The Atlantic City Races are always draw for me! The 10k distance is a favorite distance of mine and I've taken part of this particular race 3 times now. Last weekend was the most recent time and although the weather was dark and stormy, I still loved getting out there and running.

I live close enough that I'm able to drive to the race the same day. In recent years they've added race day packet pick up for $15, which makes sense for me rather than going to the expo the day before and paying the tolls and parking. I've very grateful for that option! Parking is discounted to $5 for race participants, which is otherwise $25 (so make sure to get the coupon at packet pick up).

The 10k race takes place on the boardwalk - running along the casinos, into Ventor City and Margate before turning around at the halfway point and coming back. The start/finish line was near Bally's this year although I've found with past experiences it has floated up or down the boardwalk, depending on which casino/hotel is hosting the event.

Bag check is quick and easy and the race is small enough that there's never much of a wait. Additionally, if it's raining (like it was at my race) you'll find many runners loitering the stairwells and casinos until the last possible minute, waiting for the race to start. It's nice to have that option!

The race started right at 9am, right after the singing of the National Anthem. The 5k had 122 male finishers and 227 female finishers, the 10k had 168 male finishers and 255 female finishers. The races start at the same time with the 5k runners peeling off at their turning point.

There's not much crowd support (especially on a rainy course) but the volunteers at the water stations are absolutely incredible. I've always found running by the ocean to be cathartic. I was nervous the boards might be a little slippery with the rain but I was careful to plant my feet.

I'm a middle to back-of-the-pack run/walker and I'm always appreciative of the enthusiasm and support that I receive along the course and after from the volunteers! This race was especially sweet because I finally broke my old PR time with a finish time of 1:10.

There are medals for the 5k/10k distance and the race village after offered a plethora of snacks (everything from bagels to bananas to clam chowder). Oh, and the best part? A flight of beer with seasonal brews!

The free race photos (also the best part!) arrived a few days later via email, along with a finisher's coupon code for the spring April Fools race.

For more information and pictures, swing by my blog post: http://www.scootadoot.org/2016/10/24/2016-ac-marathon-race-series-10k-recap/