Packet pick-up was very easy, since it took place at Strictly Running. The staff there is always friendly and very helpful. They had a list out that had last name and bib number readily available in case you were picking up for someone else, which I had to do since I was getting my packet as well as for two of my kids. While in Strictly Running, I quickly perused running shoes and apparel after picking up my packet. My packet consisted of a cinch bag sponsored by Panera Bread, my bib number, a long sleeve Gildan shirt, several fliers for Senior Resources (the organization that would benefit from the race and helps senior citizens with the Meals on Wheels program), and an ad for an upcoming race or two.

Race day started pretty easy enough. Since I like running on Timmerman Trail, it wasn't hard to get to. The only difference for me is that the race took place at the tennis court complex as opposed to my usual entrance, which was about half a mile away. Parking consisted of us driving over to a nearby field and leaving our vehicle in a dirt parking area, which just about everyone did. There was a registration table and a same-day packet pickup station near the start line. A DJ played motivating music up until the race started and Panera Bread set up snacks and coffee for runners in preparation of the end of the race.

The race started at 9 AM after one of the local high school's JROTC color guard presented the colors and the national anthem was played. With the start of the race, over 230 participants crossed the line that began our timing chips. While the majority of the course goes on the Timmerman trail, the first half to two-thirds a mile takes place on a road leading to a break into the Timmerman Trail. I always start in the bank, so this is a good thing because a lot of the runners, walkers, and a rucker or two were bunched up on the road.

Once we hit the actual Timmerman Trail, the crowed thinned out, and I spent the entire race being within sight of about seven runners. Between the eight of us, there was some fluctuation of who would be in the lead and this went on in groups of two or three throughout the race. But it didn't feel crowded or even lonely on the course at all. The trail is paved all the way through except for maybe a 10 foot section at the beginning of the course, and bridges of various types are sprinkled the wooded forest sections. It was quite scenic and I could enjoy several moments of running alongside creeks and over metal or wooden bridges.

There was a water station at around the 1.5 mark and it was well stocked, especially with at least four volunteers working the station. The course was also well marked with red arrows on the path, couple with cones to help make sure no one took a wrong turn. The course also had volunteers interspersed throughout the route to ensure participants didn't veer off the path or get hurt.

Reaching the finishing line meant breaking through a break in two wooded sections, which volunteers showed up each way to run. And this is where there is a slight uphill, and it's enough to notice, but it doesn't hurt your legs or your breathing capacity.

The award ceremony consisted of presenting the overall male and female winners. There were medals for the 1st to 3rd place finishers for each age and gender category. The medals themselves were something special, since they were the typical circle on a ribbon. Instead, each medal was a engraved spoon on a neck hanging ribbon. While I didn't place in this race, my son took 1st place in his age group. If I have a complaint, it is that the majority of age groups didn't have enough participants, yet my age group was pretty full when it comes to a race this size. I am definitely in a good running area if this is a problem.

Before and after the awards ceremony, I grabbed some bottle water and bananas and definitely ate what Panera Bread offered which were flavored bagels, scones, and two types of coffee.

All in all, this is a great event, and one that should get a lot more people to run it, but there were at least three other racing events happening in the Columbia area. If I am still in the area next year, I look forward to coming back. One last thing; this is the video I did of the race. https://youtu.be/bCj4Wbw3ysg

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