For the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, a pair of commemorative races was organized to take place on Kennedy Space Center property. I wanted to run the Apollo 11K but that race had a 13 minute mile minimun that I wasn't sure I could maintain, so I signed up for the accompanying Saturn 5K instead.
Training & Goals
Still wonky in the Achilles. I hoped to follow a slow and easy 2:1 run:walk ratio for the race, weather permitting. The race was along the treeless NASA Causeway with no shade. With a planned 8AM start (that ended up getting pushed back) I knew the heat and full sun might be an issue. I'm in the middle of a July runstreak so this was my 14th day in a row running at least 5K.
Race Day: July 14, 2019
Arthur came with me. We were at the Space Coast the day prior for an Astronaut Parade so I was able to pick up my packet a day early. This saved us some time race morning. We arrived in time to find a good parking spot and settle in to watch the 11K runners come in.
It was 84°F with sunny skies, 94% humidity, and a feels-like temperature of 101° by the time I started the race at 8:20AM. Yikes.
Mile 1: 12:25
On the way out I was able to keep up an easy 2:1 run:walk pace.
Mile 2: 13:06
Part of the run took us over a causeway drawbridge. I walked the uphill portions.
Mile 3+: 14:35, 1:00
In the heat I decided to switch to run/walking 1:2.
After the race
Runners were offered cold water, ice cold rags, bananas and beer after the race.
Recommendation
Well, this is probably a one-off based on the unique theme, but here's my take. The late start for the 5K sucked, but I suppose that was scheduled so runners could race both events. Pre-race information said that the pace requirement of 13 mm for the 11K was strict, but there were plenty of 11K runners who came in after the alleged cut-off (over 100 were over pace). I wish I had signed up for the 11K, for the cooler medal and earlier start time. I guess these are the kinds of kinks you might find in any brand new race.
I was happy to see that there were different shirts and medals for the two races, and I can't complain about the price I paid. There was a $15 coupon offered a couple of weeks before race day which brought the price down to a pretty good bargain for a unique 5K.
Chip time: 41:04
Placement details: 159th overall out of 440 5K finishers
Race Amenities: Unisex tech shirt and medal for all finishers (different shirt and medal for 11K runners)
Cost: $24.95
Report written July 17, 2019
The races keep getting smaller! This was a tiny field of just 51 runners. The Stone Island 5K was to benefit the DeBary Volunteer Fire Department. I was happy to support our local firefighters and get a nice timed race in a pretty location. Let's run! Training &...
Melissa's Race to Battle Brain Cancer is a 5K road race in Sanford, Florida. This year was the 4th annual of the growing local event. This was my first time participating in this fundraiser race. Melissa's Race follows the same 5K course as the Riverside Dash 5K. Training...
The DBK 5K is sponsored by a local contracting company. The 2018 race was the 4th annual; I ran this one previously in 2016. Training & GoalsI was finally starting to feel like my injury was behind me following my fall and suspected fractured/bruised rib(s) at...
Whoa, it's time for the Daytona Beach Half Marathon weekend already?! I ran the half marathon in 2017 for my 3rd fastest 13.1 and again in 2018. Last year they added a new Saturday afternoon beach 5K, which could be added to either (5K...
