Race Recap: Lap the Track 5K 2019

The Daytona Beach Half Marathon weekend made some changes for 2019, including adding a Saturday 5K and moving up the Sunday 5K to start shortly after the half marathon. I had planned to run the half marathon for the third year in a row. Read my previous reports from 2017 and 2018. I was glad to have the option to transfer to the Dual 5K Challenge. Following the Beachin' It 5K Saturday night, next up was the Lap the Track race on the famous Daytona Beach International Speedway.

Training & Goals
[Cue the usual of late] My right Achilles tendon is still bothering me so I haven't been running very much. No training, no goals.

Race Day: February 10, 2019
The venue for the finish line was changed for 2019. Parking was close to the finish line at One Daytona, across the road from the Speedway. I missed driving inside and parking the car in the middle of the race track. But everything went very smoothly at the new venue with plenty of volunteers to help guide us to the parking area and the event start.

My club's awesome pacers paced the half marathon and a lot of other club members ran as well. We had a group photo before the half runners took off.

Rain was threatening once more and it was a bit gloomy again with overcast skies. It was 66°F at the start with 94% humidity.

Mile 1: 12:42
The first two miles took us around the race track. I was a bit achy from the Beachin' It 5K the night before (complete lack of training) so took it slow.

Mile 2: 13:06
Achy but at least enjoying the run on the track.

Mile 3+: 13:17, 1:33
The last mile took us out of the track to a small out-and-back before we crossed International Speedway Boulevard via a pedestrian bridge. It was funny running up and down the wide access ramps; I thought we'd cross the road. Tried to push it at the end and felt ok crossing the finish line. It was fun to hear my name announced (see short video below).

After Party
Vendors and food and drink were immediately adjacent to the finish line. There was a nice spread including free beer and various snacks from First Watch, Ben & Jerry's, and other vendors. I stayed to watch a few of the first half marathoners come in before heading out for the day.

Recommendation
Organizers continue to do a great job with the events of this race weekend. Recommended.

Chip time: 40:42
Placement details: 13/45 AG and 354/668 overall
Race Amenities: Finisher medal for all, soft cotton gender-specific shirt, challenge medal for completing Dual 5K Challenge
Cost: $68.32 for the Dual 5K Challenge

Report written February 11, 2019

Group and finish line photo (c) Almost There Photography