When I first arrived at the brewery, it was full of excited runners. Once checked in, I was handed my bib and directed to the bib decorating table. Since this event is untimed, runners can decorate their bibs with anything they like. After bib decorating, I had enough time to check out some of the vendors on site. The vendors had additional raffle tickets to giveaway for the raffle at the end of the race.
All runners were then directed to go outside for a quick stretch before the race began. Unfortunately, the weather was raining, but that didn’t stop anyone. We all stretched, took some group race photos and we were off!
For a race in NE Portland, I was shocked on how great the route was. The 5K course was entirely on sidewalks. There were a few traffic lights, but luckily for me this left me running faster to make sure I made it through the light. Since the route was an “open” course, runners are directed to follow all traffic laws. Usually, I feel a bit apprehensive on open courses, and would not even think about running with my kids in the stroller, but this “open” course was much different. The course was safe, flat, and had enough space on the side of the road for multiple runners to run side by side.
It was amazing how quickly the race went. By the time I looked down at my watch to check the time, I noticed I had already ran 3.5 miles. Unfortunately, myself, along with 4 other runners had missed a turn. Luckily, another runner knew where we needed to go, to get back to the brewery. Just a short 10 blocks later, and a total of 4 miles ran, we had made it to the brewery. Once crossing the finish line, I was greeted by the race director, and handed a golden growler. Apparently, I was the first female to cross the finish line!
