
Race: Rhody Run
Runner: Keith Laverty
Race Date: 05/20/2018
Location: Port Townsend, WA
Results: 1st – 39:24
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1585314215
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The course, the community and the 11am start.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
- I was glad to come back and win this event for the 2nd straight year, while also racing to a new 12k PR. Uli and I worked together sharing the lead on the uphill 3rd mile, so that was great as this section had the most headwind. Overall, happy with the race execution and especially with my 2nd half of the race.
- Really wonderful to greet my wife, Elisa, and baby Luke at the finish line too! “It’s a family affair” as Elisa told the reporters about our running.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
During your training for the Rhody Run, be sure to include some solid hill training in addition to speed work or tempo work.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
- The first three miles has generally the most climbing, while the 2nd half has more downhill/flat. There is one last longer gradual climb as you approach the finish.
- Each mile marker has a group of folks/timers while announcing your splits.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
I’d say so! Especially in the middle portions and 2nd half of the course while running through more wooded/quieter sections.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
By road race standards, this falls slightly more into the tougher category with primarily uphill and downhills for most of the course. The 3rd mile is basically a gradual uphill, and this year, into a headwind.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
In it’s 40th year – you can bet that they know how to put on an event.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Historically, a fairly strong field as prize money attracts some elites. Maybe lucky for Uli and I, but 6-time Rhody Run champion, Joe Gray, didn’t make it out to this year’s race : )
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.
Easy to register and a very low registration fee. And how about an extremely convenient 11:00 am race start? This gives you the opportunity to sleep in, or if traveling from afar, the chance to take the ferries.
Weather and typical race conditions
Despite some headwind, we were faced with nearly perfect race conditions. Overcast and mid-50s. However, this race could easily be on the warmer side under the sun.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Very spectator friendly. Since this is such as big event for the community as part of their Rhody Festival, most of the community seems to come out to run or cheer on the runners.
How’s the Swag?
Everyone who registered got a very lightweight, long-sleeve zip shirt. Nice change from the usual T-shirt. Everyone (21+) also gets a free beer ticket.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 stars – Highly recommended for a classic, competitive and well-organized event.
