The Mike Sterling 10K is always one of my favorite races, and this was my eighth year participating. This was the 40th year of the race, so there was a 1979 theme this year, and participants were invited to dress up in gear from the era, which I did.

The course is extremely flat. There are water views at the beginning, and the rest of the course goes through neighborhoods and Crisfield's main road. Runners finish under an arch made out of crab pots.

Swag for this year's race included a retro-style shirt, and the first 100 people also got a sweatband. Overall winners, including the fastest Crisfielder, received painted watermen's boots. First and second place in each age group received crab pot "medals."

There were two official aid stations and one in someone's yard that I think was unofficial. These were helpful, as it's usually very hot on race day — it's always held Labor Day weekend in conjunction with the National Hard Crab Derby.

Packet pickup is race morning near the Crisfield City Dock and is extremely easy. Free parking is plentiful nearby.

I'm friends with the organizers, but either way, I'd say this race is well-organized. It has grown in recent years and everything is done well. The course is well-marked, the swag is cool, there was a costume contest this year for the 1979 theme, and there are also great door prizes, including a Smith Island cake, crab meat and free pairs of shoes from VP Shoes.

I'd definitely recommend this race and hope to see you for the 41st annual next year!

Read my blog post here: https://sherunsbytheseashore.com/2019/09/06/we-threw-it-back-to-1979-at-the-mike-sterling-10k/