Race #5 – Oktoberfest 5k – Hickory NC – 10/11/08



I grew up in Hickory, and the Hickory Oktoberfest is one of my favorite festivals to attend each year. I’m always looking for people I grew up with but since I’ve been gone for about 30 years now I not only don’t see anybody I know, if I did see somebody I knew I probably wouldn’t recognize them anyway. Oh well.
The race started in downtown Hickory and went through Union Square and then through some neighborhoods on the west side of town. Nice scenery but quite a few hills, and the race ended at the top of a steep hill (I hate when that happens).
The food seemed like kind of an afterthought. Looked like somebody stopped by the grocery store and picked up some cookies and stuff on the way to the race, but it was better than nothing. The awards for the age groups were kind of strange — a blue glass (like a tumbler) that said something about the race, but I’m not sure what to do with that. I would have preferred a medal or trophy or even a ribbon.
Race Rating:
6 — 4/6 Number of Participants (4 for less than 100; 6 for 100 or more)
2 — 1-10 Awards (Quality of medals, trophies, etc.) (1 to 10)
5 — 1-10 Awards Presentation (PA system, stating winning times, etc.) (1 to 10)
4 — 1-10 Food for Race Participants (1 to 10)
5 — 1-10 T-Shirts (1 to 10 with 5 being average)
4 — 4/6 Race part of “Run for Your Life Grand Prix Series” (6=Yes and 4=No)
4 — 4/6 Online Registration (6=Yes and 4=No)
4 — 4/6 Chip Timing (6=Yes and 4=No)
3 — 3/7 Certified Course (by USA Track & Field) (7=Yes and 3=No)
6 — 1-10 Course (1 to 10 with 5 being average)
4 — 1-10 Parking (1 to 10 with 5 being average)
8 — 1-10 Entertainment (1 to 10 with 5 being average)
7 — 3/7 Age Groups (7 if 5-year groups; 3 if 10-year groups)
8 — 1-10 Bathroom Facilities
0 — 1-10 Other
TOTAL – 70

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