In celebrations of today’s 11th annual running of the Potomac River Run Marathon and Half Marathon, I’m recapping when I ran the 2004 marathon and Bill ran the half. When we ran the race, it started and ended at Belle Haven Park in Alexandria and ran along the Mount Vernon Trail next to the beautiful Potomac River. In 2010 the race moved to the Maryland side of the Potomac River, and the course now runs along the historic C&O Canal Towpath.
In 2004 the race was on the smaller size with 204 runners completing it. Packet pick-up was offered before the race, and was a breeze.
I no longer have the shirt, but the found pictures of all of the race shirts from over the years on the race website.
Race morning started out cool and drizzly, but as the sprinkles stopped and the sun broke through the clouds, the humidity rose and it ended up being a hot sticky mess.
Pretty early in the race I caught up with a shirtless guy and ran most of the rest of the race with him. Our pace was pretty much the same, and I think I would have slowed down if I hadn’t had someone more or less pacing me.
I started out running with a hat, but as soon as the rain stopped, I took it off and tucked the bill in the back of my shorts. Eventually I stopped at a porta potty and forgot that my hat was back there. That made the second hat that I lost in the same disgusting way.
I finished in 4:05:03 (9:21 pace) and won my age group. Age group prizes were gift certificates to area restaurants and stores. Bill finished the half marathon in 1:50:12 (8:24 pace).
It was a fun little well organized race run along a beautiful course. Anytime I get to look at the Potomac River while running, I’m pretty happy!
- Questions:
- What’s the weather like where you live? ~ It’s gorgeous here!
- What’s the smallest race you’ve run?
- Who raced this weekend?
Amazing! Congratulations!
The weather is pretty. It’s definitely hot and humid (high 80s this week), but I love seeing the sun.
Smallest race was the March To Get Screened. It’s a walk/run for colon cancer awareness. I think there were just under 100 runners and then some walkers.
I’m on race hiatus until Memorial Day. I can’t wait to get back to it.
100 runners is a small race! Hope all is okay, and that you’re running again soon.
Ohhh what a way to lose a hat! HAHA
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…Face The Music Friday #32
Sadly, I’ve lost three hats that way. I’ve finally learned not to tuck my hats in the waistband of my pants.
The smallest race Ive run was the Cupid Run 5K at the Mosaic District in February!! Would love to run some more small ones!
Sue @This Mama Runs For Cupcakes recently posted…Nike Women’s DC volunteer and a training update!
Wonder how many runners are expected at the Fit Foodie 5K?
Thanks, awesome summary Debbie! I signed up for this race in Nov as an alternative to Richmond this year and am really looking forward to it! Thanks for sharing your story. 😉
You’re welcome, Beth! I didn’t even realize that they have a fall version. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
That looks like a great race. Is it still on the smaller side? It has been very warm here the past few days, getting up to or near 90 most afternoons.
I think the smallest race I’ve done was the July 4th 5K I ran last summer. I finished 2nd female overall – so that tells you how small it was!
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I think it’s still very small, and still only $10!