The MIA5K is quickly becoming one of my favorite running events in Miami. Partly because it’s a 5K race (a distance I find that I miss racing), but mostly because it’s an opportunity to see a big chunk of my Miami running friends in person.
What’s more, this race makes you want to bring your A-game and, with its flat, out-and-back course, is made for nabbing that 5K PR (“personal record). My goals for this race were to (a) run my own race at my pace and (b) run at a comfortable push-pace. Those two goals worked perfectly together as I found a groove that worked for me, which allowed me to negative split the course (8:19, 8:15, 8:08, and 7:26 for that .10 mile) and finish feeling like I didn’t die out on the course. My favorite parts of the race were saying “good morning” to all the officers along the course, seeing the lululemon cheer squad near the finish line, and having a runner encourage me to finish strong.
Everything about the post-race experience was a runner’s dream with a donut from Salty Donut, a cup of beer from Vez Sur, and recovery aid complements of a foam rolling station and Jaguar Therapeutics (my go-to PT).
Pros:
Multiple locations for packet pickup and smooth process for getting bib and shirt.
All the race swag: lululemon shirt, stainless steel cup, Salty Donut donut, Veza Sur beer, and, of course, that gorgeous medal.
Post-race perks.
Great weather.
Out-and-back course that’s also nice and flat.
Perfect number of bathrooms for race participants.
Cool start/finish line signage.
Free race photos.
7am start time; race actually started at 7am.
Community connection.
Cons:
Price for the 5K is higher than average, but the items in the swag bag justify the cost.
Although race photos are free, I wasn’t in any of them. So, pro if the photographers grabbed shots of you, but con if they missed you.
This is my fourth year running this race and I’m already looking forward to running the race again next year.
Official time: 25:26 (8:11 average).
Official mood: I want to tackle my five (!!!!) year old 5K PR time once all my winter half marathons are done. To date, I’ve run 38 5Ks; almost as many half marathons!