11/26/2020

Mansfield Lexington Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K Turkey Trot

Mansfield, Ohio

10K

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  44:18

Overall Place:  3rd Place

Division Place:  1st Place

Race Recap By Scott Orlando

This was the third year for the Mansfield Lexington Turkey Trot Race and my second time competing in the event.   This year the race was moved to a new location but still utilized the same paved bike trail as the previous last two years.   The new location offered more parking and probably a safer environment for social distancing.  The new start and finish line were about 1.5 miles from the previous year’s races.  The 5K course was mostly new while the 10K and half marathon utilized a great deal of the old course.   I found that the new course featured a little bit more elevation change then the old courses but still it is a relatively flat fast course.   Weather was fairly good for running with temperatures in the high 40’s but there were some strong winds in the 10 – 15 mph range.  Race organizers were under strict health department guidelines that they followed very well which included required masks, staggered starts, and social distancing.   The race was kept small by design and was very family friendly allowing dogs on leashes, strollers, and a pre race kids fun run.

I started fast which was my plan and clocked a 6:36 first mile.  For social distancing purposes I wanted to clear some space and get everyone away from me on the trail.   A 34 year old started just behind me and passed me after the first mile.   He never slowed down and was the overall winner.   I settled in at a little slower pace.  My goal was to finish the race under a 7 minute mile pace.   I was running well and trending towards my goal.   At the turnaround I was able to see the other runners behind me.   I only saw one young runner that looked like he might be able to catch me, but with a staggered start it was very hard to tell.    The last mile my GPS was telling me I was averaging a 6:56 mile pace.  I knew reaching my goal would be close so I pushed not knowing where the other runner was.   I finished not being passed by any other runners so I felt like I had a chance for 2nd overall.   Turns out the young runner who was 14 years of age started well behind me and did beat my time by about 30 seconds so I finished 3rd overall with a time of 44:18.   I am happy with my result as it was a tougher course then last year and I beat my time by about 15 seconds.   According to my GPS I averaged a 6:54 mile pace for 6:41 miles.  Officially results have me completing the course with a 7:08 mile pace.  I remember seeing a sign about 150 meters from the finish the read 10K finish so I am not sure if the course was long by design and the sign indicated the actual 10K mark or my GPS was off.

There were no awards of any kind per health department guidelines.   In the past there were no age group awards and overall winners received large baskets of Thanksgiving style groceries.  Perhaps the health department said no to this type of award offering which I certainly understand.   I am not clear on why the race directors would not be able to offer another type of award or mail out awards.   Like other races, award ceremonies are not allowed.   I don’t know all the details on why the race was not allowed to provide awards but I found it interesting.   They were able to provide the race swag in prepackaged bags as well as a table to pick from a selection of pies and some post race snacks of granola bars and bananas.  Swag for this race was awesome and included tech hoodies, finisher medals, tote bags, sponsor samples, and pies.   The race was really well organized and was executed with extreme safety.  Very well done.  I am grateful for the opportunity to share the experience with my niece who ran her 2nd ever 5K.