Local Race Report: Rotary River Run 5K 2017

The DeBary Rotary River Run 5K took place along the paved trail from Gemini Springs park close to where I live. This was the second year in a row that I ran this small hometown race (here's my report from 2016). The beneficiary for the event was the Rotary Club of DeBary-Deltona-Orange City Youth Exchange program.

Training & Goals
I'd been joining pace groups with my running club which helped bring me back up to speed (so to speak). Still, my focus has been more on weight loss and I wasn't looking to PR here or on a 5K anytime soon. I did hope to beat my previous result for this race, so 32:03 was the time to beat.

Race Day: February 18, 2017
I biked over to Gemini Springs and arrived in plenty of time for the start of the race. It was 59°F at the start with clear skies.

Mile 1: 9:53
I aimed to keep a steady pace and might only slow for water. I felt good but part of this mile and a stretch at the end take place on a loose gravel road that I'm afraid to run on all-out because of footing.


Mile 2: 9:20
All paved trail, zoom!


Mile 3+: 9:50, 1:10*
A quick walk-through for the water stop on the way back and then a sprint to the finish for my second fastest 5K ever!


Recommendation
This is a nice small race with a good atmosphere and fine support and organization. I was a bit disappointed that the finisher medal is virtually identical to the medal from 2016. I would recommend this race to others and am likely to run it again -- especially considering the location, my beloved Gemini Springs.

Chip time: 30:09
Placement details: 6 out of 16 in Age Group; 73 out of 189 total finishers
Race Amenities: Cotton t-shirt & finisher medal. Post-race party with beer and barbecue.
Cost: $22.70

*I often forget to turn off my Garmin after a race, so the final time is skewed.

Report written March 6, 2017

Finish line & branded photos (c) Almost There Photography

Comments

Be the first to comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published

Local Race Recap: Deland MeStrong 5K 2022 Victory Lap

The MeStrong 5K in Deland, Florida, is a huge small town race put on by a local cancer charity and fund-raising group. The 2021 event, converted to virtual, would have been the 10th event. The organizers wanted to end on a high note, deciding that ten years of...

Local Race Recap: Melissa's Race 5K 2024

I ran this local charity race for brain cancer for the fourth time this May (previous runs were Melissa's Race 2019, Melissa's Race 2021, and Melissa's Race 2022; I also participated virtually in 2020). Melissa's Race is put on by

Race Report: Lighthouse Loop Half Marathon 2016

Lighthouse Loop is an awesome local race that benefits the athletic departments of 10 Volusia County schools. The schools man 10 water stops on the half marathon course and the stop with the best cheer squad wins the most spirited award (and a cash bonus for the...

Race Report: Disney Star Wars Dark Side 5K 2017

Woo hoo, it was time for my second Dark Side weekend! The Dark Side 5K last year was my first runDisney event and I learned a lot! I had a ton of fun then and even more fun this time since I knew better what to expect....