Race Recap: Hershey 10k 2014

I hope you had a splendid weekend! I am sure it goes without saying that mine went very well! Peter and I participated in the Hershey 10k, which was the first race we ran together. We both did participate in the Turkey Trot this past November, but we did not run the distance together. So this was an extremely exciting race for the both of us.

Anyway, we journeyed into the town of Hershey on Saturday. This time, we didn't do the park because we have gone several times over the past few years. Kinda done with the theme park scene...for now.

So we went straight to packet pickup, followed by a quick stop at Chocolate World, then back to the hotel.

It was a decent hotel that we were very thrilled with having, until we left (whole other story involving stolen running shoes...I'll get to that another time).

We took a moment to dig into our packets and see what goodies we had...

Peter was initially given another racer's bib, but the staff at packet pickup was extremely quick with finding his.

We also got some great, light-weight athletic shirts.

After checking out our goodies, we found a place near the hotel to have dinner. It was called O'Reilly's Tap Room. The place was dead at 5. Peter and I were the only ones in the entire place. At first, I wondered if it was because it wasn't a good place to eat, but the food proved otherwise! We both got Tap Room burgers, fries, and some tasty beverages. I was full to the extreme.

Once we returned to the hotel, we tried on our race day outfits (I bought mine that morning at Under Armour). 

Matchy matchy!!

After relaxing and watching a few movies, Peter and I hit the hay so we would be up and ready by 5:30 AM. We quickly packed that morning, ate our continental breakfast and were at Hershey Stadium before 7.

We strolled around and took some pictures while waiting for the start.

We also had our pictures taken. :)

At 7:30, we started the race. We did get held up in the beginning since everyone was crammed together, but after about a mile, Peter and I were settled into a great pace and maintained it for a great deal of the run.

I thought everything was perfect. The weather, the volunteers, the crowd, and most importantly, my fiance by my side. I also felt amazing. It's nice to finally feel back to my normal self since surgery!

Anyway, my favorite part of the race was running through the park, just as it was last year. There is nothing more exhilarating than running alongside rides that get your adrenaline pumping! This year, they had the Mouse Trap and Fahrenheit coasters running while we made our way through. It really got me going!

Fun Fact: The Fahrenheit coaster was at one time the steepest roller coaster in the US

Once we rounded the final corner of the course, Peter and I grabbed hands and sprinted into the stadium and crossed the finish line together!!!

I had to purchase the above photo. It is so special to me! Our first race together! :o)

Once we finished, we were given our finisher medals (Peter's very first medal!), and lunch bag filled with Hershey goodies. I immediately plowed into my apple, but saved the most delicious oatmeal cookie for later. There were also Hershey candies scattered within. Mmmmm! This is why this race is the most delicious (next to their Half Marathon in October, of course).

Anyway, here are my race stats...

Time: 55:42
Overall Place: 693/2199
Gender Place: 309/1442
Age Place, Women: 129/541

Peter's
Time: 55:42
Overall Place: 694/2199
Gender Place: 382/757
Age Place, Men: 130/240


Tell me about your weekend of running!