Once again Millennium Running had a sold out event. Check-in for bib and hoodie pick up opened at 8 AM for the start at 9:45. Despite more than two feet of snow falling less than 24 hours prior, the race site was in good condition and ready with the staple tents, pace markers, and port-a-potties.
Hundreds of runners were willing to brave the 14 degree weather, and at exactly 9:45 the organizers sent us on our way. The out and back course was mostly flat with one short challenging climb up a cul-de-sac just passed mile two. The city of Bedford provided police detail along the nicely plowed, closed roads, a few spectators braved the cold and sprinkled the course, and water was provided halfway for those that worked up a thirst.
The $30 registration fee included an awesome hoodie and post race pasta, bread, cookies and beer provided by the title sponsor and local restaurant, The Copper Door. Friendly faces served up plates of food and solo cups of Sam Adams.
For runners like me who hate to wait for official results, MR offered instant, personalized results at the finish line displayed on 2 flat screen TV's mounted on the Millennium Running Timing Trailer. All runners needed to provide was the bib number.
You would never know that this was the first running of the Snowflake Shuffle. Millennium Running did a flawless job organizing the inaugural event especially in light of the historic nor'easter. They even went the extra mile by arranging shuttles for runners forced to use overflow parking lots when mountains of snow encroached on space.
This 3 mile fun run was not the first inaugural event that I have been to. Surprisingly, I have been to many. My first half marathon was also Providence's first Rock-n-Roll event. I was part of the first run across the Pell Bridge in over 25 years and I joined over 2000 Santa's running down Elm Street. Last fall I helped kick off a new Cape Cod race as a ZOOMA ambassador.
Have you ever participated in an inaugural event? How was it?
Great recap!
ReplyDeleteThis past Nov, I ran an inaugural half marathon in Trenton, NJ. There were definitely some kinks early on in the race (very delayed start) but after that, the entire thing ran beautifully. Water stations, crowd support, etc. were fantastic. Plus, we ended in a baseball stadium at home plate! Couldn't get much better. I think directors feel pressure to add a lot of little extras for runners on the first race :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't! Thanks for sharing your recap :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on yet another great race. I can't imagine running outside on Sunday!!! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a GREAT event. So fun! PS you look so cozy and cute in your winter running gear :)
ReplyDeleteA hoodie? Nice! I'll have to keep that in mind for next year.
ReplyDeleteA hoodie for a $30 fee is impressive! I did a local 5k last year in its first year, and it was obvious at the packet pick up that they were a bit lost. But the race itself went well, thankfully! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCan't believe they gave out hoodies! Sounds like a really well run event!
ReplyDeleteCongradulations!
ReplyDeleteI am amazed they pulled off the race the day after the storm! Especially for an inaugural run. Wow! Great job with the run. I think it's awesome you got a hoodie too. Nice! I've done an inaugural race before and was very pleased.
ReplyDeletelooks like a fun race! Great job on clearing the roads! I wish my city was as good, we were a mess even half a week later.
ReplyDeleteGreat race and that's really impressive for a first time race to be able to pull it off right after Nemo! I haven't participated in an inaugural race yet, but I'll be participating this summer in the inaugural 10K at Disneyland and the Dumbo Double Dare.
ReplyDeleteI actually love inaugural events, and have done many of them - including the Newport Bridge Run and Zooma Cape Cod, like you! I also ran the inaugural Cox Rhode Races half-marathon 6 years ago, and have done it every year since, so I've got a good streak going - hoping I can keep that one up for many years to come : ) Kudos to the organizers of your race for doing such a great job the day after a blizzard!!!!!
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