Klompen Classic 5K - race recap

 

It had been a few years, but I was feeling the call to return.

After all, it was “just” a 5K, right? I knew the race course was flat, the crowd support was strong, and there were lots (and I do mean LOTS) of tulips everywhere.

Then, as if on cue, the race organizers reached out and offered a comped registration in exchange for a couple of promo reels. Sold!

Let me set the scene…

Even though we’d had some warm spring days, Momma N felt the need to throw us (another) somewhat chilly evening, complete with wind. At least she showed us some grace and gave us a clear and sunny sky. 

Ignore the “cloudy” notation, it actually was sunny

I won’t go into details (you can check-out my weekend blog - HERE - for the car mishap deets), but my son (and his sweet girlfriend) came along with me, as my cheer squad and also my chauffeurs (#CarTrouble). Max also was there, but you can’t see him in the pic.   

With a 7:00PM start time, we arrived in Pella around 6:00. Fortunately, we and had plenty of time to find parking (like almost an entire mile from the start line, LOL) and walk to the staging area downtown. Seriously, there was a full crowd!

Now in its 34th year, the Klompen Classic is the kick-off to Pella’s annual Tulip Time festival. Pella has a very strong Dutch heritage, and there are numerous Dutch-inspired landmarks throughout the town. And the tulips are everywhere.

I wasn’t quite sure how to dress with the semi-cold wind/semi-warm temps that the weather conditions were displaying. I opted for capris, a tank, arm sleeves and a jacket. I’d thought of shedding the jacket, but decided to keep it, due to the wind. I’m glad I had the lightweight headband, instead of a hat (again due to the wind). 

The 2026 outfit

As mentioned, I’d run this race before, in 2017 (recap HERE) and I was excited to be back. Unbeknownst to me, the weather was very similar back then as it was this year.

From 2017’s race

The Klompen Classic is a HUGE family event, with numerous families, small kids, and tons of walkers on the cobblestone race course. It attracts a lot of nearby high school standout runners as well.

They had signs posted, encouraging the runners to line-up according to their “true honest” pace to avoid a lot of clustering. Yeah, looks good on paper, LOL. 

I found an open spot near the back of the first wave (sub-9:00 pace) and waited for the race to start. I didn’t have any specific goals, other than to run steady and hopefully keep my splits consistent. 

The first mile, as is common is such a big event, was pretty crowded and sporadic with the younger kids running (and suddenly stopping, in search of their groups/parents). I seldom ever know what my true pace is, as I usually just run by feel.  

I was a short ways past the 1-mile mark when I saw the lead runner making his way back. Yikes, my first mile spilt was 8:59, and this guy was practically an entire mile ahead of me. Humbled again.

 

It wasn’t much farther, and I spotted the lead gal. I’m always amazed how these speedy runners make it look like they’re barely breaking a sweat. They truly make look easy!

The second mile looped out around several city blocks. Thankfully, there was a small water stand near the halfway mark. Even though the temps were chilly, and the wind was cold, I still was feeling heated and thirsty. 

By the time we reached the third mile, I was definitely feeling warm, and was glad I had only worn a tank under my jacket and not a fleece-lined base layer. Amazingly, I was feeling good and the legs were feeling strong.   

At this point, I’d finished the “Mile-2” loop and was headed back towards the downtown area. There were numerous walkers coming from the opposite direction (near their 1-mile mark). The crowds of spectators, along the streets, were keeping everyone motivated and inspired.

I made the final turn, and saw the finish line. I’d been running petty strong, but was able to summon a tiny big more mojo. 

Can I just say it feels good to finish a race feeling good? I hadn’t “left it all out there,” but I had kept the legs moving steady, with no need for walk breaks. 

Done!

My stats showed a decent place amongst the other runners. My splits were consistent, just as I’d hope they’d be (8:59 / 9:09 / 9:06). All good!

The swag? A nice poly-blend shirt (cute style, but I honestly do not need another shirt in my dresser). I gifted it to the son’s GF. 

All in all, I’m calling this race a success. It was a fun event that was very well-attended. Great crowd support, and a tempo-ish pace that got me to the finish line feeling like I could have run farther.

And that’s all she wrote. 

Have you ever run a race with no goals other than to simply run strong and steady? 

I’m linking this with Jenny and Jenn for the TuesdayTopics Linkup. 

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