Winter Classic 8k – a view from the sidelines
On January 28, 2012 at 8 AM marked a special day and time in the history of the Charlotte Running Club. This was when the club held its first official race: The CRC Winter Classic 8k at Mc Alpine Park in Charlotte, NC. They used a course familiar to many runners which is the traditional 8k course at Mc Alpine that gives spectators several opportunities to see to runners pass: 1.75 miles, 3.5 miles, and at the finish.
By and large, the race came off with only few small glitches. Registration was open early and runners only had a minimal wait time to pick up their race packets. The start was on time and matched perfectly with the sun coming over the horizon to warm the runners up from the cool 30 degree temperature. The course gave the speedsters something to enjoy with along flat sections and gave those like the hills two trips up the same hill. Post race fluids and food were plentiful. The post race items given away keep the runners attention until the awards were ready. And, I would be remiss if I didn't point out that the awards actually started before the designated time.
The few glitches were with runners making the correct turns where the course over lapped. Next year, I am sure extra care will be taken to see that runners follow the correct path.
The open men's race featured a multinational flavor with an Aussie finishing 3rd, a Brit finishing 2nd, and an American and local boy finishing 1st.
The open women's race featured a strong showing by the local talent.
John and Dan got out fast followed by Paul and Chris. However, doing the 2nd loop of the course, Paul was able to close the gap passing both Chris and Dan before the finish.
Dalena was stalked the entire race by Michelle – making for a nail bitter right down to the end.
A very big shout out goes to David Lee and his son for their efforts in providing the timing services to the club for the race. A few of the runners seemed to have trouble keeping their chips attached to their shoes. I am sure giving David a few more grey hairs as he worked to resolve these issues for the race results.
Another big shout out goes to the race sponsors: Earth Fare, State Farm, Gore, and Charlotte Running Company. Earth Fare provided food and water for the event. State Farm provided water for the event. Gore provided product support. CSC gave post race massage which even volunteering, I wanted one. Finally, Charlotte Running Company for the race website and online registration services as well as helping with the race bag.
Last but not least were all of the volunteers that came out. No race is possible without the people that are passionate about running and passionate about making race events happen.
Then, there is the race committee of Mike, Aaron, Laura, Ben, Caitlin, and myself. We each played our supporting roles leading up to race day and then on race day. A special thanks to Mike and Laura for race day MC services during the awards and Ben for being out extra early to mark the course.
Sharing one thought at time,
The Cool Down Runner
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