Supporting running in the metro Richmond area
Ashland Railroad Run
I ran the 10k race this morning in Ashland, which started at 9 am. Why so late?
It was about 65 degrees at start time. My time was about 3 minutes slower and I felt weak compared to Monument Ave. Anyone else have a similar experience?
What is the earliest race start time you would run, keeping the logistic piece to get to the start line in mind? In figuring this out, consider a race small enough so that finding parking and walking are not a significant contributor, but that you do have to register or pickup your number that day.
Views: 430
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by David Klisz on -
Thanks for participating, Jeff. The 9am start time is in place due to two events that happen at 8am and 8:!5am. A 5k run starts at 8am and uses much of the same course. A kids mile race starts at 8:15 using much of the same course.
The 9am start time gives the 5k participants who choose to walk time to clear the course since the first part of the 10k also uses much of the same course. Town and police officials have restricted the permitting of the race to the southwest quadrant of town so we utilize the long stretch down the railroad tracks so we can use the same marshals.
The 5k has grown faster than the 10k so we've had to adapt. We hope you come back next year and thanks for the comments!
Dave Klisz
co-race director
34th annual Ashland Railroad Run
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Frankart on -
Dave,
Thanks for your response. Please don't mistake my comments as complaints. I knew what time it started when I signed up for it, but of course I was hoping it would be cooler. Overall, it was a well-executed event and I anticipate I will run it again. The water stops were well-staffed and all the turns were well-marked with adequate marshals and police presence. This is especially important for the intersection where the double loop starts/ends. I understand the constraints with trying to run races of different lengths on the same course and balancing that with a limited number of volunteers.
I was really just hoping to start a lively banter on here about preferred race start times.
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Permalink Reply by David Klisz on
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No worries, I really appreciate the compliments and I will pass them on to the other race committee members. If it was up to only me, I would start everything at 7am so I could be home for lunch! :)
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Permalink Reply by Gary Hearn on -
Races start at all times of the day. Here are a few examples:
Promise Land 50K - 7:00AM
Hellgate 100K - 12:01 AM
Massanutten Mountain Trails 100M - 4:00 AM
Grindstone 100M - 6:00 PM
I realize these are trail ultra's, but even in Richmond there are road races where the start times vary from early in the morning to evening.
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Permalink Reply by Eric Pritchett on -
I found out about the Ashland Railroad Run - 10K race late, but was able to register online and run. Very much enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised to win my age division! I enjoyed the location and how cool to run along side the railroad tracks for a race, with some trains rolling through town! I have always wanted to run alongside a train and was able to the last stretch of the race. I was also curious about the 9 AM start time for the 10K, but thanks for explaining the details. You all have a nice event going! Hope to make this race again!
Thanks,
Eric Pritchett
P.S. Will any awards to age winners, be mailed?
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Permalink Reply by Roger Smith on -
I would love to have run anything! Been sick for 2 weeks and had to pass on the Crossover 15k today which I had already paid for!!
Anyway my main point was twofold as I look for races a little later in the morning:
1. I like to eat breakfast and have some time to digest it
2. I like my bed and have some things to do with a young family before I leave the house sometimes.
I guess you can't please all the people all the time! 8.30 is my favourite start time!!
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Permalink Reply by Jay Humphries on -
Roger-
Yesterday was the third time I have run this race, and I was slower than Monument and found it a harder race, also. But, it was unseasonably warm and humid- the other two times I have run it the weather was ideal (40s and 50s with no humidity).
I'm with you on early start times- the earlier the better!
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Permalink Reply by Hervey Sherd on -
Jeff,
I also ran it, I felt the same as you, yet my wife had a 10k PR LOL. I personally like earlier starts before the humidity get up there. Does any one know where the results are posted on line ?
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Permalink Reply by David Klisz on
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Permalink Reply by Hervey Sherd on
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Thanks, Had a lot of fun
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