I ran this race in 2019, however, it was the half marathon distance. I decided to go the 10K route this year at the last minute due to a recent illness and other life circumstances. I was not disappointed. The route is 6.2 on the dot but still contains those rolling hills at the beginning and the end that I remember in the half marathon route. It was a chilly start to the morning, but made for good running weather once you started. Luckily you can stay warm in the mall before you take just steps outside to the start line.
Word of warning! The 10K and 5K start 45 minutes after the Half. All roads in to the mall area are closed. My friend almost did not make it to the start line. Luckily, I had parked in the Florence Plaza across Mall Road and walked over. I do like the convenience of being able to park in the mall lot, but since it was closed off before 7 am, I had a nice little .50 mile warm-up to get to the mall parking lot/start line area.

The race shirt is nice this year-long sleeved! The race management company was kind enough to send out communications that the medals had not yet arrived due to supply issues, however, they would let us know when they were in. They were also kind enough to hand out medals from another year if we wanted to take one of those home.

The finish line area had the same things we know and love at this race, including the ever-popular complimentary Skyline Chili Dog! There was also plenty of bagels, bananas, chocolate milk and such for everyone.

The race felt smaller this year, no doubt due to COVID restrictions. But the atmosphere was still amazing- there were so many people on the course who were veterans or running for veterans! Many wore bibs or shirts with veterans' names on them. I had a list of veterans' names in my pocket. This run was for them. I also enjoyed running the 10K because I was able to watch many of the half marathon runners come in after I finished- very inspirational to see so many carry the American flag across the finish line. I definitely recommend either the half or 10K distance after today.