I signed up for the Ellen’s Run 5k for several reasons:

• This year, I wanted to run some NEW races.
• It was near where my college roommate lives and I would be visiting her.
• My college roommate would be volunteering at the race.
• The charity: I have several friends who have had breast cancer (including one who died recently.)

Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do try to do those weekday short runs and a long run on the weekend.

The week of the race, I ran 3m (Tues) 3.5m (wed) and then 8m (Fri).

But truthfully, if it’s fewer miles than a half marathon, I just go out and run it. At this stage of my racing, I don’t think about getting PRs.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

As I mentioned, this was a brand new race for me. I knew nothing about it and I guessed that the weather would be HOT!

After my run in NYC on Friday, I took the train out to the Hamptons. And on Saturday, I did nothing but read and float in her pool.

As per usual, I had pizza for dinner and not per usual, I had ice cream (but it was only a 5k so I wasn’t worried.)

Race Day:

My college roommate, Barbara, had signed up to volunteer at the race and her assignment began at 6:30 am.  Ouch… since the race did not begin until 9 am.

So I grabbed my oatmeal and coffee to go and hung out at the school where the race began.

I got my shirt and bib…

I decided to dedicate my run to my friend Ava who had died recently from breast cancer.

and walked around… Grabbed some freebies and bought a pair of socks (as a donation.)

Soon there was a kids race

followed by the 5k…

My Race Plan:

Do not get injured!! And most importantly, have fun!!

I would most likely do a lot of walking… I didn’t want to hurt my ankle and it was very warm and sunny.

I hesitate to even call this a “RACE.”

Advertised Course Map:

It was chip timed so I started somewhere in the middle…

I was surprised how many runners were in this race.  I think there were around 900!  Survivors wore pink bibs and there were MANY!! (There were tears in my eyes as I thought of Ava who fought this disease so courageously.)

I always have high hopes as I begin a 5k….

This one was no different…

I remember being able to run 2 miles (during the Silk & Satins 5k in July) before I had to walk…

Nope, not today. I walked at least 3 or 4 times during the first mile and I continued to walk more and more as the race went on…

I didn’t care much and I tried to at least run fast when I was running…

There was zero shade as we circled the neighborhood… I was very warm!!!!!!!! It was just survival until the end.

Nothing hurt and I was able to sprint through the finish line (in a little over 31 minutes)….

Post Race Activities:

They handed out medals and water…

A lady came up to me and asked me how old I was. She said I was her pacer. She walked when I walked and tried to catch me when I ran but she couldn’t.  She was glad when I told her my age and that she was in the next older age group.

We had both won our age groups so I decided to wait around for the award ceremony.

They only announced first place and only took a photo. Apparently for the 30th anniversary, they ordered more elaborate medals for EVERYONE so no age group awards this year.  (I was ok with that.)

We drove home and the first thing I did was jump in her pool to cool off.

Then we spent a relaxing afternoon tasting wine and listening to music.

Additional Race Reflections:

I was happy with my finish time. Yes, my pace was slow but it was sunny, warm and humid.  I wish I didn’t have to walk so often but that’s how it is these days.  My time was not much different from the other 5ks I’ve run in 2025. (Those under 30 minute 5ks are a thing of the past!!)

• Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k – 31:16
• Tropicool 5k -31:00
• Run for Women 5k – 31:28
• Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k – 30:10 (GT)
• Silks & Satins 5k – 31:42 (GT)
• Run for the Roses 5k – 32:16 (GT)
• Ellen’s Run – 31:33

I am unbelievably happy that after the race, my legs/feet felt fine.. no pain anywhere (always a good thing at my age.)

All in all, I thought this was a fun race. No regrets.

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up before the race.
• Lots of parking.
• Flat course with only one loop and water views.
• Two water stops.
• A cool medal.
• Free finisher photo.
• Important charity!!
• Virtual option.

The Bad:

• Summer heat and humidity.
• No mile markers (that I noticed)
• No age group awards (and only 1st place announced in each.)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.

I may do it again if I am visiting Barbara during this time.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

a Half Marathon!