Race Report: Race to the Altar 5K 2017

What happens when a race director marries her runner sweetheart? A wedding followed by a celebratory race. And a whole lotta fun!

Training & Goals
My goals were to have fun, not cry too much (weddings, man!), and not get too sweaty. Also it would be nice to have negative splits. I've been trying to start out training runs at a slow pace... with mixed success.

Race Day: March 17, 2017
First I forgot my phone -- Arthur came running out of the house to give it to me just before I drove away. Then about halfway to the venue I realized I forgot my Garmin, so I had to turn around. Luckily I made it to Beck Ranch Park with time to spare.

This wedding and race took place on St. Patrick's Day, a holiday special to the happy couple and to West Volusia Runners, the club that brought them together. Along with folks dressing up for St. Pat's, there was a bridesmaid costume contest, so several runners (male and female) were dressed in old formal dresses for the evening. There were also runners wearing tuxedo t-shirts and many more wearing regular running clothes. It was a fun mix. I wore a running skirt and a matching top to look a little bit nice for the wedding and still feel comfortable for the run. It was a beautiful evening for a wedding. At the start of the run it was 66°F with 43% humidity and bright sunshine.

Mile 1: 11:30
The course was a simple out-and-back along the multi-use trail from Beck Ranch towards the St. John's River pedestrian bridge.

Mile 2: 11:15

Mile 3+: 11:01, 1:24
Negative splits: NAILED IT!

After Party
After the race, runners, those in the wedding party, and friends and family gathered for a catered barbecue feast and fun. The whole event was put together beautifully with all aspects blending together seamlessly; I know a lot of people put a lot of work into making everything perfect and to my eyes it was a huge success.

Garmin time: 35:10
Race Amenities: A beautiful wedding, plenty of food and bev for all to enjoy, t-shirt & finisher medal for all
Cost: $28.00 including $3 processing fee

Report written April 2, 2017

Both photos of blogger (c) Almost There Photography