I had the opportunity to run the Philly 10k, despite the popularity and the lottery system. I didn't really have my heart set on it because I'm not a fan of running in the summer. I happened to volunteer for the first Philly 10k the year before and the weather was brutal. This year, the weather wasn't as bad but still, not my ideal weather.

They change the race course from the year before but the majority of the race was in the South Philly area. I opted to take Septa to the area on the morning of the race because they had warned about lack of parking spots.

The expo was really a party where you could pick up your bibs, buy some goodies and drink. The cotton tshirt ran really small, unfortunately. They didn't let you exchange your shirt at the bib pick up. They did mention that after the run, you could try to exchange the size at the Philadelphia Runner if the sizes were available. They were and I went from a small to a large (eek).

There weren't too many porta potties on race day and the lines were long, but not too long. I did get a chance to go before the start of the race. The course was mostly flat and not too bad. There were a few pot holes on the streets but most of them were easy to dodge. Near the end of the course was a bit disheartening. The course kept winding around the streets and I knew I saw the finish line but as we ran around and around, I lost track of where it was and how far to the end.

The finisher's festival was absolutely crazy. People in every direction, lines for days. I didn't really want to wait in line for any of it. I did pick up the commemorative print though (since it was in place of a medal). The line for beer and the shake shack custard was way too long. I ended up leaving before having a chance to try anything. Fortunately, shake shack offered to accept the custard ticket at their restaurant locations for those who missed out.

It's nice having a race away from the typical location near the river and art museum, but I just wish it wasn't in the dead of summer heat.