The GW Parkway Classic 10-miler runs its 25th race this Sunday.
After logging on to my computer an hour too late to register for the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler in April, I immediately went on the prowl for another 10-miler as a follow-up race for the National Half Marathon, which I ran in 1:49:19 on March 21.
I found the GW Parkway Classic 10-miler, which kicks off its 25th anniversary run at 8 a.m. Sunday. Registration is sold out for both the 5K and 10 miler, which start at Belle Haven Park and Mt. Vernon Estate, respectively. Both are point-to-point courses along GW Parkway, usually closed to runners, that end in Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria.
Here's what I've heard about the race so far: Catching the bus to the starting line makes for an early morning, with race organizers suggesting we board a bus no later than 6:45 a.m., or 6:15 a.m. if we're picking up a race packet on race day.
More importantly, I've heard it's an awesome, boredom-beating point-to-point course, with pretty water views and a thrill that comes from running where you usually aren't allowed to. I've also heard it's a mostly downhill course, which I'm really hoping is the case. A quick Google search for an elevation map of the 10-miler didn't turn up anything much, so you'll have to wait until I try out the course first-hand to find out whether that's true.
Have you run the race before? Share your thoughts about the course by posting a comment.
Going to the race this year? Be sure to look for me; I'll be there with a camera in hand, and will post photos and a race review once it's done.
Comments
I ran the race for the first time this year in prep for the Marine Corps in October. I can say I'll be making this an annual April event. What a great run, great view, and fun course.
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