The Kingston Shamrock 2 Mile Race this past Saturday was the best race experience I’ve had thus far. Here’s why you should join me in Kingston, NY next year!
10 Reasons The Kingston Shamrock Run ROCKED:
1. Race started at 12:50 PM. Since Jen and I took a one hour road trip to Kingston, having a later race start was really nice – especially because we lost an hour of sleep Saturday night!
2. Pre-race entertainment. From the moment we pulled into town, there was entertainment surrounding us. There were musicians playing Irish music and performances by Irish traditional dancers on stage at the starting line.
3. Ran with Jen & Co. I love having friends to run races with; especially because when I first started running I ran almost all of my races alone. Jen’s friends Brendan and Laura ran the race with us, along with Laura’s Dad and sister.
4. Dressed the Part. We dressed in traditional cheesy St. Patrick’s day attire, much like all the other runners on the course. I wore my “Kiss Me I’m Irish-ish” shirt. 
5. Ran the Parade Route. Back in 1987, Kingstonian runner Jim Kelley Smith had a great idea; a run preceding Kingston’s St Patrick’s Day Parade would result in a race along spectator filled streets. Every single inch the sidelines of this race were filled with people watching the race, and cheering along the runners. I loved running near Laura’s Dad who was always getting the crowd involved – giving high fives and yelling “I’m doing this for the beer!” along the way.
6. Speedy Course. 90% of the race is downhill, including the ENTIRE last mile. Breezy.
7. After Party. After the race in the community center, the best post-race food I’ve ever seen was assembled. 3 different brews from the local brewery, Keegan Ales, along with Shamrock shaped sugar cookies and the most delicious bagels I’ve ever feasted on – which were also GREEN! You really get a bang for your buck with this race – not only is the after party awesome, but at the finish line they hand out green popsicles/ice cream pops, water (duh), and finishers bracelets. Registrants also get a long sleeved t-shirt and the chance to win one of two Ireland Vacations for two. They sure did offer a lot of benefits for the $10 race fee!
8. SO MANY PEOPLE ran the race. It’s such a community affair. The goal for this year was 4000 participants, and I would guess that they came pretty close to that goal.
9. Friendly Crowd Proves Sponsorship works. Several people asked about Runners Cookie sign, before, during and after the race. One woman even asked if she could take a photo of the sign. Everyone wanted to hear more about Corey’s blog, including a Jason Segel look-a-like who left me feeling confident and beautiful (albeit sweaty & gross) after our chat filled with smiles and the best eye contact of my life.
10. The run itself. I learned so much about myself because of this race. Check back tomorrow for more about my race time, experience, and the lessons I learned.
What a fun race! I would have been such a baby about losing an hour of sleep — actually, I WAS such a baby about it, and I didn’t even run a race the next morning!
“I’m doing this for the beer!” — LOL!
Bethany @Bridezilla Bakes recently posted..Banana Cappuccino Chip Muffins
I would run races every day if they were as fun as this one! And holy Lord, that bagel looked fantastic. I’m glad you had fun!!
Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries recently posted..Icing Overload
fun races are awesome, aren’t they?
It looks like you had so much fun! Also, I love Jason Segel. A lot. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is one of my fave movies because of him! Very fun
Katie H recently posted..Spring Things
Yea that does look like a pretty awesome race!!! Especially the post-run fun. And downhill? Yes please! Why don’t they have a race like that here for my first one? LOL
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun recently posted..Stretch It Out
This looks like a seriuosly fun race! Congrats on finishing it and having a great time! Loving the green bagels, by the way…
Michelle @ Living Learning Earning recently posted..Making Me Happy Monday
it looks like such a great great race experience!
i’m glad you loved it!
sarah (sarah learns) recently posted..mexican burger bowl a winner!
I’m SO glad you had such a fun race!!! And the sign – oh my gosh, I had no idea you were going to do that! So cool! The whole atmosphere just looks like it was a blast. The music, the outfits, the green bagels – I totally wish I was there!
Like I’ve said before, I was so happy to be able to sponsor you in your running endeavors and goals! Thank you so much for the sign – you are so creative and thoughtful! xoxo
That downhill to the finish sounds fantastic. Much better than the uphill to the finish of the Firecracker 4
Cynthia (It All Changes) recently posted..Nookie
Congrats on your race! I love the recap…very fun
I love your sponsorship idea!
Paige recently posted..What I’m Loving Today
CONGRATS! This is adorable, what an awesome race! I used to live 10 mins from Kingston, I’m so glad you had a great time!
Alexa @ Simple Eats recently posted..New Love
That looks like such a fun race! I’ve always wanted to get dressed up for a race. I can’t believe there are no St. Patrick’s Day races near me!
[...] Run Recap Posted by Heather at 4:00 am fitness Mar 162011 /* */ I can’t say enough how much I loved the Kingston Shamrock 2 mile race, which I ran thanks to a sponsorship from The [...]