I ran the Reston Ten Miler on March 5, 2023 as a tune-up race for my spring season. The race is put on by NoVa's Potomac River Running, a local chain of running stores. They host many events throughout the year (mostly shorter races like 5k and 10ks), so they know how to manage professional, well-run events.

I registered online about 3-4 weeks before the race. I think registration was sixty dollars, which is affordable for the area. For this, all runners received a unisex windbreaker, unique medal, course support, and expansive array of post-race snacks.

I showed up forty minutes before start time and picked up my packet on race morning. The parking lot still had plenty of spots when I arrived, but the lot did fill up by gun time. Bib pickup took place inside the high school, which was heated and had clean bathrooms (although the women's room wait was considerably longer than the men's). Given it was rather cold and blustery out, runners remained in the school hall until about five minutes before start. There was plenty of room to stretch and we had access to the water fountains.

This is a small race, just a few hundred runners, and the race had a mass start. I expected this, but mass starts, even in small races, can result in some initial congestion. I was through the crowd and on pace within 1/4-1/2 mile. The course makes a figure-eight shape on town roads, which are partially closed to through traffic. Runners get one cordoned-off lane and there are police officers/race volunteers posted at every interchange. Drivers were very respectful, albeit they were few given the early hour, and I wasn't at any risk of getting lost (a fear of mine in local races).

This course is HILLY. I had no idea Reston was so hilly! I appreciated the challenge, but runners should definitely be prepared for this. My splits were...all over the place.

Aid stations were placed every 2-3 miles, which was plenty. There isn't too much in the way of course support, but there were plenty of cheering dog walkers and neighborhood residents to keep me going. The only driver who got mad at the race was a rich looking guy trying to turn into a country club; everyone else honked or rolled down their windows to cheer for us. I really felt the community support!

The race ended at the high school, and final 1/4 mile took place on the school track. Talk about a throwback! I haven't run on a high school track in over ten years, and it was fun to take a victory lap. As runners approached the track, an emcee announced our names, which I thought was fun.

After the race, temperatures had warmed and there was plenty of space on the turf to stretch and cool down. I went back into the cafeteria for snacks, of which there plenty. Aside from water and gatorade, runners could get bananas, cookies, muffins, fruit snacks, and granola bars. About a day or two later, I received an email of free, watermarked race photos!

All in all, an incredibly professional race I'd do again in a heartbeat. My only feedback would be on the premiums. Because the windbreakers are unisex, even the XS was too large for me and hit me at a funny spot on my hips. Really, a simple tech shirt with the race logo is all I need!