RUNable Race Review: Splash Dash

RACE STATS:

• DATE OF RACE: July 20, 2019
• DISTANCE(s): 5k, 1-Mile Fun-Run
• REVIEWED: 5k
• LOCATION: Brookhaven, MS
• DIFFICULTY: Level 2.5
• CAUSE: School Supply Drive for the Brookhaven School District
• RUNscore: 3.4 Stars

A Running Glance:

Things I loved

• Soaking wet good time!
• Custom finisher medal

Things I less than loved

• If you have an aversion to water – this ain’t the race for you!

RUNable Review:

We splashed. We dashed. We had a SOAKING WET good time in Brookhaven, MS!! I came “locked and loaded” and was drenched by the time I left. (Mostly because I started a water gun fight, buuuuutttttt, none the less!) This race was advertised as “the wettest 5k of the year,” and that promise was definitely fulfilled. 🙂

Price

Pre-registration was only $25 and included a t-shirt and a custom finisher medal. That price is definitely average, and an even greater value knowing you’ll receive some cool bling when you cross that finish line! The week prior, the price increased to $30, and race-day registration *ran* participants $35. All and all, a decent price indeed.

T-shirt/Swag

The “swag bag” didn’t contain much swag, but I liked my #101 race bib number. *#Runnning101* The t-shirts were “soft-style” Gildan brand 100% “ring-spun” cotton. These were a little thicker fabric, and the color was a nice vibrant blue. The front displayed the race logo predominately, while the back of the shirt contained the numerous race sponsors. Proud to see all the support! Thank you, sponsors!

Expo/Finish Line

The finish line spread was pretty nice, especially for a 5k! Popsicles, fruit snacks, pretzels, watermelon, bananas, ice-cold Gatorade and bottled water were all plentiful! The best part, however, was seeing the full buckets of donated school supplies collected for the Brookhaven School District!

Medal/Awards

The finisher medal was made to resemble a beach ball and sported the race and sponsor logo. If you were speedy enough to place 1st, 2nd or 3rd in your age group, you received a pin to place on your medal’s ribbon. All the fast folks must have stayed home because this #SlowAndSteadyWinsTheRace runner snagged 2nd place! #IfYouAintFirstYoureLast #RickyBobbyQuote #FinishingIsWinning

Volunteers

There were plenty of volunteers at packet pick-up, along the route, and serving up post-race treats at the finish line.

Course Scenery

The course wound along the downtown Brookhaven area and took participants through several quaint neighborhoods. Thanks to the Brookhaven Fire Department, participants were showered with a little extra soaking just before crossing the finish line! What fun!

Course Difficulty: LEVEL 2.5

The route itself was mostly flat with a few inclines and hills. Nothing too strenuous, but a nice little training course for sure!

Aid Stations

With every fiber of my being I *wish* I had brought my phone on the route. I was concerned about the water so I left it behind in my nice dry Subaru. The course had multiple “water-stops” and I don’t mean water-stops in the traditional sense! There were cute signs with funny sayings and sprinklers throughout the course! Those misters were ALWAYS a welcome sight! Don’t worry, there were also several aid stations offering cups of water as well.

Parking/Access

As always, there was ample parking available and use of the restroom facilities inside the Chamber of Commerce building.

Race Management

In addition to creating and producing wholly owned events, Defining Moment Events also offers additional services. From renting equipment to consulting to a complete turnkey production of your event, let Defining Moment Events help produce your next special event! *Special shout out to our friends at Southern Race Timing as well. Another great resource for all you event planners out there!

“Finishing” Thoughts …

Check out DME’s next two races in the “Ole Brook Run Series,” the Trick or Treat Trot and the Run, Run Rudolph. Spoiler alert – you’ve already got a friend registered! (*MEEEE!*)