Race Recap Runner's World Festival 5k

Saturday morning started in the low 50's, when I arrived with Alek and my parents at the ArtQuest Center in Bethlehem to pick up my packet and run the Runner's World Festival 5k.  Just before the start of the race, I found that my iPod hadn't been charged.  I didn't get to run to my Halloween Playlist.

Alek and I standing in front of the Steel Stacks.

Despite my lack of playlist, there was plenty of entertainment on the course.  Near the half mile mark, a local band was playing "Eye of the Tiger".  By the one mile mark I noticed that a "joggler" had been running the race.  Yes, it is what it sounds like - a man running the entire 5k while juggling.

The "joggler" is slightly behind me (see the ball in the air?)

In addition to the "joggler", there was also an aardvark running the 5k.  I didn't see him on course (he finished a bit ahead of me), but I did see him at the finish area.

An Aardvark!

It was fun to run through the area.  There weren't too many spectators out in the neighborhood, but it was a good run on a nice morning.  

I tried to hold back during the 5k, knowing that I would be running a 10k in an hour.  I finished in 26:54 with an 8:37 pace.  Full results can be found at on active.com.  

Finishing up in front of the smoke stacks.

Stay tuned for the 10k recap!