This was a phenomenal race for being the first time it was run. Before the race there were Job Corps members that helped the kids fly kites. There was free Starbucks which was an awesome bonus. The shirts were great and I personally loved the saying. This race was an awesome family event. The race itself was great because you take off down the runway and do that loop twice. It is nice for families that everyone runs at different paces, because you don't have to worry about anyone getting lost. It is also nice for spectators because you can see your family members multiple times. My son thought he was going to smoke his mother and took off with a friend without me. It didn't bother me because I knew he would be fine and he was kept to a smaller confined area. The race didn't happen like he planned and let's just say he was bent out of shape that mom was winning, but I let him win at the end. There was a water stop that you hit twice, which was a great bonus. The temperature was extremely high and since you are on a runway there is no shade. This is the first race I have ever been at that the water at the water stop was actually cold.
This was a run/walk and awards didn't start until after the walkers finished. Usually I hate waiting, but I am glad that the walkers weren't left out. There was a gentleman that was the last walker and all of the Job Corps Cadets got behind him and helped him finish his last lap. My sons and I also got behind him with a bunch of other runners and cheered him on. They even put a finish tape out for him to cross. This was probably my favorite part of the race. Cheering someone on that was struggling, but refused to give up was incredible. No one had to do that, but these kids all chose to and it really showed everyone else how supportive we should be of others.
The awards they gave out were very nice. One highlight was having former olympian Tony Staynings speak to the crowd. The inspirational speech he made was great and it really gave the crowd something to think about. My husband even noted how it was amazing how much Staynings had paid attention to the runners during the race, because he was giving pointers afterwards.
The only suggestion I would have for this race is to have the refreshments if possible closer to the finish. You would have more people cheering on finishers and especially in the heat getting water right away would have been great. Other than that it was a perfect race. You can tell the race director is a runner because he did a great job. We will definitely make the trip next year.