Race #33 – Belmont Classic 5k – Belmont NC – 05/23/09


This was the 5th annual Belmont Classic 5k race, which starts and finishes at the Belmont Police Department with proceeds going towards the operation of different police projects. The weather was beautiful for a morning run and there was a good crowd of about 250-300 runners for the 5k race. Of the 33 races I’ve run so far, this is only the third one in Gaston County, so it’s always kind of special when we’re in our home territory. My wife Linda has been having problems with shin splints and hasn’t been running much lately, but today she felt great and finished 3rd in her age group while I finished 1st in my division (yay!).

One of the nicest fringe benefits of the races is meeting other runners, and today I had two different people come up and introduce themselves, saying they enjoyed reading this blog (thanks Debbie and Phil). It’s gratifying to know there are some readers out there!

At the starting line I was standing next to David Stafford and talking to him when the race started. I looked up and David was already about 20 yards ahead of me. Guess I need to start paying better attention. Eventually I caught him, maybe halfway through the race, and I spent the second half of the race wondering if he was right in back of me. I hardly ever look in back of me in a race because (a) I’ll trip and fall for sure, and (b) if I see who’s gaining on me I’d be more likely to freak out. So I just run and hope for the best.

Today’s my first “double-race day” and as soon I get off the ‘puter we’re heading for Asheville for tonight’s “Night of the Ninja 5k.”


Race Rating:
4 – 1-10 Website (Informaton, results, registration, photo links, etc.)
7 – 1-10 Awards (Quality of medals, trophies, etc.) (1 to 10)
8 – 1-10 Awards Presentation (PA system, winning times, shelter, etc.) (1 to 10)
7 – 1-10 Food for Race Participants (1 to 10)
7 – 1-10 T-Shirts (1 to 10 with 5 being average)
4 – 4/6 Part of Race Series (Grand Prix, etc.) (6=Yes and 4=No)
0 – 0/5 Professional Photography (5=Yes and 0=No)
6 – 4/6 Chip Timing (6=Yes and 4=No)
3 – 3/7 Certified Course (by USA Track & Field) (7=Yes and 3=No)
7 – 1-10 Course (1 to 10 with 5 being average)
5 – 1-10 Parking (1 to 10 with 5 being average)
7 – 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)
5 – 0/5 Indoor Shelter from Elements (0 if none; 5 if provided)
5 – 1-10 Bathroom Facilities
0 – 1-10 Other

TOTAL – 82

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