The Allure of a Local Race

Big cities and big races are a big draw for a lot of runners, but there's a certain allure of a local race.

Case in point, my hometown event...the Grinnell Games.

Have you ever run such a race? An event that you could walk (or run or bike) to the start line? It's nice when most of the law enforcement personnel, manning the intersections, call you by name (and not because you've been a bad girl). And, as a bonus, you recognize all of the race volunteers on the street corners and can personally thank them, by using their name.

This past weekend, I participated in the 2019 Grinnell Games, running the 5K. I have been a huge supporter of this weekend of events since its inception, in 2012. After all, as a runner, I think it's important to support the local events that, in turn, promote the very sport that I love so much.

Various event & volunteer shirts from previous years

There are many advantages to running in a local race, one of which is meeting other local runners. It's amazing how many area runners there are that I haven't crossed paths with until an event draws all of us to the same start line.

Another thing that I appreciate is the familiarity of the race course. Even though the Grinnell Games events (race distances and routes) have varied over the years, I think I have run on most of the city streets at one time or another while training. Several of the streets see action, via my running shoes, on a weekly basis. No surprises on race day.

What a difference 12 miles can make! At the 1-mile mark and approaching the finish line in 2016...it was hot and I was tired

Then there's all the people! Often times, a lot of the volunteers are people I already know. It's nice being greeted at the water stands and on the street corners by people who know my name. Hearing your name as you cross the finish line (from more than just the announcer) is pretty sweet.

Finally, I've been able to give back as a volunteer myself. With the variety of events that have been offered over the years, I've had plenty of opportunities to not only pin on a race bib, but also don a safety vest.

Got cowbell

As mentioned, this year I ran the 5K (there also was a half marathon option and a kids' warrior run). The temps were warm, and somewhat humid. The scattered storms that had been forecast, though,  were a no-show. I finished in 26:13, which was a decent 5K finish time for me.

I have also run the half marathon three times (in 2012, 2014 and 2016). They used to offer a 10K trail run, which I ran three times as well...in 2013, combined as a combo with the half marathon in 2014, and combined with the 10K street race in 2015. I also ran the 5K (with a different route) in 2018. I had to take a pass in 2017 as I was in Duluth, MN for Grandma's Marathon that weekend.

the 5K in 2018

Needless to say, I've had a lot of fun running and racing in my hometown. I'm quite grateful to have a fun local event that doesn't require an early-morning commute to the race site, and also offers decent swag every year. There's also been plenty of opportunities to challenge myself with multiple events.

2014 half marathon... the morning after the evening 10K trail race 

My first trail race, a 10K full of hills, slippery grass and dirt (2013)

How about YOU? Do you have a local event, or several, that you've run numerous times? Have you had the opportunity to volunteer or help plan such an event?

I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

**I'm also linking this with Debbie and Marc  for the Running Coaches' Corner

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