Race review: Crystal City Twilighter 5K

Runners, including your favorite Examiner, enjoy the post-race party.

The best way to think about the Crystal City Twilighter 5K is like a party that just happens to include some running.

At the second annual race on Saturday night, the running happened to be of the hot, sticky sort, with some post-downpour puddle jumping thrown in. But for most of the more than 2,000 finishers,the race itself was only part of the fun.

There's something about an evening race that lends to a party atmosphere, and the fact that this one started and finished in the heart of Crystal City just added to it. Lively announcers, piped-in music and a crowd of rowdy runners helped the race keep that vibe despite a downpour immediately before the race and showers throughout.

The course itself isn't terribly scenic, with long sections that wind through relatively deserted areas after a brief jaunt through Crystal City. But it's pancake flat, with only a few curves, making it ideal for PR seekers -- at least those who can take the midsummer heat and humidity.

But for most runners, the race itself was secondary to a well-stocked beer tent post-race, which served as the centerpiece of a party that carried on a few hours after the finish despite more downpours.

Free beer was far from the only perk. Runners received a great technical T-shirt from Saucony, and enjoyed ample parking, easy Metro access and a race so well-organized, there were barely even lines at the portable toilets. Overall: A great time, at which it's also possible to run one.

NOTE: This Examiner apologizes for not posting more race photos. Her camera doesn't function so well in the dark, it turns out.

Curious about how your favorite Examiner did? Check out my personal post-race report here.

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