Finisher’s Mimosa
After a week of rain, I was so happy to see a cool and dry morning in the forecast for the Foot Traffic Hop Hop Half, 5k, and inaugural 10k on Easter Saturday morning. The Kliever Armory on NE 33nd Dr is a great place for a race: The armory’s parking lot has plenty of space for all the pre- and post-race activities, the adjacent paved lot has plenty of parking spots for race participants, and the location has easy access to the Marine Drive walking/biking path.
I had picked up my bib and t-shirt at one of the three packet pickup events offered during the week leading up to the race, so when I arrived on the day of the event, all I had to do was be in time for the start. I had time to browse the booths and get my bag ready to drop at the gear check, adding my warm jacket at the last minute. One of the sweetest vendor giveaways was a dozen chocolate eggs in a tiny egg carton!
Chocolate eggs in tiny cartons
Due to the nature of the course, the race started in two waves: The 5k started first at 7:20am, heading north to the Marine Drive Path right away. The 10k and half marathon started together at 8:15, and these two races had an out-and-back portion to the south first, before coming back across the start/finish line (giving us a 2.6mile split time in our official results), and heading out on the Marine Drive Path to their respective turnaround points.
The course was very pretty and extremely flat. As is usual for most races, the first mile was a little bit crowded, but the field spread out pretty quickly. The first aid station was located at the start/finish after 2.6 miles on the road. Once on the Marine Drive Path, there was plenty of space. The path crosses Marine Drive just before Mile 4, and the crossing was controlled by a Portland Police officer. The second aid station (including first aid) came right after the road crossing; this station offered water, electrolyte drink, Peeps, and cookies. I grabbed some water, and enjoyed the views of the Columbia River on the left and the Portland Airport with its departing planes on the right. It was cloudy in the distance, so we could not see Mount Hood this time.
The center egg spins!
The turnaround for the 10k was well marked, and volunteers reminded half marathoners to keep going straight. I considered a Peep when I passed the aid station, but settled for another cup of water instead. The final mile passed quickly, and soon the finish line was in sight. I crossed the line a little slower than I’d wished, but feeling very well considering the chest cold I had been battling all week. I received my super cute spinning finisher’s medal and a bottle of water, and crossed the street to find some food.
The brunch was catered by Spin and consisted of croissants and scrambled eggs, and McMenamins Kennedy School provided the champagne for the mimosas served in cute commemorative champagne flutes. After catching my breath and having some food, I checked my preliminary finish time at the results station, and headed home soon after. A fun event that I can definitely recommend! The course support and race organization are great, and the course is flat and beautiful. Complete results can be found here.
