Local Race Report: Rotary River Run 5K 2017

The DeBary Rotary River Run 5K took place along the paved trail from Gemini Springs park close to where I live. This was the second year in a row that I ran this small hometown race (here's my report from 2016). The beneficiary for the event was the Rotary Club of DeBary-Deltona-Orange City Youth Exchange program.

Training & Goals
I'd been joining pace groups with my running club which helped bring me back up to speed (so to speak). Still, my focus has been more on weight loss and I wasn't looking to PR here or on a 5K anytime soon. I did hope to beat my previous result for this race, so 32:03 was the time to beat.

Race Day: February 18, 2017
I biked over to Gemini Springs and arrived in plenty of time for the start of the race. It was 59°F at the start with clear skies.

Mile 1: 9:53
I aimed to keep a steady pace and might only slow for water. I felt good but part of this mile and a stretch at the end take place on a loose gravel road that I'm afraid to run on all-out because of footing.


Mile 2: 9:20
All paved trail, zoom!


Mile 3+: 9:50, 1:10*
A quick walk-through for the water stop on the way back and then a sprint to the finish for my second fastest 5K ever!


Recommendation
This is a nice small race with a good atmosphere and fine support and organization. I was a bit disappointed that the finisher medal is virtually identical to the medal from 2016. I would recommend this race to others and am likely to run it again -- especially considering the location, my beloved Gemini Springs.

Chip time: 30:09
Placement details: 6 out of 16 in Age Group; 73 out of 189 total finishers
Race Amenities: Cotton t-shirt & finisher medal. Post-race party with beer and barbecue.
Cost: $22.70

*I often forget to turn off my Garmin after a race, so the final time is skewed.

Report written March 6, 2017

Finish line & branded photos (c) Almost There Photography

Comments

Be the first to comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published

Local 5K Race Report: Volusia Pines 5K 2016 or: That Time I Won a Race

So I kind of signed up for the Volusia Pines Elementary 5K on a whim. I was looking for races on RunSignUp.com and this nearby event came up. There weren't a lot of participants listed and the price was right ($10) so I thought I'd go for it. After I registered online, I realized I hadn't been asked my shirt size. And that it wasn't a timed race, which was something I'd meant to avoid. RunSignUp allowed cancellation for a while before the registration went through, so I cancelled my registration and sent an inquiry to the race director... who thanked me profusely for signing up. I got the t-shirt business sorted out and signed up again for the race. The race was to raise money for the school's kindergarten playground.

Local Race Recap: Rotary River Run 5K 2022

I ran the Rotary River Run 5K on multi-use trails here in DeBary Florida on Saturday, April 9, 2022. I first ran this local race in 2016, its inaugural year. I also ran it in 2017. Since then, the charity race, put on by our local...

Race Report: Echo Half Marathon 2017

I ran the 4th annual Echo Half Marathon in Volusia County back in June. The point-to-point course takes runners from Beck Ranch Park in Osteen along multi-use trails back to Gemini Springs in DeBary. The race benefits Friends of Volusia County Trails, Inc.. Training & Goals

Local 5K Race Report: Peace Love Cure 2015

The Peace Love Cure 5K in Sanford was my second race. It was a nice out-and-back course through downtown Sanford and along the waterfront. Proceeds went to the American Diabetes Association.