Local Race Recap: Hero Hustle 5K 2024
The Hero Hustle 5K, formerly known as the DBK 5K, is a fun small town race here in my hometown of DeBary, Florida. The race helps to fund the Kruid Charitable Foundation, which in turn benefits local and regional services for veterans, and other veteran causes. I've participated in this race before: DBK 5K 2016; DBK 5K 2018; Hero Hustle 5K 2022; and Hero Hustle 2023.
Training & Goals
I haven't been training or really feeling well for some months, since before my Graves' Disease diagnosis back in January 2024. Although I'm cleared for activity, I have not found my motivation yet. So there was (shock) no training for this event. I'm glad I participated, but with every race I feel less and less like a runner and that makes me sad. My plan was to just keep a brisk walking pace and see how I felt.
Race Day: May 18, 2024
I biked over to the race site on the other side of town. I arrived in plenty of time to lock up my bike and pick up my packet before the race began. After I got my stuff stowed, I hung out with some friends from WVR before it was time to run. The crowd lingering around the start/finish area seemed really big -- this event is growing. It was a hot one, with a temperature of 79°F with clear skies and 84% humidity when the race began at 7:30AM.
Mile 1: 16:00
Mile 2: 16:01
Mile 3+: 16:17, 1:30
After the Race
Free beer, popcorn, shaved ice, chips, bananas and oranges were all available for runners. There was also a buffet with potato salad, pulled pork and hot dogs. The after-party for this race always includes a bunch of bounce houses, water slides, and other inflatable entertainment options. I stayed for a few beers, watched the awards ceremony (where WVR was well-represented!), and chatted with friends before heading home after a fun race morning.
Recommendation
As before, this race had very good course support and law enforcement was out in force to keep the roads safe for runners. The roads aren't totally closed, but I feel the law enforcement presence is appropriate for the sleepy suburban streets of the course. The price is good, the swag is good (nice soft cotton t-shirt and custom finisher medal), and the after race party is fun and well-stocked. Recommended, especially for locals.
Chip time: 49:42
Placement details: 22/33 in Age Group, 348th overall out of 468 finishers
Race Amenities: Soft cotton shirt, custom finisher medal, good after party.
Cost: $26.96 for early registration with club discount
Race branded photos (c) Almost There Photography
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