Biltmore 15k race recap

This morning was the Biltmore Classic 5k and 15k race. The final one (after 13 years) to be held on the Biltmore Estate property. I signed up for the race because I had never done this one, and I may never have the opportunity to run right in front of the Biltmore house again! Suzanne, my running partner in crime, also signed up and she wisely trained much more than I did. The most miles I’ve run since December has been about six and a half. I had to run 9.3 miles today. I also decided to take my camera along, which was obviously going to slow me down.

The race was organized by the Kiwanis club and benefited them as well. I picked up my race packet yesterday, and sadly received a shirt that was too big. It was a nice quality shirt, just wayyyy too big. (The biggest swag perk came today from Earth Fare – another reusable bag, and a $5 coupon to Earth Fare.)

We had to be at the Estate no later than 6:30 for a 7:20 start. I was up at 5 a.m. after a very late night, which I don’t recommend to any runner. We actually got there around 6:15 and had an hour to use the restrooms (nice restrooms because it is Biltmore, after all) and wander around the new Antler Village, which is another money-making scheme the Vanderbilts came up with. (This village is one of the reasons Biltmore is citing for the cancellation of the race.)

The 5k began at 7:15 – and none of the runners realized it. The gun went off, and even if you were steps from the starting line, you didn’t hear any race announcements. Our adventure began at 7:20. And now my photo adventure can begin:

Lots of fog:

I can’t remember if these are from mile 1 or 2, but we were still smiling:


There were many times I felt like a slow horse.

One of the many, many hills.

Told you it was foggy:

A photo opp:


Gardens:

And we’re done!

We finished in 1:36, which was just under a 10:30 minute mile. Not too shabby for a hilly course (the first six miles were no fun. The final three were flat, but tough.) I wore a shirt I was sent from the Seattle marathon I never ran. Someone commented and asked me how the race was, and I was honest when I replied I didn’t actually run it. If anyone else had asked, though, I was just going to admit that it was tough. 🙂

I’m glad I ran the race, but my knees are feeling it this evening! (Especially since I mowed the lawn, walked the dogs and then cleaned the house.) I’m going to sleep well tonight!