Race #249 - Come See Me Half Marathon - Rock Hill, SC - 04/05/14

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 registration was $65 (actually pretty cheap for a half marathon) but it sure was nice to get in free, especially since I haven't worked in a year and a half! A big thanks to Henry, who wouldn't even let me pay him half price for it and say to just pay it forward! I will!
  • I hardly ever overdress (for me) but I did for this one. Usually with temperatures in the 50s I'm comfortable wearing Under Armour Cold Gear, but with the sun beating down on me at 6 miles I left my warm shirt at the water stop, hoping to get it back at the end of the race. I was elated to get it back after the race when somebody sent it to the finish line.
  • Heart rate average down to a more normal 165 in this race.
  • Had a great time at the after-race breakfast at Anna J's Restaurant in Rock Hill with some of our running friends.


Click Here for Race Results

 Click Here for Free Photos on Come See Me Facebook Page (68 photos mostly of 5k finish & 5k awards)
My wife Linda got 1st place in  the 60-64 age group in the 5k!
My Stats:

Time:  1:39:02
Pace:  7:33
Age Group: 1 of  2
Overall:  11 of  134
Average Heart Rate: 165
Maximum Heart Race:  176
Age Graded Equivalent Time:  1:18:37  (75.32%)

***************
* RACE RATING *
***************

RACE COURSE
3 - Chip Timing: (3 points if yes)
0 - Starting Mat: (2 points if yes)
5 - Water Stops: (0)none  (2)normal  (5)extras [Gu, sports drink, etc.]
1 - Course Marking:  (0)bad  (1)good
2 - Course Scenery:  (0)bad  (2)pleasant  (5)extraordinary
1 - Mile Markers: (0)poor or none  (1)normal  (2)with clocks or time called out
2 - Volunteers:  (0)too few  (2)good
5 - Finish line: (0)mediocre  (2)not bad  (5)very good  (7)spectacular!
2 - Certified Course: (0)no  (2) yes
2 - Correct Distance: (0)no  (2)yes
1 - Partly or fully on unpaved roads:  (0)yes  (1)no

REGISTRATION
2 - Cost:  (0)expensive  (2)reasonable  (5)cheap!
3 - Race Day Registration:  (0)no  (3)yes

RESULTS
2 - Posted promptly online:  (0)no  (2)yes
1 - Clear link on website:  (0)no  (1)yes

AGE GROUPS
2 - 3 deep awards: (2)yes (0 for anything less)
5 - 5-year age groups (5 points) (0 for anything less)
1 - 14 and under group (1)
1 - 65+ group (1)
0 - 70+ group (1)
2 - Top Overall M/F:  (0)none or first only  (2)top 3 or better
2 - Masters Category(40+): (0)no  (2)yes
0 - Grand Masters Category (50+):  (0)no  (3)yes
0 - Senior Grand Masters Category: (0)no  (5)yes

AWARDS
5 - Overall Winner Awards: (0)none  (2)yes  (5)excellent
2 - Age Group Awards: (0)none  (2)yes  (5)excellent
0 - Door Prizes or Drawing: (0)no  (2)yes   (5-9)fabulous door prizes!
3 - Finisher Medals for All Finishers: (0)no  (3)yes  (5)really cool medals



POST RACE
5 - Food for Race Participants: (0-10 with 5 being average)
6 - Entertainment:  (0)no  (1-9)yes
2 - Finisher times posted after race:  (0)no  (2)yes

REST ROOMS
0 - Porta Potties:  (0)no  (1)limited, long lines  (2)plentiful
2 - Indoor Restrooms: (0)no  (1)limited, long lines  (2)plentiful

T-SHIRTS
2 - T-Shirts: (0)no  (2)yes
2 - Design: (0)not good  (1)not bad  (2)nice  (5)beautiful!
2 - Material: (0)cotton  (2)technical fabric
0 - Discount for no-shirt option:  (0)no (2)yes

PHOTOGRAPHY
0 - Professional Photography: (0)no  (5)yes
x - Prices: (0)expensive  (2)reasonable  (5)cheap!
2 - Free Photographs (newspaper, etc.):  (0)no  (2)yes  (5)lots of free pics!

PARKING
2 - Close to Start:  (2)yes  (0)no
2 - Close to Finish:  (2)yes  (0)no
2 - Plenty of spaces:  (2)yes  (0)no
2 - Free Parking:  (2)yes  (0)no

WEBSITE
0 - Dedicated race website (0)no  (2)yes
x - Results or link to results posted on website:  (0)no  (2)yes

OTHER
0 - Shelter from Inclement Weather (needed or not): (0)no  (2)yes
2 - Swag (free socks, water bottles, etc.): (0)no  (2)yes, some  (5)excellent
0 - Part of race series or Grand Prix:  (0)no  (2)yes


TOTAL:  88




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