Oh what would a Samson Stomp run be without the temperatures taking drastic measures? LOL. The race was on a Sunday morning, 9:30 start time, so that's nice. This year the Thursday before the race the temps were 50 degrees and sunny. Well, for Sunday, the sun remained but Mother Nature thought it would be fun if she made the starting time temp a single digit experience for everyone. Oh joy! I mean, it is January, haha.
All jokes aside, I truly love and enjoy this race, even with the chilly conditions. The race is in honor of a very popular gorilla, named Samson, that died at the zoo back in 1981. They've been doing this race since then and it draws a decent crowd. Besides the 5K run, they also have it as a 5K walk with people starting out well after the runners. There is also a 2K run, a 1K for the kids and even a 1/4 mile jog for even smaller children. There is no expo to comment on. You show up the day before to pick up your packet and that's it. The swag is a long sleeve t-shirt and free parking and access to the zoo the day of the race. One thing I like is that the proceeds of the run go back directly to the zoo and they really push bringing old cell phones to recycle for the benefit of gorilla habitats. Race management is well done. There are reminders for sign up and the approaching date of the race and then two days before the heads up for packet pickup either on race day or the day before.
The course is something I really enjoy because you run throughout the zoo and get to see whatever animals may be out. This year there were views of the penguins, polar bear, caribou, macques and seals. Normally there is more to look at but currently the zoo in under going some construction for new homes for some of the animals. The elevation changes are both ways. There is one decent incline right near the start point and one major decline that is repeated twice during the race. And then at the start line/finish line you have an up/down part (which is a drag for a finish line but personally I'm used to it.) There was only one aid station this year. I'm not sure if that was because of how cold it was, but I still it wouldn't have been bad to have had a second one, maybe.
When you finish you slap the hand of the costumed gorilla and then head into the zoo's welcome center to check your results and see if you placed. Also, grab a water, yogurt bites, granola bar, Gatorade and a cup of coffee.
I was disappointed I didn't place (once again) but maybe next year. And as always, I definitely recommend this race, just for the cause and I have a fun time, even in the frigid temps.