Run Now for Autism Speaks - Wildwood 5K

Saturday, August 23rd was the 2nd annual Run Now for Autism Speaks 5K in Wildwood, New Jersey.  Brad, Scott and I got out butts up early on a Saturday morning to drive on down from Egg Harbor to Wildwood for this race.

We arrived in Wildwood with plenty of time to pick up our race bibs, we had pre-registered, and take a few pictures.  The weather was perfect for a race.  The temperature was in the mid-60's and, although there were some clouds there was no hint of rain.  The wind was steady from the east off of the ocean although the humidity wasn't bad.  Fortunately a cool front had blown in from the northwest and the Jersey shore was unseasonably accommodating for our run.

The course went south to a turn-around, north to a turn-around, back south again to the first turn-around and back to the start/finish on the boardwalk.  Water stations were located at each end of the course.  Since the course was on the boardwalk there were also joggers, walkers, bicyclist, and beach-goers all over the course as well.  Also, runners ran toward each other on the entire course due to the two turn-arounds.  The field of runners was small enough that this wasn't a real issue although the boardwalk got quite crowded by the time the last runner crossed the finish line.

Timing was provided by Run the Day.

I placed 6th overall.  Brad and Scott both had a good race.  Brad was kind enough to point out that I had broken my streak.  I seemed to recall having always finishing 5th in previous races.  Awards were given to the overall winners.  Many of the participants were the parents of children with autism and some were the autism sufferers themselves.  I hope that's the appropriate word.

Overall, it was a good race for a good cause.  Brad, Scott, and I are already planning our next race.

Thanks for reading.