Many of my weekend running friends used to run this race every year.

I had never joined them because it was always hot, the race is crowded and I’d prefer to head up to the lake early.

Then in 2021,  I decided to do the race for the first time. And I loved it

So I signed up in 2022 and more of my running friends joined me

Two years ago, I convinced a few more friends to join me.

And last year, I also had company:

I was hoping that they would sign up again this year but if not, I knew there would be many others there whom I knew.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Since the race was on a Friday, I was still able to get in a few short runs earlier in the week.

To save time on race day, I picked up my race packet at Fleet Feet on Tuesday.

Well, I wasn’t successful in getting the friends above to race but a few did agree to come and walk the 4 miles.

The weather forecast:

I hoped that they were correct and that it wouldn’t be too humid and we’d be done it got warm… This might have been my FIRST dry, non humid race of 2025.

As I’ve said in most of race recaps, my goal in racing these days is to do my best but more importantly, have fun and not get injured.

Race Day:

I ate my usual oatmeal and coffee breakfast and checked the weather – it seemed perfect!!

Similar race outfit since I needed to wear red, white and blue. I think I changed my shirt for this year:

The past few years, I carpooled with Heidi and she knew exactly where to park.  I was thrilled when she again offered. Deb and I carpooled and met the others  at Target (which was only a few miles from the race) at 7:45 am. Judy (former blogger) decided to come and so there were 5 of us and Denise drove instead.

We usually found parking on the street but it seemed much more crowded this year and so we had to park in the parking garage.

Then we walked toward the start…

We passed the finish line passing many runners that I knew.

Then of course, we took our obligatory pre-race photos…

And we made plans on where to meet after the race. It was cool to see how creatively everyone was dressed for this July 4th holiday race.

I was happy to see so many people racing… even more than last year (although I think they still offered a virtual option.)

There was so much excitement in the air. Live racing rocks!!

Eventually it was time for the race to start (9 am).

Heidi, Deb, Denise and Judy headed toward the back since they were walking.

I stayed toward the front and chatted with some runners whom  I knew.

Though I had run this race 4 times already, the only thing I remembered was that there was a BIG hill during mile 4.

Mile 1:

As I mentioned, this was a crowded race.

The bottleneck at the beginning slowed me down which was probably a good thing as I always start out too fast (and still did.).

We began running down Broadway which was a slight downhill but eventually we did hit a hill before we turned left and ran past Congress Park. I already felt the need to walk… I started thinking that this wasn’t going to be a good race…

And it seemed like everyone was passing me by but when I glanced at my watch, it showed that my pace was 9:XX minutes!! WTH?

Mile 2:

I was surrounded by runners the whole race. Several times I bumped into runners or they bumped into me.  Then again, it was a big local race with over 2300 finishers.

As we ran through neighborhoods, spectators enthusiastically cheered us on. There were musicians or bands throughout. (I borrowed some photos from FB. I hope Judy doesn’t mind).

The best part was that there were many folks spraying the runners with water as well as sprinklers set up.  I made sure that I ran through each one.

There was a water stop during this mile.  I did stop and walked for a bit to catch my breath.

I did feel a little stronger during this mile (but that was short-lived.)

Mile 3:

We ran into a few rolling hills during this mile but none too bad. As I mentioned above, there were many different groups playing music. That was a nice distraction.

Saratoga is such a pretty town. I enjoyed running through its streets.

But I started tiring and decided to just walk if I needed to.

I was surprised that there was a second water stop since the race was only 4 miles. I did appreciate it and I stopped again.

In addition to the official water stops, there seemed to be many spectators giving out bottles of water.  I did not stop at any of those since I didn’t want to carry a bottle of water or waste it.

Mile 4:

I think there was one more water stop… I was getting dizzy so I don’t really remember.

I was expecting the steep hill in the last mile. And it did not disappoint. I was wishfully thinking that I could run up the whole thing and finish strong (for once.)

Nope! I had to walk many many times.

Again this year, they gave out ice pops. I remember that it made me nauseous and I threw it away so this year I didn’t even take one.

I continued to run/walk up the hill very slowly.

Finally, I spotted that big American flag which meant we were approaching the finish line.

I sprinted as fast as I could at this point.

I saw 40:xx on the clock as I crossed the finish line and was a little disappointed. I knew I was running slower and walked a lot more than the previous year but I hoped to at least finish under 40 minutes (No biggie.).

Post Race:

I wanted to watch my friends finish

First came Heidi (she had walked the first 3 miles but then ran the last one!!)

Finally the other 3 crossed…

I checked the website to see if I won an age group award. Three years ago, I came in 2nd.  The past two years, in my new age group, I came in 5th (no surprise since I had slowed down…)

Like last year, we decided to stay in Saratoga to have brunch.  First we walked back to our cars to change into dry shirts. We also knew from previous years that the restaurants would be crowded.  So on Tuesday, I had made a reservation for 11:15.

We were early so just waited and chatted…

Worth the wait… Brunch was excellent!

Additional Race Reflections:

I felt that I could have done better if I didn’t walk as much (but I always say that AFTER the race.)

But probably the most important factors why I enjoy running this race are connecting with friends, challenging myself and the feeling of normalcy on this national holiday!

Win. Win. Win.

Positives:

• Ample parking (parking garage and street parking, if you get there early)
• Well marked course.
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Interesting course.
• Friendly volunteers.
• Music entertainment along the course.
• Enthusiastic spectators (sprinklers and ice pops)
• Easy and organized packet pick-up on Tues-Thurs and race day
• Real restrooms before and after and ample number of port-potties
• Two or three water stops for a 4 mile race.
• Additional unofficial water tables.
• Awards (3 deep) for 5 year age group awards
• Photo Booth
• 15% discount at Fleet Feet with your bib

Negatives:

• Steep hill at mile 4
• Late start – 9 am for a July race?
• $$ for race photos

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. I enjoyed it.  I hope that I can make it work and run it again next year.

Final Stats:

2021 –36:26 (PR)
2022: 36:37
2023: 38:49
2024: 40:09
2025: 40:04

Wait!! I beat last year’s time?  Woo Hoo! (Though it was a scorcher last year..)

As you can see below, I’m still the Queen of the Positive Splits.

A 10 minute pace is not bad, in my mind, for a 72 year old runner who never does speed work.

No more complaining…

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