Magnuson Park Halloween 5k Race Report – Dan L

Magnuson Park Halloween 5k Race Report – Dan L

Race: Magnuson Park Series Halloween 5k

Runner: Dan L

Date: 10/28/17

Location: Seattle, WA

Results – 19:48, 1st place

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1254213028

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

1- Close to home
2- Inexpensive
3- Frequent: They have a set of races monthly, and generally offer a few distances. This day they had 5K, 10K, and 15K. Sometimes they will also have a half marathon.
These are great races that are easy to participate in for those that want more practice racing or that like to do a workout / tempo run as part of a race!

 

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

For the longer races, you repeat the same 5K loop.

 

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

Um, the fact that I won?!?

 

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

Did I mention that I won? That was the highlight.

 

Lessons Learned – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner or yourself on the next time around

HUGE PRO TIP: Club Northwest organizes these runs. Club Northwest and Seattle Running Club seem to like them as training races. The fall, however, is adult cross-country season. Generally, that means the Seattle Running Club and Club Northwest are off crushing other skinny, yet less athletically gifted, adults. Therefore, your odds of winning a Magnuson Series race go up exponentially during the fall! Did I mention that I won?

 

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Largest “hill” is about 1 km in. A good number of turns, but they are well marked. Pay attention the first lap through and you will be fine. If, however, you happen to be leading the race as I was, you may have the extra glory of running behind the lead bicycle.

 

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

They’ve done this a lot. The system works. The system does not include chip timing, however.

 

Logistics – Anything special regarding getting to/from the race, hotels around the course, registration…?

Day of race registration is easy. Toilets plentiful relative to typical race size. I was able to warm up and then roll right up to near the front of the start line with less than a minute to go before the start. Small races are great.

 

Weather and typical race conditions

Seattle weather

 

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends and family?

Sure. And if they don’t want to pay attention to your epic race, there’s a nice park they can walk around.

 

How’s the swag?

Non-existent.

 

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

I won’t rate the race in stars… Set your expectation properly, though, and these are great races. They are really convenient and provide plentiful opportunities to race. Definitely would recommend to others to do these.