An early start saw myself & Hubby Ally catch the 7am subway train from New York across to Brooklyn which was an easy task (Ally knew where we were going & how to get there)
I had packed for all weather but surprisingly it was a beautiful bright glorious sunny mild(ish) morning – perfect running conditions & great start to the day! Entering Prospect Park which was literally a stones throw from the station, there was plenty activity of PPTC (Prospect Park Track Club) members setting up the water station & chip mats for the start & finish along with greeters guiding you to ‘pack pick up’ area.
On entering the room set up for race registration & number collection I was met by Chris, one of the PPTC helpers, a fellow Scot originally from Inverness- what’s the chances eh!! Obviously I had to take a photo but didn’t get a chance to chat as I was holding up everyone else coming in to collect their numbers! This very popular race sells out every year with 2316 runners taking part this year!
The area soon became very busy although never seemed overly crowded as more runners arrived & we headed up to the start, passing the ice hockey players as they were about to start and recreational runners, cyclists and dog walkers all taking advantage of the beautiful park.
Up at the starting point I was surrounded by runners of all ages & a lovely atmosphere of families with young children who were all taking part. I got speaking to a local runner Gina Schmeling who had ran this 5mile race previously as well as the marathon that takes place in the park (which is only 3miles perimeter- yeah, a lot of loops in that one)!
Before we head off we are treated to an almost operatic rendition live performance of the American national anthem- which was quite moving actually, maybe we could start this tradition before our races, a little Flower of Scotland to get everyone psyched up?!
As soon as the horn goes we’re off to a fast downhill start which levels around a lake and then loop around up past the starting point and an incline (aka hill) approaching mile3 which Gina had told me about beforehand, but pushing onwards and upwards you reach the top and it’s downhill and around again levelling off and before you know it you’re heading for the finish line!!
I crossed the line with a chip time of 39:47, finishing 281 overall & 12 in my age group of 183!
The winner Alex Strenta finished in a time of 27mins, first lady 32:16 & first junior (under 14yrs) 30:45
Impressive results I’m sure you’ll agree!
I’m delighted to have been able to take part in this race which had superb marshalling, encouragement & support along the way with a welcoming congratulations & finishers medal made for a worthwhile race to have taken part in on a beautifully sunny Thanksgiving morning.
Report by: Sally Bruce