10/24/2020

Race Like A Local 5K

Kent, Ohio

Scott Orlando

Finish Time: 21:05

Overall Place:  16th Place

Division Place:  2nd Place

Renee Buckus

Finish Time:  28:28

Overall Place:  57th Place

Division Place:  4th Place

Race Review By Scott Orlando

This was my first time competing in the Race Like A Local 5K and the first time the event was held in Kent, Ohio.   The course was the same course used in the Kent Turkey Trot 5K.   The weather was a little damp and chilly but actually pretty good for running.   The race started in the parking lot of Fred Fuller Park with a fast downhill section leading runners to a sharp right turn onto the bike trail along the river.   I wanted to get off to a quick start and take advantage of the early fast downhill section of the course which I did.  I quickly felt like I was running in a high school cross country meet as I was surrounded by young fast runners.  Of the 15 people that finished ahead of me 9 where under 18 years of age.  I hit the first mile marker at 6:30 so I knew I was off to a good start.  I had 2 goals in mind for the race which was to average under a 7:00 minute mile pace and finish under 21:00 minutes.   There was a very slight increase in elevation after the turn around for a half mile stretch or so that slowed me down a little but I was still well within my pace goals.  Just before mile 3 the course takes a left turn up a very steep gravel hill.  I took a little extra time going up the hill to try to keep my heart rate from climbing too high so I would be ready for a sprint to the finish at the top.   I underestimated how the climb would affect my ability to sprint.  I was pretty gassed and wasn’t able to fully push hard to the finish like I had planned.   I went as fast as I could and finished with a time of 21:05 just a few seconds over my goal.   Summit Athletic Club, NC Multisports, and Ritchie’s Sporting Goods all did an outstanding job organizing the race.  All race participants received very nice long sleeve tech shirts.