Look, this race is A LOT of fun. It absolutely embodies a wacky, silly ST. Patty's Day gathering & is very welcoming for everyone. For starters, there is a removable drink ticket right on your bib, that says to me - "Drink Up Buddy!" Post race, inside of the iconic Toad's Place (sweet rhyme) - there's a costume contest, a live band & a ton of post run food options.
People of all shapes & sizes come out for this Saint Patrick's kick off. I'm talkin' elite runners, walkers, casual runners, weekend warriors & I even saw a fully dressed storm trooper!
The course is simple to navigate, it has it's inclines but nothing too over bearing. With 2,000 plus runners it's easy to find your way up & back down Whalley Avenue. Whalley, itself has some steady but minor height to it & on the way to Toad's, you're certainly hitting a hill before you cross that finish line. And the finish line? PSH. Not only can you see it clear as day but you can really feel the energy from the crowd & other runners, who may already be enjoying their beers.
It felt like a way bigger race with the crowd, the colors, the music & the announcements over the speakers from local celebrities Chaz & Pam of "The Chaz & AJ Morning Show." JB Sports does a great job at making every 5K feel just as big as a 50K.
On a personal note, 2 years ago this was my 2nd race ever. As for last year, WPLR was kind enough to let me work the event with them & I got to announce the runners names at the finish line! (That is still one of my all time favorite race day memories.)
At the start this year, I was too slow getting my watch to sync with GPS, so I ran it "blind" so to speak & ended up beating my 5K personal record! WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! CAN I GET A HELL YEAH?!
Often I refer to Sunday morning races as "Run Church." It's not meant in a disrespectful way, just another quirky view of mine. I mean think about it, there's community, togetherness, moments of tranquility, self exploration & it takes faith to get up & push yourself. It's a spiritual release in many ways, if you allow it to be. Oh, but also beer.
I'm Tony Cankles, reminding you to always say Please & Thankles.
#RunRoadsStayGrounded