
December 11, 2021 5 pm
The Albany Last Run is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 2000). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the light displays in the park and it ends with a downhill. I have run it every year since 2010 (except in 2019 when I was injured and in 2020 when it was canceled) and it is one of my favorite races.
So this was my TENTH time running this race!!
Unfortunately, this is the LAST YEAR for the Holiday Lights in the Park. That probably means it is the last year for this race. Sigh.
Here is a pic from a previous year:
One year, I ran this race in the rain. Another year, in a blizzard. This was how I finished the race in 2017.

icy and very slippery!! and yes, that’s me on the ground!
I was hoping for better weather this year. Could it be any worse??

They used to give out windbreakers for this race and I have them in many colors.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
The previous weekend, I finally took a break from racing and did a 8 mile long run.
Otherwise, the two weeks before, I had run a 15k, half marathon and 10k.
I guess to complete the series, I needed to run a 5k.
I didn’t say “race” because it’s very hard to “race” this race due to the weather conditions, the crowds, the ruts in the roads, slippery cobblestone, etc. My finish times are all over the place though my course PR may have been back in 2010 (29:15) and PW 7 years later in 2017 (35:08).
Of course, I debated about what to wear… I always like to look festive. But rain was predicted…
And then the temps were supposed to go up to 60 degrees. I almost switched to a skirt.
Due to the fact that this was the last year for this race, it did sell out!
To save time, I went to the race headquarters on Wednesday night and picked up my race packet. In fact, I picked up 9 of them (for the others in my running group).
As in previous years, the shirt was uni-sex and TOO big!
Race Day:
I decided to keep my original race outfit but with a lighter shirt under my long cotton tee shirt.
Most of the group carpooled together because we were having a pot luck party after and wanted to leave our food off there before the race.
We parked in the underground parking garage. Super easy (though it did cost $5).
Immediately I ran into so many runners that I knew. Everyone comes for this race.
As usual, we wanted to take pre-race photos. And a radio station was taking them and said they were send them to a phone. We took many goofy group ones. (It too a while but eventually we did get those pics/videos.)
It was so fun (even wearing masks) to see everyone and their costumes were so creative.

photo from TU
Finally we all left our warm home to go outside
and watch the pre-race fireworks:
Almost all of my friends were planning to walk the whole race. I had run through the park a few times already and had seen seen the lights.
So I decided that I would run the race and left my friends and headed toward the start.
This is the elevation according to my Garmin:
Mile 1:
I always forget that this race is not chip timed and I should start close to the front. It was very crowded and so I just pushed my way in near a few runners that I knew were at my pace.
It was dark as I crossed the start line, I am not sure that I started my Garmin right away (but whatever.)
The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was crowded at first and usually the crowd thinned out but it really never did. I unsuccessfully tried to run but just was weaving in and out. And the lights around my neck broke so I had to throw them aside (and I’m sure the bulbs got crushed).
Once in the park, we were running under the festive holiday lights. Though the road was filled with ruts and cracks, it was much lighter than on the streets. We hit our second hill and I would have normally been tempted to walk up the steep hill but I didn’t need to and actually picked up the pace.
There was a clock at every mile. It seemed that my pace was not great but too bad and around 10 mm.
Mile 2:
It was still crowded and I was passing some runners but since I felt like I was running slow due to the crowds. I was able to enjoy the lights and the crazy costumes worn by the runners. I got positive remarks from spectators about my outfit, as well.
During this mile, I was really having fun!! I was running up the hills (slowly) but not stressing about pace. My biggest issue was that I was roasting!!! It was like 60 degrees. I took off my gloves, rolled down my arm sleeves but I definitely should have dressed differently.
I took these pics the other day when I ran through the park.
The whole time I was running, I kept looking at the ground trying to avoid cracks and uneven pavement and keeping an eye out for potholes and NOT FALL!! So far so good. It was so nice that the roads were dry.
According to the clock, I was running about the same pace as mile 1.
Mile 3 – 3.1:
Finally around mile 3, there was enough space to actually RUN. We continued our loop out of the park (the last hill) and then out onto the dark streets and down the hill to the finish line.
Who doesn’t love a downhill finish?
However I made to sure to carefully sprint and I crossed at 31:XX (GT).
I was happy. I ran almost the whole thing!! And I did not fall!!
Post Race Activities:
I waited around at the finish line as others finished.
Then all of a sudden, I saw two of my group – Heidi and Chris. They had decided to run the race instead of walking it with the others.
We were sweaty so we went inside to stay warm,
I grabbed some water but there were only bananas and apples and we had a pot luck dinner planned for after so I didn’t eat anything.
Soon the walkers returned and we all headed out to our cars. I was pretty sure none of us won any awards.
An after party has been an annual event with my running group. But this year, it was also a going away party for Jenn who was moving away.
It was a fun time with lots of food and a cake.
Additional Race Reflections:
Yes, it was my slowest 5k this year but one of the most enjoyable 5ks that I ran. It was a great way to get into the holiday spirit and connect with other runners.
Positives:
- well organized (including packet pick-up)
- creative costumes
- fireworks
- scenic course (holiday lights)
- live race
- ample parking
- warm place to hang out before and after the race
- Real restrooms
- lots of familiar faces
- my running friends were there
- NO RAIN or SNOW!
Negatives:
- Gun Time not Chip time
- Unisex shirts
- 10 year age group awards
- Slippery/ruddy roads
- Refreshments (just apples & bananas)
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Yes. Definitely a must do if you live near Albany, NY. Even fun to walk it and enjoy the light displays.
Obviously this race will not be happening again. Maybe something similar will be planned during the holidays for next year?
Final Stats:
Splits:
Next Up:
Another local running organization has scheduled a few free races of varying distances called the Winter Series.
Dec 12 – 5.5k or 15k
Jan 1 – 3.75 m or HM
Jan 9 – 3m or 10k or 10m
Then a half marathon:
Happy Running? Did you run in a holiday race this year? If you did, what did you wear? Please share.
There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).
Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies and you should too.
with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.
It’s pretty much an impossible race to race because of the crowds, the dark, and the cobblestones (occasionally). Always fun though.
I do love that downhill finish!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very sad that this race will be no longer. At least I got to do it 10 times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, this looks like so much FUN, Darlene! What a happy crowd!
How nice that you had your little crew to party with afterwards, I love doing that sort of thing after a race.
Well done on running the whole 5k despite all the challenges. That first woman in your age group with 20:28 is fast! Impressive.
I didn’t do any holiday-themed race. Strangely, they’re not very common in South Africa or in Switzerland.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think costume races are a US thing lol
I love my running friends. It makes running more than finish times. Although I’d love to PR like the next runner.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much fun and I love you could do it with so many friends. And not fall over, yay! Lovely consistent splits, too. I didn’t do any themed races, though we have them here, but I did parkrun in my Little Miss Christmas leggings and Christmassy buff and saw loads of running friends, so all good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes all is good!! We are both lucky to be able to run.
LikeLike
It looks like a very scenic race. Glad you could participate with many friends.
Congrats on the finishing time. Too bad the 10 year age group awards and the gun time.
However here, in some races, I have seen a worst situation with only 2 age groups: until 49 y.o. and over 50 y.o.!
Great photos!!!!!
LikeLike
two age groups? that’s crazy. Anyway, this race is purely for fun and it was.
LikeLike
What a fun race and bummer it will no longer take place. Do you know why? It maybe have been your “slowest” 5k but at least it was fun. That is always important.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The city doesn’t want to have the light displays. Neighbors complained. I agree. I race for fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This race sounds like so much fun even though I’m not a fan of evening races. How sad that it won’t be held next year. Hopefully, the race organizers will find another location where they can hold it. Do you know the ages of the other runners who finished in front of you in the 60-69 age group – just curious how you would have done if it had been a normal 5-year age grouping.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is the only night race I run.
And yes I would have done better in the 5 year age group. But I had fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a fun race! Too bad it won’t take place any more. It does sound challenging to run with the crowds and roads! Kind of crazy how warm it was in December!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Very fun. I’ll miss it next year.
LikeLike
I love all the holiday spirit and festive outfits. Looks like a low key fun race with friends. There are some fast runners in your neck of the woods
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Age doesn’t seem to affect every runners speed.
It is fun to dress up. It adds spirit. I know you get that.
LikeLike
No holiday races for me. I should do a better job of seeking them out next year. They always look like fun with the holiday outfits. This race sounds like a lot of fun. Hopefully another one will take its place next year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe. It won’t be the same without the lights though.
Hope you can find one in your area.
LikeLike
This sounds like the most fun race ever! Such a shame it was the last year. Like you said, maybe they’ll come up with something to take its place.
Those first two women in your age group- what impressive times, especially in the dark and over slippery roads! I would gladly take 9th.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is always a fun. Glad I got to do it one more time.
Some of this old ladies are still speedy. Not me.
LikeLike
So much fun! I didn’t get to do a holiday race at night this year, but this makes me want to do it next year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe next year for you. For me if there is one it will be a daytime one.
LikeLike
You had the best race day outfit and I love all of your photos – everyone looks like they are having a blast!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. It was so fun and I loved dressing up. I know you do too.
LikeLike
Congratulations! Too bad they won’t continue this race because it looks like a fun way to wrap up the year, despite the crowds! Windbreakers have to be the best race swag, I’ve never received anything that nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now we just get shirts that don’t fit.
And yes, after 25 years, they have chosen not to have holiday lights in the park. Too bad.
LikeLike
Pingback: Racing By the Alphabet (Non-Half Marathon Version) – My First 5K and More…