Jack’s Run is an autism awareness event where all proceeds benefit NSSA (Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism). These charity races are great because everyone seems to really enjoy themselves, a positive message is delivered and some money is raised for a good cause — Jack’s Run was no exception.
My primary rule for choosing races is that they be local. By local, I mean within a few minutes drive from my house. (There are a surprising number of road races throughout the year pretty close to my house) Mainly, I don’t want to have to drive too far in sweaty, stinky clothes, or have to factor a long car trip into my pre-race routine. Bar Beach is a little further than I’d normally go for a small 5K, but I grew up near there and spent many days there in my youth. I hadn’t been there in more than 20 years and thought a race through there would be fun.
The first thing I noticed was how well it was organized. There were lots of volunteers, so picking up your number, getting your shirt and getting into the raffle was quick and easy. Even Mr Met was hanging around before the race and motivating everyone with high fives (or fours I suppose).
The race itself was fun. It is two laps with the start in the southernmost parking lot, a run through the park to the north end and back along the beach. The last leg of the lap is along the beach, so it was a great way to end the race.
For me, it was a 5K personal record at 22:28 (7:14 pace) so I ran a good race. Full results here.
Would I run this race again? Absolutely yes! In fact, according to the calendar at on the Start to Finish website (the company the timed the race) it is already scheduled for May 12, 2012. See you there!
