Burritos, Beer and Bunnies

I have been super busy….doing what I am not sure…but I am catching up on some reviews…without further ado…

The 2016 Easter Egg Scramble was held on Saturday March 26, 2016. It was a sunny 45-50 degree day.

I was returning to run this race, as I ran it 2 years ago, It’s where my 5k PR stands.

Registration: This was available online, as well as a form to submit via snail mail. The price increased to $40 until online registration closed 2 days before the race. Race day registration was possible, but no shirt guarantee. Included with registration,unisex cotton short sleeve shirt, drawstring bag, bib, shoe timing chip, finisher medal, post race burrito & beer, and finisher’s print out.

*The race provided lots of information on their website, and I was on a mailing list so I received many emails. However there was an additional website out there with different information as my sister kept asking me questions about start times.

Expo/ Packet pick up: No true expo. You could pick up your things at a heath center in the Davenport area the day before the race. Someone else could pick up your things. Race day pick up was available as well as race day registration.

I was traveling to the race with Josh and would meet Kelly there as well as my sister, Amber and niece, Ella. Kelly grabbed our packets for us, and even though Josh and I registered late we got shirts. Ella registered for the 1/2 mile kids race on race day, but didn’t get a shirt, so I gave her mine.

PreRace: The race start was on a side street, near a small park. There were port-a-potties and nearby free parking. There were 2 short distance kids races (1/2 mile & 1/4 mile) that were held before the 9 am 5k start. There was music and announcements over the PA system. No National Anthem.

We watched Ella run the 1/2 mile race, she wasn’t so sure so she held her mom’s hand and they took off together. It was an uphill first 1/4 mile…when they came back, Ella was sprinting to the finish, no longer clinging to her mom’s hand.

Race/Course: Run on side streets in the East Village neighborhood.
-all paved course, no major potholes
-hilly! first half mile is all uphill, incorporating parts of the BIX course
-I don’t recall mile markers
-course closed off with cones, but still open to traffic, busy parts of River Drive
– very few spectators
-volunteers and law enforcement stationed at all major intersections
-no water/aid stations
-not much to see as most is run through a residential neighborhood, parts of the last mile have a view of the Mississippi River

we cheered Kelly on!!

My race – When I went to get my watch ready that morning, I noticed it was dead, which was confusing since I just charged it. So, I raced with no watch, which isn’t a huge problem. It had been some time since I “raced” a 5k. I was going to give it a shot, plus this route holds my PR. Ahhhh! I forget the first half mile or so was all uphill, even part of the BIX course. I even wore my On Running shoes, which make me feel fast.  Well…I really kept a faster pace, but the hills were kicking my butt. There was one last incline and I just had to slow down. I finished in 27:19, which is still good, but not close to that PR.

Finish/Post Race: The finish had an arch and timing mat. However there was no chute, but rather the Easter bunny telling you to turn right to get your chip removed, receive your medal and printout. The post race party was behind some buildings in a parking lot, off the street. There was beer (Traveler’s shandy) water, breakfast burritos, and some recovery bars. There was a 2 person live band playing some rockin tunes. Fleet Feet was there to promote the area’s new store. Awards were announced when all participants were finished. There was an easter egg hunt across the street for all kids who participated in the fun run.

Nice laid back post race, easy to chat with friends. The finish party was also in a back parking lot area, which was different when I ran it before. This allowed the race to tear down the finish that was on the streets to open the roads back up. I liked that there was beer, a nice surprise.

Overall: I like this race as it’s one of the only local 5k’s with a medal, which I factor into the higher price. Plus this race is a challenge, those hills can kick your butt!

There was also a guy who brought his pet rabbit along for the day.

Congrats to Josh who placed 2nd in his AG, earning him a discount at the newly opened FF store. So we stopped by to check it out.Thanks Phil for the cool mugs!

On to the next adventure…the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon in Springfield, IL

As always…did you run this race? please add your review to Bibrave.com