Between The Portage Lakes 5K

Saturday November 12th 2016

Portage Lakes, OH

Finish Time 23:19

17th overall

2nd in age division

200 dedicated and probably half crazy runners and walkers braved the cold
temperatures, rain, snow, and wind to compete in this year’s Between The Portage
Lakes 5K. This race certainly delivers on the promise of scenic views of the
Portage Lakes through the entire course. I doubt many runners took in the
scenery as they battled the elements. Race time temperature was 35 degrees.
Heavy rain turned to a wet snow mix just before the start. Winds were gusting
at 20 – 30 mph. The first mile of this course is fairly flat and fast. The
second mile has a slow steady incline at the beginning and a few small rolling
hills. The elevation changes aren’t severe, but running into strong headwinds
and wet snow made this part of the course much harder than normal. The third
mile features a short but very steep hill followed by a fairly flat fast section
leading to the finish. The finish times all appear slower than normal because
the course again was longer than 3.1 miles. Most runners had the course
measuring 3.3 to 3.4 miles. As in years past the awards were unique. Overall
winners received giant plaster fish. Age group winners received nautical themed
candle stick holders, wine bottle holders, and small candle lanterns. All
participants received the race’s customary mutant fish tech shirts and finisher
medals.