In 2021, this inaugural race was my second local Pandemic race. And it was a five miler at the time.

yes in 2021, you had to wear a mask at the start and finish.

I signed up again for this 5 mile race in 2022 because I am a sucker for a race, any race.  Many of my friends had lost interest in racing but I knew that I would know many of the runners at the race from past races. It would be fun to re-connect.

worst weather conditions EVER!

Due to construction, ARE had to change the course and now it is a 10k race.  I was pretty sure that the weather would have to be better than in 2022 so I signed up again in 2025.

Not much!!!

Windy, cold with snow squalls!!

My running friend said, at least you can wait inside before the start and so here we are again for this 10k in 2026 hoping for a nice race day…

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

My speedwork has been non-existent and my pace has slowed to a crawl.  The weather has sucked. So I entered the race will zero expectations other than being out there running with other runners.

I did squeeze in a few UAlbany miles during the week between snow and rain…

after my last long run the Saturday before the NYC Half next weekend!!

So technically, this was my half marathon taper.

I decided to wait until race morning to pickup my bib.

This time of year is tricky to decide what to wear. It could be winter frigid or what they call in “fake spring.”  I tried to remember what I used to wear to race at this time of year.  (I seems to have dressing amnesia.)

In the end, I decided on a modified winter outfit and to bring options.

Race Day:

I got up early, had my habitual race breakfast (oatmeal & coffee) and met Deb and Barb at 8am at a nearby park n ride.  Both of them were injured so not running the race but decided to come cheer.  (Love my running friends).

I had been to Mohawk Harbor (where the race started) before but I still wanted to leave early. On the drive over, it started to pour.  That made me nervous because I hadn’t planned on rain.

Luckily it didn’t last long.

We arrived around 8:30 and parked in casino hotel parking garage. (The race didn’t start until 9:30.)

I got my bib (which was right outside) and Heidi’s (who was running the race.)

And it seemed cold so I opted to keep on my warmer A outfit (a mistake!!)

We chatted with some other runners.  We were allowed to wait in the casino hotel and use their restrooms.

There was even a Starbucks.

So we were nice and toasty warm…

We hung out until the last possible moment.

Around 9:25, I had to head to the race start area and shiver with all the other runners.

You were supposed to line up according to the finish time but I spotted my friend Sue (whom I am traveling to Asheville with in 2 weeks) and lined up wit her.

Although it was cloudy, it was actually the best weather this race has had.  Everyone seemed very happy about that.  There were over 1000 runners.

My friend Heidi was returning from an injury so she lined up at the back.  We planned to meet at the end.

The race was advertised as “mostly flat and relatively fast course uniquely includes 2 crossings of the Mohawk River.” But we all know that means there are hills. I really did not remember the course even from last year.

Course Map:

I  wore my Garmin, I didn’t look at it at all during the race since it was only 6.2 miles and there were mile markers.  But I wanted to see my splits afterward.  My goal was to run consistently but not hard. Not slip and fall!!!

I don’t remember the course in detail. What I do remember was that I was OVERDRESSED!  As I said above I have amnesia about what to wear at this time of year.  One day is is single digits and the next, it is 40 degrees.

I was warm from the start so I unzipped my jacket, took off my gloves and wished that I was not wearing a beanie…..

Parts of the course were not  scenic.  You had to run on the sidewalks along traffic.

But most of the course I enjoyed… running in a park, on a bike path and with views of the Mohawk River.

Besides being sweaty, it was slushy, riddled with puddles so it was hard to maintain consistent speed.  At one point, there was lake of water and you had to run through a snow path.  I was so afraid that I was going to fall. (Phew.  I didn’t).

Obviously the start area was very crowded and it continued that way for most of the first mile.

That was probably a good thing for me because I often start out fast.

We were also running uphill for the first few miles.  I tried to run without walking but that didn’t last long.  But for the most part, my walks were when there was a uphill.

We turned off the main road around mile 1.5.

I just trudged along, running when I could and walking when I had to.

Around mile 2.5, we turned again,

I was never running alone which was nice about a big race.

There was a clock I guess at the 5k point (but it was gun time and I don’t think I even looked).

I do remember a few downhills as we headed toward the river. There was a bridge going over the Mohawk River. I continued running slowly. All of sudden, it was windy. Normally I would complain but today it cooled me down.

The bridge was uphill but then there was a nice downhill.

Around mile 5, we ran through the old Stockade area before we hit riverside again.

I continued walking on the uphills…. unless I spotted a photographer. LOL

only one mile to go!!

Finally the finish line was in sight (or close to it).

final sprint…

bent over (no wonder my lower back often hurts… LOL)

I spotted Barb and Deb cheering me on so I sprinted as fast as I could.

As I crossed, the RD, Josh (who knows everyone’s name) announced my name.

I glanced at the time (and of course, my first thought was “Wow. That slow?!)

Post Race Activities:

I immediately took off my jacket and hat and grabbed some food -(muffins, fruit, bagels w/ cream cheese and chocolate milk). I didn’t eat anything since I was meeting friends after at a diner. But I did take a cup of coffee.

I heard that a lot runners went to Druthers afterward to enjoy the free beer or ber-mosas.

I planned to go watch and cheer my friend Heidi near the finish line. But all of a sudden, the sky opened up. It was pouring and sleeting.

I quickly headed inside and drank my coffee at Starbucks.

I felt bad for all the runners still on the course as well as the volunteers and spectators.

Heidi in the rain…

Luckily it didn’t last long.

And I did catch her finishing.

She was so happy. That first race after an injury is really important.

There were no age group awards for this race

Of course I did go online check to see my net time.

But we needed to get going since we were meeting others at a nearby diner for brunch.

Additional Race Reflections:

This was the first real local race of 2026.  It was so great to be out there and soak up the racing atmosphere again. Now if only, we could get some sunshine for a race… (and I could dress appropriately).

Positives:

• Discount to ARE members
• Part of 3 Race Challenge
• Optional race shirt.
• Participant manual and lots info before the race
• Ample parking.
• Real restrooms (in Casino Hotel)
• Dry, warm place to hang out before and after the race.
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views.
• I didn’t get wet.
• Lots of course marshals.
• Well organized.
• Familiar faces.
• Free photos.
• Post-race food.
• FREE Beer and ber-mosas at Druthers.

Negatives:

• No water stops (in this weather though, it was not necessary)
• The slush, puddles, etc.
• No age group awards.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.

It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when it is sunny and no threat of rain so runners could hang out outside after the race.

Final Stats:

Obviously this was almost a 10k PW.  I could blame my clothing, the puddles, etc.. But we all know it’s that I’m slowing down…

In fact, I was pleased with my time.  I wasn’t expecting much.  I did exactly what I had planned.  Just ran… slowly. I wasn’t ever tired. My feet didn’t hurt. My lower back felt good. Woo Hoo!

So I definitely think I could have run faster. But there didn’t seem to be a reason to.  No age group awards.  It was slippery. I was just running for me and because it makes me feel good to race. And it’s definitely more fun to share to the experience with your friends.

Next Up:

I plan to run the United NYC Half Marathon on Sunday!

This was NOT a planned race.

I had planned to sign for a half marathon in Ft. Lauderdale on Feb. 15.

But I surprisingly got into the NYC Half Marathon and it was a week before my race-cation to run the Asheville Half Marathon.

With TWO half marathons in March, I decided not run one in February.

But could I go on a vacation without a race scheduled?

Nope. So I signed up for Race For Hope 5k because:

• A race.
• (Only) a 5k.
• It wasn’t too far from where I was staying in Florida.
• The course was described as scenic (running along the water) and flat.
• It raised money for an important charity. (depression research)
• I had hoped to plan a meet-up after with two former co-workers.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations: 

If you follow my posts, you also know that I had started running again after being sidelined with bronchitis. And the weather has been horribly cold, windy and snowy.

In hindsight, a long run in preparation for my half marathon would have been more beneficial but I had already registered for this race before I got sick.

I arrived in Florida on Wednesday. After viewing the sunrise, the weather was perfect for a short run on Thursday and on Friday.

So delightful to not have to run with a coat on!! You Fkorida runners are so lucky.

Race Description:

Join the Race of Hope crew at the 5k (3.1 mile) run/walk through tranquil neighborhoods and along the beautiful water views of Palm Beach, FL. Participants from across Florida and beyond unite as a community to raise awareness about the fight to defeat depression. This race was built to please professional runners to first-time race walkers. Gather your friends, family, corporate team, and favorite racers for an incredible event for a life-saving cause.

The first 1100 race participants to pick up their packet will receive a race pullover jacket, hat, and shirt. All racers will earn a huge finisher medal at the finish line. 

Although the race sounded like fun, truthfully I was on vacation and it was very tempting to sleep in and hang out with my friends.

But I had made brunch plans for after so there was extra motivation to run the race.

Race Day:

As I always do, I brought my race day breakfast from home: oatmeal.  I was up at 5:30 am in order to be ready to leave by 6:15 am. The race started at 8:00 am and it was about a 30 min drive there. I wanted to get there early in order to find parking and pick up my race packet.

I didn’t even check the weather. I just put on a shirt and skirt with compression socks. I had opted for a red outfit since the race was held on Feb 14, Valentine’s Day.

I had no problems at all getting a parking spot near Bradley Park where the race began.  The parking was even free until 9 am.

You entered the park and you were greeted by enthusiastic volunteers.

I immediately headed to get my race packet. I was surprised when they handed me a bag and it included ALL the swag plus my bib.

best swag ever

There were booths representing organizations that supported depression research.  Many had food or freebies.

There was even a place to relax before the race.

Real restrooms in addition to porta-potties were another perk.

There was even a photo booth.

Eventually I retuned to my car to drop off my jacket and shirt.  I decided to wear the race cap and glasses to add some yellow to my outfit.

It was still early so I relaxed by the water until it was time to head to the start.

start line when I arrived

There were close to 1,000 participants (fewer than usual I guess) and many were walkers.  There were signs where to stand based on your predicted finish time.

I laughed when I saw that my time would be “fast”

While waiting, I saw a runner wearing a NYC Marathon tank… Of course, we struck up a conversation and became instant friends. She explained that she would be slow because she was undergoing  chemo. (Her slow would have been a PR for me…)

I had no pace for the race.  I knew that I would start out fast, run as long as I could and then walk whenever I was tired.

those glasses were too big and kept falling down the whole race….

I would have loved to finish sub 30 but it’s been a while since I’ve been able to do that and with no speed work and these warm temps, I would be happy to cross that finish line.

And that’s exactly what happened.

I ran the first mile without stopping.  There was a water stop and I was happy about that.

I slowed down during mile 2 and started my walks.

The course was flat and scenic as advertised.

All along the course were signs about depression:

I’m sure that I walked even more during the last mile and stopped at the 2nd water stop. It was warm and sunny and I was wishing that I had worn a tank top and no compression calf sleeves.

I crossed the finish line smiling…got a bottle of water and then my medal.

Post Race Activities:

My new friend Dolores was waiting for me so we took some pics and friended each other on FB.

As I mentioned above, I was meeting old friends at a nearby diner for brunch.

I quickly checked the results.

2nd in my AG

The awards ceremony wasn’t until 9:30 am and my free parking expired at 9 am so I left.

another medal that I don’t need anyway

Additional Race Reflections:

I have to say that this was my 2nd Florida 5k.  And I am so impressed with the organization of their races.

I’m pretty sure if I can, I will run this race again next year.

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up.
• Pre-race emails with instructions and maps.
• Lots of freebies.
• Great swag – cap, glasses, wind breaker, shirt…
• Real bathrooms at the start/finish area.
• Two water stops along the course.
• Well marked course.
• Timing clocks at each mile.
• A looped course so no repeat views.
• Water views most of the whole race.
• A great variety of pre and post race snacks.
• Nice medal.
• Friendly volunteers and runners.
• Awards announced for top 3 as well as 5 year age group awards.
• 100% given to this important charity – depression research
• Great weather (sunny and not too hot)
• No back or foot pain.

The Bad:

• Medals as age group awards
• My positive split pace.

The Ugly:

• Nothing

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.  For all the reasons above.

Final Stats:

Next Up: