2/24/2024

Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K

Tampa, Florida

Ken Frankenbery

Finish Time:  24:01

Overall Place:  271st Place / 6500

Division Place:  4th Place / 132

Race Recap By Ken Frankenbery:

I have a love hate relationship with big races. I love the level of competition because there is always someone to push you outside of you comfort zone.  I relish the chance to compete against the best racers from around the country and world.  The downside is the logistics and with no real warm up because you have to get corralled 30 minutes prior to the start.  Getting to the race 2 hours early to sign up, walking over 3 miles before the race start to get from packet pick up to start , waiting in porta pot lines and the mad crush of bodies at the start with everyone fighting for position.  But at the end of the day there is nothing like it.

The weather was decent and sunny, with low 60’s temperatures and a slight wind. My time was disappointing at 24:01, but I was happy with results.  I finished 4th in my age group out of 132, and 271st overall out of 6500 finishers.  My good friend John and his brother Bob both had solid races, and it was great sharing the day with them.