The Hippie Chick Half/Quarter was my very first half marathon back in 2010 and holds a special place in my memories. Since then, the race has been moved to a different location, been in the hands of a few race directing companies, and has added a 5k and kids run as well. It’s such a fun event, and one of the many things race director Paula Harkin of Run with Paula Events knows how to do is make the women feel special on race day. This does happen to be an all-women’s event that is designed to celebrated how amazing women are and I think the timing of Mother’s Day weekend is rather appropriate for this race! There is a all-comers 5k, so I did see a few men out running on race day, and I don’t blame them for wanting to join in on the fun too!
I arrived race morning 45 minutes early and noticed the parking lot volunteers did an excellent job getting cars parked in an orderly matter. I had time to use the port-a-potty, pick up my race bib and goodie bag, meet up with my running girlfriend, and get to back check well before the race started. Every table I went to for help that morning was organized and moving in a timely matter.
The starting line was shaded, just outside of the stadium. It was already 57 degrees and I knew it would be getting warmer as we ran (thankfully the course was plentifully stocked with water and Gatorade). I appreciated that water was in a plain cup and Gatorade was in a marked Gatorade cup so there were no surprises when I took a drink. There were no significant elevation gains on this route, as we started at 214 feet and maxed out at 227 feet, with a total gain was only 197 feet. Just before the turn-a-round is a little gain. – the only spot I felt like I was going up and it was very short. No big deal. There were spots of shade, but this countryside was mostly in the sun. I knew this ahead of time, so I did hydrate properly and the aid stations were close enough apart I didn’t have to carry any extra water with me. A few aid stations had water spraying for runners and walkers to get wet under, cooling off as needed. Thank you volunteers!
The course is pleasant out in on the beautiful rural roads of Washington County, and the small town girl in me always loves a country road route! As I got closer to the finish I had perfect timeing and ran through some sprinklers running along side the road to cool me off for the finish. My friend and I turned onto Ron Tonkin Field and ran our way to the finish arch, hearing our names announce and were both handed a beautiful finishers medal.
Participants received not only the goodie bag with race shirt, but after there was a pancake and bacon breakfast, in addition to free beer, live music, and numerous booths to visit with samples to try. It was a perfect start to my Mother’s Day weekend!
You can now register for Hippie Chick 2020 for the lowest price of $69. 2020 will take place on May 9th, so mark your calendars now.
Thank you Paula Harkin and Running with Paula Events for such a special race!
