ever race on a farm? Would you sign up for a race based on the amenities?
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Oh, this looks like so much fun!! And getting cider and donuts at the finish line sounds wonderful!!
I’m surprised that you had such cold weather to start with. It must be extremely tricky to dress right, especially as you know you are going to get hot during the run.
Well done, Jenn!
There was actual ice on the ground. And today is going to be in the high 70s. My allergies are on fire lol!
I hate carrying things so I try to just be brave in lighter layers because I know I will warm up, but this was a rough morning. Obviously, everyone else felt very differently from me in their pants and hoodies lol!
This sounds like fun! I’d love to get cider and those nice glasses after a race! Nice job!
The glasses were real glass! Usually they just do a plastic cup, which is fine, but this was a great takeaway.
I really love trail races but there aren’t that many around here. Nice job on your race! it looks like everyone had a great time.
It was really fun!
This sounds so fun! One of our local fall 5K’s has a mile in the woods. It’s hard! But super fun!
Ugh! Not the woods!