Overlake Labor Day Half Marathon Race Report – Roey

Race: Overlake Labor Day HM

Runner: Roey

Date: 9/4/17

Location: Redmond, WA

Results: 1:27:44, 39th place out of 767 runners

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

Great Competition- This is the NW Championship and so the pack was fast.

It was a relatively flat course, with a few gentle inclines.

Lots of spectators and passing cars to cheer you on.

 

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

There were a few things: The course was cut short, so it wasn’t technically the full 13.1. There was an email saying that the aid stations would have cold towels, which they didn’t. It wasn’t a closed course, so around mile 9 we ran into bicyclists, walkers, etc.

 

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

Nothing out of the ordinary.

 

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular

This was the first time I really ran with any sort of pack. It was a great way to pace each other out, and support each other.

 

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Beware the Valley of the Shuffaloes. Around mile 11 you loop back and reconnect with those that are doing the 4 miler.

 

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

There is a small but dramatic up hill around mile 12.5.

 

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Once you get off the streets and highway and enter the park, its a nice route.

 

Difficulty – is it a tough course

Not at all. Its one of the easiest courses I’ve seen.

 

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Could be some improvements, but overall not a bad course.

 

Competition – is there a strong field?

Absolutely. The first place finishers were about 1:05, so there is definitely some top level talent.

 

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Pretty wide open registration with lots of advertising.

 

Aid Stations-

As I mentioned, they weren’t stocked as advertised. They all had nuun and water, however.

 

Weather and typical race conditions –

It was WARM! The sun was beating down after the first hour.

 

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

Nothing unusual for this distance.

 

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends-

There are many opportunities for spectators to watch and cheer.

 

Awards –

For the top finishers. Everyone gets a medal and a Long Sleeve tech shirt.

 

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

7 out of 10. I am sure they will work out the kinks, and improve. I highly recommend this race for anyone seeking a PR.

1 thought on “Overlake Labor Day Half Marathon Race Report – Roey”

Comments are closed.