I competed in the 5K, but there is a 10K and a 15K available. This race is FREE to all First Responders!

Swag
This was special! Most races you get a shirt that’s either a Gildan or tech tee, however this race let you choose from a variety of options. A woman’s technical raceback tank, a tri-blend tee, a tech tee, or men’s tech sleeveless tank and any left after pickup could be purchased post race which is perfect if you want a shirt and tank. I went with the tri-blend tee, it’s so soft! I use race shirts for post runs or when at the gym so this will real great to change into after a hard run. The other swag consisted of a finisher medal, a bag, and some snacks. They made a vast improvement in the finisher and the age group medals from the past year of a standard medal with a sticker on it to this year’s that were designed specifically for the race and carved in information instead of a sticker.

Course
The race is held in Kennesaw, Georgia every Labor Day in a shopping area of town which is fairly flat with a minor incline on the way out on mile one for runners of all distances. As it is held in around a shopping district, the course is all road terrain and can lead to negative splits and a chance to PR. I’ve PR’ed at this race twice before, with last year being the picture perfect weather for a race. The sun this year really heated things up even at 8A.M. so I didn’t manage to PR. With the heat being intense the aid station around 1.2miles is greatly welcomed. There was a 5K, 10K, and 15K that all start together but have different, clearly marked, places to turn around and head back to the finish/start line. Since all distances start at the same time, you don’t know who is running the distance you are until you reach the turn around point. I like this aspect as you focus more on your own pace than trying to keep up with other runners.


Verdict
I’ve been coming to this race often over the last few years and this year was definitely the largest turnout. The variety of distances offered may be the main reason for the larger turnout. I cannot tell you how much better the race organization was this year, everything was a vast improvement and the wait for medals was just long enough. If you are a beginner this is the perfect first race to sign-up for with no stress or pressure as there are runners of all levels, from walkers, to kids, to runners, this race is great for everyone. I helped train my best friend from July until Labor Day for this race, but he mostly did it on his own and he had a great race and great time. Not only did he survive, he finished 4th in his age division! Considering he hates to sweat, never ran in school, this was a huge accomplishment.

Race Day Gear:
Headphones: Aftershockz
https://aftershokz.com/collections/wireless/products/trekz-titanium

Race Shirt: RADrabbit
https://www.runinrabbit.com/collections/mens/products/ez-tee-rabbitknit-irongate

Post Race Shirt: RADrabbit Ez Tee ringer
https://www.runinrabbit.com/products/ez-tee-ringer-eclipse

Shorts: rabbit Daisy Dukes
https://www.runinrabbit.com/collections/mens/products/daisy-dukes-2-irongate

Socks: rabbit/Swiftwick
https://www.runinrabbit.com/collections/goodies/products/rabbit-x-swiftwick-ankle-socks-ink-puffins

Buff: BibRavePro Buff
http://buffusa.com/

Hat: RADrabbit
https://www.runinrabbit.com/collections/hats/products/running-trucker-black-white

Shoes: Brooks Ghost 10
https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/brooks-ghost-10-mens-running-shoes/110257.html

Calf Sleeves: 2XU