Cobbs Creek 5K

The Cobbs Creek 5K (http://cobbscreek5k.com) is a race that is co-sponsored by the West Philly Runners. All funds raised from this event are dedicated to outdoor recreational activities within Cobbs Creek Park for children and youth. The running group had worked with the park staff to clean the trails in the weeks preceding the race. The course was in great shape and was part asphalt and part trails in the park. The race attracted 150 participants on a gorgeous Saturday morning. I didn't really train for the 5K as I was deep in training for longer distances races coming up, so I figured I could use it for some speedwork.

I started the 5K at a pretty quick pace. Once I got onto the trail, it was a little more difficult to navigate on some of the gravel patches and potholes in the trail.  The runners were spread out pretty good by the end of the first mile. I was running on my own with no one close in front or behind me. I think I was doing slightly under 7:00 minute miles for the first two miles. There was a slight turnaround near the second mile mark where it was easy to see how far in front and behind people were. I looked back and saw Heeju and Flint were about 100 yards behind me. The third mile was a little tougher as I was kind of winded but continued at roughly the same pace. As I came down the final stretch, I could see a runner pretty far in front of me but didn't see anyone behind me. Knowing I really couldn't catch him, I settled in to finish comfortably. When I was able to see the clock, I picked up the pace to finish the race in 22:30. I think the final times in this particular 5K were a little slower than a normal 5K since we had to navigate the gravel on the trail.

The West Philly Runners had a great turnout that day and stole the awards show. Aaron Roche and James Ceronsky finished 2nd and 3rd in the Men's division (and overall). Heeju Sohn and Julia Wroebel came in 1st and 3rd in the Women's division. I placed 14th overall and I was the Master''s Champion as the fastest finisher over 40 years old. I did get some gift certificates for winning my division, but the only trophy's that were presented went to the first place Men's and Women's champions, not the old people division. Heeju and I, pictured below, were looking good sporting our blue shirts and black shorts before we went to get our awards.

As the post race award ceremony wound down, the West Philly Runners gathered for a group photo op after a successful race all around...