Told you I had another recap! The Georgetown 5K was a late addition to my race schedule. Brittney at Corral B (she is a Chicago based blogger) spent the summer in Washington, DC for an internship. We both run about the same pace, so a run together was a must! Unfortunately work got a little hectic so I had to cancel our first planned run. While trying to reschedule, Brittney mentioned she was going to run the Georgetown 5K.
Image: Bishop’s Events
Of course it didn’t take much for me to sign up! I’ve never participated in a race managed by Bishop’s Events and it benefited Team RWB. I had my long run planned for Saturday, so I thought a Sunday 5K would be perfect to loosen up my tired legs.
Packet Pickup
Although the event was held in Georgetown (which is in Washington, DC), packet pickup was held at Road Runners Sports in Falls Church, Virginia. **Groan** for me, great for those who live in Virginia š I emailed race management if there was race day packet pickup, but they said “no”..so off to Falls Church I went. Honestly, it wasn’t that bad of a drive (30 minutes), but a little annoying since they only offered pickup on Saturday between 2-5PM.
It took about 5 minutes to pick up my bib and cotton shirt (which is a nice change from a tech tee). I browsed around the store for a bit, but did not pick up anything.
Race Goals (āAā least probable and āCā most probable)
Like the Crystal City Twilighter 5K I did not have any time based goals. My original plan was to run 14 miles on Saturday, followed by the 5K on Sunday. I mentioned in my Chicago Marathon Training – Week 9 – 7/27-8/2 post that my stomach wasn’t cooperating that Saturday so I ended up moving my long run to Sunday!
Georgetown 5K
I ran 9 miles before race and took an Uber to Georgetown. I continued running a bit around the waterfront. I ran to the end of Water Street (right by the kayak/boat house) and there was a Bishop employee/volunteer directing runners to the C&O Canal Trail (we had to climb a set of stairs). As I passed him, I noticed people were picking up their bibs/shirts at his table…WHAT?!?
I reached the top of the stairs and huddled with everyone as the race director gave instructions (at this time the 10 miler runners were about an 60 minutes into their race). Brittney and I quickly found each other and got ready for the start.
- Mile 1: 11:44 Woah not that bad!
- Mile 2: 12:21 Time goes by when running with a friend
- Mile 3: 12:53 Sure I’ll take a walk break!
The 5K was an out and back course on the C&O Canal Trail. This was actually my first time running on this trail and it took a little bit to get use to the gravel. I usually run on the Capital Crescent Trail which is parallel to it (and paved). It was really nice and we saw some pretty large birds hanging out in the canal.
Image: Bishop’s Events
Brittney and I chatted the entire time – it made the 5K go by so quickly! It also distracted me from thinking about my tired legs. When Brittney asked if I was okay with a run/walk approach for the second half, it was fine with me! We ended up finishing with a time of 38:26 or 12:23 min/mile.
There was a table with bananas, water, and snacks. Although it was a bit muggy out, the views were still nice! For those who are unfamiliar with the area, the below picture is in Georgetown looking into Rosslyn, Virginia.
Final Thoughts
- I liked how the proceeds went to a great cause.
- After running this 5K, I wouldn’t mind heading out along the C&O Canal again.
- The trail is shaded, which is always welcomed when it is hot out.
- There was a 10 mile option that started an hour earlier – 10 mile finishers received medals.
- Thank you volunteers at the water stop! They were super enthusiastic.
- I mentioned I wasn’t too happy with driving out to Falls Church for packet pickup. A couple of weeks ago Bishop Events sent an email (I imagine to everyone who has ever ran a race with them) and they said they heard our feedback and will begin onsite packet pickup. Yes!! That is why feedback is great – changes happen!
- Low key, no frills race.
- By the time we finished the food situation was pretty scarce – I hope those who finished later were able to at least grab a water bottle.
- Always nice to finish in Georgetown – close to shops and restaurants.
- Free photos!
- Unless you come super early – you probably not going to get a parking spot at the end of Water Street. Those are usually taken by the early morning runners/kayakers. However, there are plenty of parking options in the area (neighborhood street parking – read the signs to avoid ticketing, further along Water/K Street, garages).
- It was nice meeting a new friend! See you while I run Chicago, Brittney!
After the race, Brittney and I headed to Baked and Wired for a post run treat! I had a large iced chai tea latte with soy milk and a donut muffin. I still need to try their cookie ice cream sandwiches.
Have you been to or run in Georgetown before?
Do you mind running on gravel?
Kim Westrich
September 3, 2015Do you have advice for running on the C&O trail? I haven’t run there before and will be there for the revenge of the penguins 20-miler. I ordered gaiters – good idea? Any other suggestions? I figure 20 miles is going to be challenge enough without being annoyed by gravel so I’d like to minimize the impact š
Kim Westrich recently posted…MCM Training Week 11
Run Jenny Run
September 7, 2015Posted a message on your blog from my friend! Hope everything works out for next week. The gaiters were a good idea.
Kim Westrich
September 7, 2015Thank you so much Jennifer! I got some shoe goo yesterday so I can put velcro on the back of my shoes for the gaiters and then I will be all set for next week and my first 20-mile run. If it gets tough, I will imagine you cheering for me š
Kim Westrich recently posted…MCM Training Week 12
Amy Lauren
September 3, 2015I went to Georgetown in college, when I was in DC on a class trip. Unfortunately when I went last year, I didn’t make it back to that area but I thought it was really nice and a great place for running. I’ve never heard of a 5K that didn’t have packet pick up on the day of, but at least it was just 30 minutes (it’s hard to get anywhere in 30 minutes here and this is just Charleston…).
It was really neat that you ran the 5K with Brittney too!
Amy Lauren recently posted…Race for the ARK (21:55)
Run Jenny Run
September 7, 2015I tend to run in Georgetown more often in winter..not sure why hah. It is def fun meeting up with out of town blogger friends at races.
Kelli
September 3, 2015The C&O is a nice trail! This sounds like a great event, although I tend to agree with you that packet pickup logistics can be annoying and disruptive when you have to do it ahead of time.
Kelli recently posted…Friday Five: Fall Events
Run Jenny Run
September 7, 2015I’m looking fwd to the trail when the leaves starting changing colors. It was nice for them to change their policy for future races.
Chaitali
September 4, 2015That’s a great area for a race. And I love the shade there. That’s great that they listened to your feedback and included race day packet pick up but too bad it wasn’t in time for you to take advantage of it š
Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – Fall races
Run Jenny Run
September 7, 2015I know š Now I am more inclined to sign up for one of their races in the future… so a good move.
Jennifer @ The Final Forty
September 4, 2015Fun recap, and awesome that you got to meet up with/run with Brittney! I’m definitely not a huge fun of running on trails…and definitely not racing on them!
Jennifer @ The Final Forty recently posted…NYCM Training: Weeks 5 and 6
Run Jenny Run
September 7, 2015Thanks, Jennifer. I wonder if I can count this as my “trail run” for the year… borderline haha š
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero
September 4, 2015I am the exact same about packet pickup.
Was thinking of running a 10 miler here, but packet pickup is on Thursday night 45 min away with no other options. Totally changed my whole mind on the race.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…How to Host An Instagram Giveaway
Run Jenny Run
September 7, 2015Exactly! If the price is right for the larger races, I don’t even mind if the mail it ahead of time. I like that B.A.A 5K/10K mail packets ahead of time (for free).
Sharon
September 4, 2015Sounds like a good run! It is always fun to run with friends! Glad they are changing to have onsite packet pickup from people’s feedback!
Sharon recently posted…#7daystretch #liveinprAna Challenge Wrap Up
Run Jenny Run
September 7, 2015I was very happy when I read that email. Now I am more inclined to sign up for one of their races in the future. Good move.
Coco
September 7, 2015I usually run on the Capital Crescent, but the C&O is a nice change of scenery and shady! Sounds like a fun event!
Coco recently posted…Lawyers Can Beat The Deadline Too
Run Jenny Run
September 13, 2015It was – not sure if I could go on a LR there.
Tracy
September 18, 2015I can’t believe they had such a narrow window for packet pickup. Especially since it wasn’t even close to where the race was held. And then they had people picking up on race day anyway?! I’m glad they listened to your feedback, I agree it does make a difference!
Tracy recently posted…The Words Just Come and I Write Them As Soon As I See ‘Em
Run Jenny Run
September 21, 2015Exactly! That is the smallest window I’ve seen for packet pickup that doesn’t span a couple of days.