The Old Runner

A milestone race for me -- race number 250! When I ran my first 5k back in September of 2008 I really didn't have any intention of making it a habit. It was just something I wanted to try to do. Clearly things have gotten out of hand, but I'm happy and in better physical shape at age 62 than at any other time in my life. This was my fifth half marathon in the past six weeks and was the fastest of those five (1:36:41). Won my age group in all five of those half marathons! Pros: One of Charlotte's biggest racing events of the year with more than 2,000 finishers (1305 in the half marathon and 767 in the 10k). SouthPark Mall setting is great, providing free nearby parking for thousands of cars. Very nice course through mostly upscale South Charlotte neighborhoods. One of the nicest T-shirts of any race. Great age groups awards -- New Balance Apparel -- always something I look forward to in this race! Good crowd support for a local race and one of the best finish line...

Pros: One of South Carolina's oldest races (37 years), but first year as a half marathon. Small race (134 finishers in half marathon and 245 finishers in the 5k) was a nice departure from the huge races I've been running lately. Fewer runners allow more people to place in their age groups. Not a surprise, but it's nice when you can take home an age group award in a half marathon. Nice finish on the South Pointe High School track. Timing handled by Queen City Timing, who always does a great job and posts quick results. Cons: Got chased by a dog in the middle of the race while running out in the country! Not the fault of the race directors, of course, but next time I'll be carrying pepper spray. Additional Notes: I didn't register for the race until I got there, and just as I was getting ready to register I was approached by running friend Henry McMaster, who kindly offered to transfer his bib to me because he wasn't able to run. Race day ...

Pros: Almost 10,000 runners competed in the three races (full marathon, half marathon, and 5k) It was the 4th annual Grandfather-Grandson Knoxville Half Marathon for me and my now 26-year-old grandson Ryan. Great finish on the 50-yard-line of Neyland Stadium , home of the Tennessee Volunteers. Very good expo at the Convention Center adjoining the World's Fair Park. Spectacular start with band playing Rocky Top and a large crowd cheering runners. 24 bands and musical acts playing along the course. Nice course along the Tennessee River, through upscale neighborhoods, and along the Knoxville greenway. Lots of good post-race food including pizza and chocolate milk. I wish the pizza could have been kept warmer on this cold day, but cold pizza is better than no pizza. Beautiful finisher medal with a rotating Sunsphere. Cons: No race-day packet pickup. You can park close to the start OR close to the finish, but not both. It's not a huge distance if you're fa...