A Seahawk fan's dream run! A 5k to kick off the season, where all kinds of fans come decked out in team spirit. Great swag, Seahawk shirts and the medal alone is worth the run! But who knew we would get to finish the race coming onto the CLINK field where our players play! Can you tell I am a teeny bit excited? The course itself was nice and flat through Seattle industrial. The fans were amazing and we did plenty of SEA- HAWK yelling. We got a huge finish line inflatable to run under as we came into the field where all of the team banners and the 12's make so much noise.
after party- of course in true Seattle style there was quite the after race fun. I got to meet Walter Jones, who was recently inducted into the NFL Pro football Hall of Fame. He also stayed out and took photos with everyone who wanted one, which is cool of him. Did I mention he was a giant? I look 12 in the pictures and my preschooler looks like a baby. Then they did a huge raffle drawing for prizes, such as a signed helmet, Seahawk memorabilia, and best costume prizes! It was seriously the coolest fan activity I have been to, plus the whole I got to run a 5k and get some bling. But seriously this race wasn't about the run, but more about the experience. I will be doing this race anytime they offer it.

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Back story for race selection- As a military spouse of a wounded warrior this race in my hometown, was special to me. I got to go out a run in support of the countless heroes who walk among us. I made sure to come dressed in a pink hero shirt and warrior wife compression socks (soxbox) to support the female veterans and silent ranks(military spouses) who have spouses deployed or come home injured, or those who never return. I ran for them specifically because at the time my husbands old unit was deployed and many of my friend's husbands were fighting. I feel like they don't get enough acknowledgement as they deserve.

This race was my very first 10k. The course was fairly flat with the exception of one large hill with a steady incline about a mile in. There was plenty of water and bathrooms set up along the route. I loved that we got to cross a bridge, it made for a nice view. We doubled back the same way we came in and the large hill became a steep decline. On the way back toward the finish line we ran along the waterfront that was lined with bushes, the peonies were in bloom and it was just the breath of fresh salty & sweet air I needed to finish strong. The finish line was clearly marked so you could see it a mile away and well lined with people.
Sadly, there wasn't much of a military feel to the race, even with its name being the Heroes Half. I was expecting the colors to be presented and maybe some of the local heroes to be honored. If this happened I some how missed it. I have run a few races that were military friendly and there was always a big to do over the local heroes who attended.
I would probably not run this again, personally unless it was more patriotic, than just a name. A lot of companies and people host things in the name of veterans/ warriors to get a crowd of supporters instead of actually honoring them. I don't feel this race was insincere, just not as well thought up as could have been to match the "Honoring the Heroes among us" slogan, besides a nice discount for service members into the race. I would recommend it to civilians that just enjoy running.
Unfortunately, I hurt my ankle coming off a curb and later found out it was sprained. There are plenty of on and off curbs on this course if you stay 100% on the marked path. Caution for clumsy people like me :)