The Real ART of Running

SterlingFAST 5k: Race Recap

This summer I was able to run a few good race times and bring home some nice “hardware”.

I already wrote about the beer stein I earned at the Volkslaufe in Frankenmuth. This post will give you recap of the SterlingFAST 5k.

Apparently the SterlingFAST 5k has been happening for a number of years although I had never heard of it. Now that I’m an “Eastsider” I am learning about the running scene in Macomb County. The SterlingFAST in run in conjunction with the SterlingFEST, an annual arts, music and food festival. The 5k started at Dodge Park with about 540 runners. We ran about half-mile north up Utica road and then turned into the park to catch the Clinton River Trail. This is a nice, asphalt walking and biking trail that follows the peaceful Clinton River. We followed the trail as it wound through the park and came out near the festival entrance. When I started the race I wasn’t sure how I’d do since I didn’t know the course but I decided to push myself at the start and see how far I could hold on. When I finished in 22:17 I felt good and thought I might place in my age group. One of the nice things about this race is the awards table was open from the start and results were posted periodically as runners finished. When I checked the first posting I was surprised to see I was first in my age group! I checked in at the awards table and was pleased to learn the “trophies” were frosted beer mugs. Winner, winner, chicken dinner! This was a well organized race, good support, timely, great course and great awards. I’ll do it again.