Race Recap - Runner's World 10k

I don't normally do weekend posts, but I thought today would be special since the last few days have been awesome.  From a great race to the fantastic blogger events put on by Runner's World, I am feeling pretty pumped.  

Yesterday I ran the 10k in the Runner's World Half & Festival that has been taking over Bethlehem.  It was quite amazing and Runner's World really knows how to put on a race, or should I say...race{s}!  The start and finish was situated on the southside of Bethlehem near the Steel Stacks {the old Bethlehem Steel buildings}.  The Stacks provided an impressive backdrop for all of the festivities that were happening in that immediate area.  Check out the start of the 5k...

Payton and I posed for the camera before I set out to warm-up for the 10k. 

I was asked to participate in an interview for the local TV station {WFMZ Channel 69}.  Meteorologist Mark Shanaberger {pictured here} will be running the half tomorrow with morning anchor, Eve Tannery.

Our friends {Adam and Kevin} are attempting the hat trick, which means they are signed up to run all three races.  Personally, I say "hats off" to everyone running each race!   

My colleague, Givon, finished the 5k!!!  Good for him! 

Here are some shots of the finish line.  Again, it was so impressive...

The race was off!  Runner's World did a nice job showcasing our town when they layed out the course and I'm sure Bethlehem native Bart Yasso had certain areas in mind when developing it.  Runners ran through the southside, as well as the historic area of the northside and through the Main Street of the city.

My first mile was run in 6:37, which is ironic since my average pace was 6:37 for the entire race. 

At the end, I finished in 41:06, which was good enough for 4th female overall/approximately 52nd overall.  My conservative goal was to run under 42 minutes, so I was very happy with the results.  Jesse tried to figure out my splits and he thinks I ran the second 5k of the race faster than the first because I went through 3 miles in 20:03.  Another fact...the race consisted of about 2,000 runners. 

After the race, I had fun chatting with family, old friends and new friends.  Payton was especially happy to see her teacher from last year, Mrs. Gonzalez!

My husband {Fred} was there to cheer me on too!

...as well as my parents!

It was so nice to see my high school friend, Bridget.  She was running all three races too!

It was also nice to chat with some of my new blogger friends, Katherine and Kristin!

Before the kids' races, Kira Wiley and her band performed a selection of songs that incorporated yoga moves.  It was adorable! 

There were three Olympians in attendance at the festival, including Shalane Flanagan!

For some reason, a stray {unfinished} post was published for a good part of Saturday, so stay tuned tomorrow and Tuesday for recaps from our blogger activities.  Sorry for the confusion.  If you missed Friday's Runner's World Loving Lately, you can check it out here.

Have a great Sunday!