Race #1 – Hildebran RoyalFest 5k – 09/13/08

I'm just getting around to posting this photo on the 4th anniversary of this race. A lot has happened since then... As of 09/13/12 I've run 190 races including 41 half marathons and 2 full marathons, and have been the Running Journal Grand Masters Champion for two of the past three years (55-59 age group champion the other year). I've also lost 30 more pounds, got a tan on my legs, cut 6 or 7 minutes off my 5k time, and bought some new running clothes!
My mom lived in Henry River, which is just a couple miles from Hildebran, and she went to Hildebran school so it’s a special place for me. She died 49 years ago when I was only 7, so when I saw that there was a 5k race there I wanted that to be the first one I ran, so the timing was perfect for me. It was by far the smallest race I’ve been in with only 30 runners, but it was a lot of fun and if they do it next year I’m planning on being there for it.
I gave an extra 5 points under “Other” on this race because it’s the only race I’ve been in (8 so far) that actually had a photographer who took pictures that can be found on the race website.
4 — 4/6 Number of Participants (4 for less than 100; 6 for 100 or more)
3 — 1-10 Awards (Quality of medals, trophies, etc.) (1 to 10)
7 — 1-10 Awards Presentation (PA system, stating winning times, etc.) (1 to 10)
5 — 1-10 Food for Race Participants (1 to 10)
6 — 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)
5 — 1-10 Course (1 to 10 with 5 being average)
6 — 1-10 Parking (1 to 10 with 5 being average)
4 — 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)
4 — 1-10 Bathroom Facilities
5 — 1-10 Other
TOTAL – 71

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