I’ve been wanting to run a shorter local race for quite some time now. Last Sunday, September 29th, I ran the Potomac River Running’s Perfect 10 Miler / 10K in Reston, VA. Runners could select the 10 Miler or 10K-I chose the latter.
Logo: PR Running
Potomac River Running is a running store with locations in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. In addition to retail, they also offer run clubs, coaching, and their PR Race Series. They are typically smaller races and this was my first one managed by them.
Packet Pick-Up
I elected to pick up my packet on race-day, there was no way I was driving to Reston on Saturday. Packet pick-up opened at 6:30am and the run began at 8:00am. I woke up late and grabbed a bowl of cornflakes before I left.
I arrived at South Lakes High School around 7:00am and easily found parking at the front of the school. There is parking closer to packet pick-up by the track, but it is part of the course (I would have not liked being stuck there at the end of the race). I quickly picked up my technical tee, race bib, and participant pin went back to my car.
Race Day
It was a chilly Sunday morning, but not cold enough to wear my wintery running clothes (I overheat quickly). It was the perfect opportunity to break out my Zensah sleeves that my sister got me:
The 10K course started outside the high school. We ran through the surrounding neighborhoods on closed or partially closed off roads. See the course below:
I thought the local police did an excellent job marshaling the roads and keeping runners safe from the cars. There were rolling hills, but for some crazy reason, I really enjoyed them. They were manageable to climb and the downhill was pleasant.
The finish line was at the South Lakes track, and there was a nice crowd cheering on the runners. After I crossed the line I received this goody:
There was the typical post-race fare: bagels, muffins, granola bars, bananas, water, and Gatorade. I felt good after the finish, and I think I could have run a few more miles. I have been better about running regularly and seeing my trainer the past month and half-I think this helped lower my average pace, but I’m not quite there…yet 🙂
Final Thoughts
- $40 and $35 registration fees through August, the 10M and 10K respectively, that cannot be beat!
- Morning of packet pick-up and the course was well marked
- Low-key atmosphere
- Since when did I like hills?!?
- A medal for a 10K? Sure!
- For those with children, there is a kids fun run
- PR Running took race photos and uploaded them to their Flickr Account after the race (I looked heinous hence no race photo). You can download them for free.
I would definitely run this race again, and perhaps make it an annual event (although I am torn between the 10M and 10K). This would be a GREAT alternative if you did not get into the Army Ten Miler or trying your first 10K.
