Race review: GW Parkway Classic Ten Miler

Yours truly at the finish line of the GW Parkway Classic.

The George Washington Parkway Classic Ten Miler wasn't the all-downhill joyride I was hoping for.

But the leafy, riverside course following the parkway into Old Town Alexandria most likely contained more downhills than uphills, and I can't name a single hill that gave me much trouble. Plus, it's a point-to-point course, so you don't have to worry about meeting a nice downhill on the other end like you do during an out-and-back course.

The race was remarkably well-orchestrated, considering the logistics involved. Runners were bused from the finish line near Oronoco Bay Park to the starting line at Mount Vernon, and though the line to board the buses stretched around the block, it moved quickly and smoothly. The race had a good number of well-stocked fuel stations, and a surprising number of spectators for the relatively quiet course. Among my favorites: The guy in the bright orange foam cowboy hat, who is pictured post-race in the photo gallery below.

This year, the race's 25th anniversary, was a hot one, with highs expected to near 90 degrees by the afternoon. But it wasn't unbearably hot, and most parts of the course were nicely shaded.

All in all, a great race with a nice course and a cool technical T-shirt in our race packets.

Did you run the race this year, or in a previous year? If so, let me know what you thought by posting a comment.

Interested in knowing how things went for your favorite middle-of-the-packer (that would be me)? Check out my training blog for the post-mortem.