RUNable Race Review: Run Run Rudolph

RACE STATS:

• DATE OF RACE: December 7, 2019
• DISTANCE(s): 10k, 5k & Kids 1-Mile Run
• REVIEWED: 5k
• LOCATION: Brookhaven, MS
• DIFFICULTY: Level 2.5
• CAUSE: Toys for Tots
• RUNscore: 3 STARS

A Running Glance:

Things I loved

• Awesome cause
• Christmas-themed event
• One word: SANTA

Things I less than loved

• Shirt design

RUNable Review:

“Run run Rudolph, Santa’s got to make it to town!” In this case, Santa *did* make it to the lovely town of Brookhaven just in time to collect “Toys for Tots” and see runners off at the “Run Run Rudolph 5k, 10k, and 1-Mile Kids Run.”

Price

Defining Moment Events (DFE) offers FIVE races in their “Ole Brook Run Series” every year. Purchased separately the cost for early registration is $25 each. ($30 a few weeks before the event and $35 on race day.) $25 is a great price for a 5k (*REALLY* great for a 10k) especially one that offers custom finisher medals for all participants. *PLUS* as an added bonus, early in the year DFE offers a “race bundle” that includes registration for ALL FIVE of their events for only $100. (That makes them only $20 each, a definite steal!)

Check out their 2020 Race Series here. I plan to attend four out of the five 2020 events, and I will run the one I can’t physically attend VIRTUALLY. DFE offering a “virtual race” option is another unique addition to the 2020 series! With my ridiculously busy schedule, it’s nice to have the choice to run it anytime/anywhere if I need to.

T-shirt/Swag

The race shirts are “Gildan Softstyle” 100% ring-spun cotton. I prefer the cotton blend shirts; they’re much lighter and more conducive to exercise. This Gildan line is a little heavier, thicker weave, which may be your preference. But it was still slightly thinner than most and quite comprotable. 🙂 The race logo is once again featured across the front, and the design is a little busy with the sponsor’s logo a little too prominent. The logo is somewhat incorporated into the design and at least in a coordinating color scheme. I actually collect reindeer Christmas decor, and that partiality somewhat saves this design in my opinion. I just love anything to do with reindeer!

The race packet contained several additional items: a plastic cup, lip balm, sunglasses, and a couple of pens, all donated by various race sponsors. The packet itself was neatly packaged and organized. #Running101

Expo/Finish Line

The finish line had hot chocolate available as well as water and Gatorade, and the pretzels and bananas were plentiful. My favorite treat on hand was by far the Christmas cookies from Janie’s Pastry Shop, a local legend and for good reason. These cookies were some kinda fine, y’all. And I know fine when I taste it! #WillRunForCookies

Medal/Awards

The medals presented a spin on this year’s t-shirt design and featured a whimsical reindeer dashing in front of a snowflake. DFE also awards their age group winners with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place pins that can be attached to the medals’ ribbon. I personally like the pins; I feel they’re a cost-effective way to recognize the race’s top performers. The first priority of the event is to raise funds for charity (Toys for Tots in this instance), so presenting pins to winners is a nice compromise that saves organizers the expense of purchasing more medals or trophies. (This also helps cover the cost of those finisher medals everyone loves!)

I was able to run all five of the Ole Brook Run Series Events in 2019, so I was presented (along with maybe 25 other folks) this additional “Ole Brook Run Series” medal for my commitment! In my best Dana Carvey as the “Church Lady” impression, “Well, isn’t that special!?” (Yes, it *really* is!)

Volunteers

As always, there were plenty of volunteers on hand to get us checked in and ready to race before the event. There was ample staff stationed along the course at key turns as well.

Course Scenery

The course began at the Old Train Depot in downtown Brookhaven. (Bonus – the bathrooms were open to participants both before and after the race!) From there we ran through several Brookhaven neighborhoods before returning to the start/finish line on South Whitworth Avenue.

One of my favorite parts of this race was the sweet Santa they had on-site taking photos with the youngsters (and the young at heart #me). Santa was also kind enough to give us a big send of and started the race with a rousing “Ho, ho, ho!” #GoGoGo

Course Difficulty: LEVEL 2.5

There were a few rollings hills, and overall it was a fun, challenging course through a mostly residential area of town. The week before the race I pulled a muscle in my back, and I was supposed to be “taking it easy” out there that day. I even swapped from the 10k to the 5k that morning in an effort to accommodate this decision. However, I was feeling great, and the weather was so nice. I felt a little wind in my hair and the next thing you knew, I had a little pep in my step. By no means did I break any world records, but it was a decent paced run that earned me third place in my age group that day. Not too shabby, especially with the recent injury I was nursing. #WorldsOkayestRunnerStrikesAgain

Aid Stations

There were several water-stops along the way offering cold water and smiles to those in need.

Parking/Access

There was plenty of parking available along the streets surrounding the Train Depot and Chamber of Commerce.

Race Management

DME knows how to put on a quality event. Steven and Jennifer McMorris love what they do, and it shows! Each event in the Ole Brook Run Series is special to them, and it is evident to everyone, from their sponsors to their charity partners. I’m excited to once again be running this series in 2020! Visit RunOleBrook.com for all the details. Register TODAY for all FIVE RACES and save. #BringOnTheBling #RunAllTheRaces #SaveAllTheMoney #WriteAllTheReviews #RunOleBrook #DefiningMomentsEvents

PS – DME is also the organizer of another great local event, The Whistlestop Challenge. (The next one is scheduled for April 24-26, 2020.) Read my RUNable Race Review of the 2019 event here, and check out the 2020 event details here! Such a fun and unique event!! #RUNable #RACEable #RECOMMENDable