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Post by Justin on Apr 14, 2009 12:31:09 GMT -5
I have a group of people that are interested in running the Hyndman 5k coming up in May. This will be many of their first road races ever. What is the course like? I have not been able to find much info about this race. Any input would be great. Thanks.
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Post by marc on Apr 14, 2009 16:40:44 GMT -5
This year will be my fourth running the course. I personally think it is a great small scale race. They start the bike, run and walk at the same time. That can cause some bit of confusion. The course itself can be a little rough. The first mile is flat and fast. They have most of the roads well controlled. The second mile is where it starts to get tough. Shortly after the start of the second mile, you hit the train tracks. I've only been held up there once and it was only for a short time but I know others that may have added 2+ min. on their times. It can really throw a wrench in the pace. (Supposedly last year they said they were trying to look for a new course sans the train). After the track is a decent graded uphill. I'd say roughly 1/2 mile. That is the most difficult portion.
The opposite side of the hill and the finish is all easy. After the hill you come out to the main road and run that for a short while. It is NOT traffic controlled. Cut across the street and then its (almost) a straight shot back to the HAHC. Times can vary. I've always thought of it as a pretty easy course. Just make sure you are prepared for the hill. Afterwards, they have standard door prizes, great raffle prizes and food. So overall, if its their first let them know its going to be a little tough. But its so small scale that it should be fine.
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Post by kevinspradlin on Apr 14, 2009 21:40:51 GMT -5
I second Marc's assessment - I ran it in 2008 for the first time. I'm probably more concerned about the train tracks than most might be; I'm so slow already I don't need a train to help! I'd hate to get stopped by a train but I liked running up that hill - I like hills in a course and that was a good one.
Friendly people, great food afterwards.
Just out of curiosity, Justin - why that race?
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Post by Justin on Apr 15, 2009 7:48:35 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I have a group of people that are just starting running. We were a group in the Western MD Health System win big by losing and they've all gotten into some running. Now they'd like to test themselves in a 5k. They live in a pretty spread-out area and Hyndman is a good central location for them all, and the timing works out for everybody. We should have a group of about 6-7 with 3 of us that have run races before, 3-4 of which have never run a race before. 2 of those guys I could see running races after this initial one, with the other 1-2 probably never running a race again (unless there is a wager on the line). It should be a lot of fun. This race looks about right for what I was thinking.
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