Dash To The Finish Line 5K

Dash To The Finish Line 5K

Dash To The Finish Line 5K

( 4 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • New York,
    New York,
    United States
  • November
  • 3 miles/5K
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Jessica

New Jersey, United States
11 12
2014
"Get caught up in pre-marathon excitement!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Jessica 's thoughts:

I don’t think I can accurately describe my anticipation levels for this race. I mean: a 3.1 mile course through Manhattan that ends at the NYCM finish line, the day before the marathon, in the greatest city on earth, in Central Park, surrounded by thousands of other runners? Hell Yeah!
Because it’s such a big race, we had to go to the Marathon Expo the Thursday before for our bibs, and let me tell you: I am SO glad we did! Forget any other expos you’ve ever been to; NYCM is the best.
On race day I left SUPER early (NYC is about a 2-hour total commute for me, but very worth it) and we made our sleepy way into the city.
Instead of taking the subway like sane people, we decided to walk the mile or so to the start line for a warm up, in the rain and darkness. We finally made it to the start in front of the UN, where we were literally the 2nd group of people to show up – for real, race directors were still setting up barricades. But we hung out, had some fun photos taken, and saw some interesting characters (I’m lookin’ at you, guy with photo-realistic male genitalia printed on your compression shorts and waving a 4-foot tall Italian flag).
We huddled together in the back of the pack and slowly made our way to the start. At this point, it was COLD – our fingers had all frozen stiff and we were doing little dances to keep warm. And it didn’t help matters when the rain picked up from a drizzle to a full-bore shower. But all we did was pull our hoods tighter and run – and run we did!
Once we crossed the start, I couldn’t help it and took off. This was by far the most crowded race I’ve ever run. People were constantly maneuvering around each other, and I zig-zagged from one side of the street to the other more times than I could count, just to get around groups of people. I was actually passing people! That NEVER HAPPENS!
So while some groups weaved around like me, others jumped puddles (or splashed through them), some held hands and ran in a line (PS: not cool for almost clotheslining me, Team Germany), disabled runners ran with guides (which is the coolest most inspirational thing to see EVER) – it was a totally unique experience. We all ran through the streets of Manhattan in the rain, laughing and chatting and powering through as a giant herd. I was shocked at the number of spectators cheering us on – it was just a 5K, but these folks had cowbells, were taking pics and video with their iPads, waved signs, the works! Even in the rain!! I smiled the. Whole. Time.
I lost count of how many times I glanced at the people and buildings around me and thought, “My God, what an amazing thing I’m doing right now.” It really was humbling to be running through the huge streets with 8,000 other folks. I ran the whole race in the moment, which was also awesome motivation to run faster, which I discovered at the end of the race!
The rain and the chill in the air were forgotten – at one point I even took my hood off and let the rain cool me down because I was so hot under all my layers!! And because it was so cold, I only checked my watch once around mile 1.4. I was amazed to see that my time was only around 10:xx, and thought that was weird – maybe the satellite reception was wonky because of all the buildings I was running between?
As we coasted into Central Park for the final mile and ran under the Mile 26 banner, I thought about how amazing it would be to actually see that banner the next day after running through all 5 boroughs, and it only renewed my desire to run NYCM one day!
Once I caught glimpses of the finish line as we looped around the park, to finally see that Finish Line with all of its crazy colors and giant video screen… it was unreal! Just as I crossed the mat, I threw my hands up in the air (and refrained from waving them like I didn’t care, because it was very crowded), and crossed the NYC Marathon Finish Line!
The finishers chute was packed with folks trying to find their families and friends, on cell phones, trying to warm up, laughing and hugging – it was like the craziest parade ever. I grabbed my post-race bag of apples and pretzels and water, then the chill started to seep in. It was a long walk back to the train station in the pouring rain, but that's no one's fault but my own! Knowing now after a few more Central Park-based races, there are plenty of other warmer ways to get back to the train station.
Overall an A+! The only reason I can't do it this year is because I've got a wedding to go to on the same day!

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