RUNable Race Review: Hero Hustle

RACE STATS:

• DATE OF RACE: June 15, 2019
• DISTANCE(s): 5k, 10k
• REVIEWED: 10k
• LOCATION: Madison, MS
• DIFFICULTY: Level 2.5
• CAUSE: Webster Animal Shelter
• RUNscore: 2.8 STARS

A Running Glance:

Things I loved

• Fun “Hero” theme
• Super cool TMNT finisher medal
• Costumes were encouraged & plentiful

Things I less than loved

• Only one water stop!
• No frills post-race refreshments
• Late start time

RUNable Review:

DO THE HUSTLE!! Do-dah-do-do-do-do-do-do-do! This hero-themed race really brought out the super-hero in all of us! I know a certain Wonder Woman that had a grand ole time!

Price

The registration price was a little higher than average for this 5k, but the price was the same for the 10k, and both distances included a t-shirt and a custom-made finisher’s medal! As always, the earlier you register, the lower the price, so if you’re <clears throat> ahem… FRUGAL like me, then I’d definitely recommend taking advantage of the early bird pricing, when possible. This race started at $28 if you committed several months out and increased incrementally to $40 on race day. The charity of choice was Webster Animal Shelter, which I didn’t even know until I checked the race website just now. (It was TBA the last time I looked!) Note to Race Director – I’d recommend promoting the cause you’re supporting prior to the event, which will benefit the race and the charity two-fold. 1) Supporters who may not normally participate in a 5k might come out just to support your cause, bolstering donations and money for your charity! And 2) Promoting the cause will raise awareness of the charity, which will also benefit the organization (and community) down the line!

T-shirt/Swag

The t-shirt was a Gildan brand, “Soft Style” ring-spun variety, and 65% polyester, 35% cotton. This style is actually one of my favorites because it is thin and lightweight. The Hero Hustle logo was large across the front, while the back featured a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (TMNT) shell. #TurtlePower

Expo/Finish Line

As usual, there was music blasting pre-and-post-race, and there was a friendly photographer taking free finish line and pre-race pics. These pics were available online the same day as the race. Now, that’s impressive. I do have a suggestion though. (I’m full of them today!) Have a second photographer on course! Pick a scenic spot (in this case it would have been near that beautiful lake) and snap photos as runners go by. A well-timed pic with a scenic backdrop is a true treasure. One that I will probably feel led to share on social media and tell all my friends I got (FOR FREE) at your event!

Once again, the post-race grub was scarce. There was a box of donuts, water, kashi bars, bananas and a couple of oranges that have seen better days. Note to Race Director – I think we can amp up our presentation game here too guys. Let’s set up a second table and display the fruit and granola bars in baskets or bins. Maybe get wild and throw a tablecloth out! Invest in a cooler, and ice down that water! Which brings me to another point. It’s hot, y’all. Let’s talk about moving the race start time back to 7:30am, or even 7am. It’s summertime in Mississippi and we’re running 6.2 miles. Let’s do it before it’s hot as blazes outside!

Medal/Awards

The medal is definitely one of my favorite things about this race. I grew up in the late 80s and early 90s and had (have, actually) a brother that LOVED (loves, actually) TMNT. (I tried my best to talk him into coming out for this event. But, alas, even his love for “Mikey” couldn’t convince him that walking 3.1 miles sounded like a good idea.)

I had my eye on a Donatello medal (He’s the “purple one” and the smartest of the crew.) or a Leonardo medal (He’s the “blue one” and the unofficial leader.) but by the time I drug myself across that finish line, the only choices left were Raphael (He’s the “red one” known for his temper and wit.) and Michelangelo (That’s the “orange one” who is also a “party animal!”). I went with Raph, solely because the red matched my Wonder Woman shirt. As always, the medals and ribbons were very well made, custom pieces.

Another cool thing this race company offers is “Live Race Results!” So when you cross the finish line, you’re given your finisher medal AND age placement immediately! No standing around for an hour post-race wondering if you placed in your age group! They also go ahead and give you your AG badge right then and there! You read that right!! This feature is particularly nice if you have a super long list of weekend chores like laundry, calculus, saving the world … #EverySaturday #TheWorldJustIsntGoingToSaveItself

Volunteers

There were enough volunteers to get everyone checked in and directed along the course. As always, everyone was very welcoming and helpful.

Course Scenery

The 5k course was “out and back,” meaning we ran to a halfway point, then turned around and ran back. However, I completed the 10k which meant I had to run an extra little tenth of a mile (ish) past the finish line area, then loop back onto the 5k course to complete a second loop. My preference would be to just run further “out” for two reasons. 1) This allows you to see more scenery, rather than the same 3.1 miles twice. And 2) It’s mentally tough to run past the finish line, and then run back out to do the same course again. If you run 3.1 miles in one direction, you HAVE to finish to get back to your car. Right!? That being said, sometimes doing something that’s mentally tough is good for you! So, we will split the difference here and call this “excellent mental training!”

The highway itself was smooth, but other than one lake there wasn’t much scenery. And there was no, none, not one solitary stitch of shade! Again, with the “excellent mental (AND PHYSICAL) training!”

Course Difficulty: LEVEL 2.5

There were several rolling hills, but the lack of shade contributed more to this course’s median difficulty rating.

Aid Stations

There was ONE water stop at the 1.5-mile turnaround. (Which meant you hit it once at mile 1.5 and then again at mile 4.6ish.) There definitely should have been an aid station at the 5k turnaround. Even though the turnaround was near the finish line, participants should not have to go “off-course” to obtain water.

Given the course, time of day, and the 10k distance option, there really should have been multiple water stops along the route. They don’t even have to be manned; just pop up a table and leave an Igloo cooler full of water and a stack of cups. We will self-serve!

I ran most of the race with my #WonderTwin, Jennifer. When we got back to the 5k turnaround and realized there was no water stop on course, I asked a nearby volunteer where the water was. While we were completing that little tenth mile turn around loop, the volunteer ran across the parking lot and grabbed a couple of water bottles from the finish line area’s table. When we came back through, he handed them off to us. That warm bottle of water was a very welcomed sight! Thank you, random BRC volunteer!

Parking/Access

There was ample parking right at the start/finish line and several porta-potties were available.

Race Management

Bodies Race Company is new to town, and I can’t wait to see them establish themselves and really get their events up and going! They have several races coming down the pike, all of which include discounted EARLY registration, t-shirts, and unique finisher medals! So, sign up now! Next on the calendar is the “Firecracker Flight 5k/10k” scheduled for July 6. Use code Runable_20 to save 20% off your registration today! Have you seen the hinged firecracker medal?? WHOA BABY!

On October 26, BRC is hosting a Halloween themed “Spooky Sprint” that includes a half marathon or 5k distance options. (The half marathon medal is rumored to be HUGE!) Check out their website (or the RUNable calendar) for a list of all upcoming local events. I always tag the races I’m running “Run-W/Chris,” so you can easily see where I’ll be and when. You can even click on the “Run-W/Chris” tag and see ONLY the races I’m registered for. (I like to make it easy for my stalkers.) Happy trails!