11/9/2019

Hot Cider Hustle 5K

Gates Mills, Ohio

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  21:06

Overall Place:  34th / 916

Division Place:  3rd / 21

Race Review By Scott Orlando

This was my first time competing in the Hot Cider Hustle. The race was held at Gilmore Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio.  Race morning temperatures were a very cold 24 degrees but with little wind the running conditions were actually pretty good.  The race field was rather large with just over 900 runners and walkers.  The course was fast and mostly flat and featured a lap around the Gilmore Academy track at the start and near the finish of the race.  I got off to a fast start clocking a 6;30 first mile.  After my second mile which was a 6:40 mile pace I decide to challenge myself to see if I could complete the last mile and finish the race with a sub seven minute mile pace.  I slowed down a bit to a 6:50 mile pace in the third mile but kicked it back into high gear for the final lap around the track and to the finish.  My finish time was 21:06 which with an average pace of 6:49 per mile.  This was my fastest 5K in many years.  I ended up 34th overall and 3rd in my division.  Ohio Runs did an excellent job producing the race.  Participants received quarter zip tech shirts, finisher mugs, caramel apples and hot cider.  Awards were presented quickly after the race and results were immediately posted.  Ohio Runs even provided shuttles to offsite parking.  If you are looking for a fast fun course and great swag, add this race to your schedule for next year.