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| Scenic views -- we'd have to run past the temple |
Placement: 2nd in the 55 to 59 age group, 41st overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Low 80's, breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2024] [2022] [2021] [2020] [2019]
| Mile | Time | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8:59 | Initial climb into the race. Just settling in |
| 2 | 8:45 | Exactly where I was hoping to be. Feeling pretty comfortable |
| 3 | 8:57 | Running out of gas. Turn around is where it should be. |
| 4 | 9:12 | Definitely out of gas. Not as bad as I felt, but not where I wanted to be. |
| 5 | 9:35 | Wanted to be done at this point. |
| 6 | 9.38 | About all I cared to try at this point |
| 6.20 | 1.43 | Not even much of a final sprint. Just done. |
| Total Miles: 6:20 - 56:43 | ||
Introduction
Time to run the PC2PG run in 2025! I've done this race pretty much since its inception, except one year, when I chose to run the 2023 Rock 'n Roll Salt Lake City inaugural half marathon. Even one year I topped 3 the 10K (It was very small attendance for that distance).
The PC2PG is a growing race -- I've been there when there were a few hundred runners. This weekend, there were over 700. For a simple bike trail run (and a scenic course) the race continues to grow each year.
The PC2PG is a growing race -- I've been there when there were a few hundred runners. This weekend, there were over 700. For a simple bike trail run (and a scenic course) the race continues to grow each year.
Each year I've done the 10KM race. It is simply too hot to do a half marathon, although the course does look very pretty. The race is basically named after the half marathon, however. It starts in Provo Canyon and makes its way to the city of Pleasant Grove (on the border of Lindon). The 5K and 10K race offerings start at the finish line and are an out and back run on the Murdoch bike trail.
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| Lining up at the start |
The Race
The race was moved to 8:30 AM for the 5K / 10K start. Not exactly what I wanted to hear when I saw the weather forecast. Most races in the summer start early in attempt to beat the heat. Due to the logistics (I think) of hosting a half marathon and the other two distances in different spots, the start times are wildly apart.
I came into the race feeling very fatigued. One just simply has to look at my recent posts and realize I've been racing a LOT. To compound matters, I put in a heavy week of 2 sessions and a few double runs. I was definitely tired.
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| Staging Grounds at the School |
With the race being a bit of a low key one for me (I didn't have any realistic plans of PRing). Also, as I stood around waiting for the race (and doing a half ass warm-up) I was already feeling extremely warm. I didn't want to wind up in the medical tent on this one.
The race started at 8:30 and I immediately went into about half marathon pace. It was a struggle to get going but it felt okay. I was swallowed up by several runners -- some of whom were running the 5KM race.
I had scoped out the competition prior to my arrival and realized that I didn't recognize any of the names. It just sort of removed the pressure from worrying too much about my placement.
The first mile was a bit congested and you have to summit, almost immediately, the biggest hill of the race. It is kind of a long one and it makes you question your life's choices.
The first mile came in at 8:59. To be honest, about where I wanted to be, but given I was supposed to be taking it a little easy, it felt a little fast.
Still, I was settled into a nice comfortable pace, I was familiar with the route, and I was slowly picking off runners.
The race is held on the bike trail and it offers beautiful views of Utah Lake on your left and a houses / vegetation on the right. It does change a bit and you run through some open green sections as well. The course is also littered with cyclists and other runners.
I sped through the 5K turn around and crossed a marshalled street. I was still running okay but I was distinctly worried about how the heat was affecting me. It did feel warm but I was still moving okay. Finally mile 2: 8:45. Maybe this was going to be an okay race. I'd be happy if I could hold 8:45's.
You are never really alone at this race. From the get go there were half marathon runners coming in and there were enough 5K and 10K runners to keep you motivated. I worked with a variety of runners throughout the race.
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| Heading to the finish |
Finally mile 3 and the aid station. Normally, runners would hang a left here and go down a few strides before turning around. This year, the volunteers were telling everyone to run to the cone and turn around. The first cone that was in view, was a small red one placed to encourage you not to run into the street. I saw a few people turn here, which would result in a shortage of about .1 of a mile (each way). The real cone was to the left. This year, the cone was set at exactly 3.10 miles. To be honest, I was a bit sad -- because I was already just ready to be done with the race.
Mile 3 came in at 8:57. I was fairly winded and I knew the rest of the race was going to be a challenge. The first 3 miles felt like it was slightly uphill. Perhaps I'd see better splits on the way back.
I grabbed a cup of Powerade at the return aid station and soldiered on. I kept reminding myself I wasn't racing but this was a race. Definitely a conflict of interest.
I got shouts of encouragement from other runners, which always helps. I kept recalling all the workouts I've done where I had run faster than what I was currently doing. I could do this.
The way coming back seemed faster in terms of my perception of time. I had run this section many times and I was recalling all the times on it. It is a pretty area and there were a ton of people out on bikes, walking their pets, and running. I was really happy I had gone with the tank top. I normally don't run in one, but it definitely helped me feel cooler.
Mile 4 came in at 9:12. Disappointing but not unexpected. Again, I was fatigued and at this point I was working hard for every step.
Mentally, I was relieved to hit the 5K turn around again. I greedily grabbed some drink and poured a little over my head. I was passing many half marathoners but I couldn't really figure out who was left running the 10K.
The course did feel like it was slightly uphill both ways. I suspect that is just the nature of a rolling hills course. Other than the initial one, none of them are terrible, but I wouldn't call the course pancake flat either.
The course did feel like it was slightly uphill both ways. I suspect that is just the nature of a rolling hills course. Other than the initial one, none of them are terrible, but I wouldn't call the course pancake flat either.
I crossed mile 5 in 9:35. I expected about this much. I was just gone at this point and hoping to finish.
Still, with a net downhill on the final mile, I decided to push a bit. Occasionally, I did get my phone out to take a picture. I was really worried about the heat getting to me and I could feel a bit of a chill coming over me -- the first signs of heat stroke.
I hadn't really seen anyone in my age group, so whatever I was going to get at this point, I was going to get.
Finally, I made a left turn and I was greeted with the hill that I climbed nearly an hour ago. I didn't have much to take advantage of it with in terms of energy but I let gravity pull me down. The course also seemed to be get a lot more crowded. I think I had inadvertently joined up with a group of recreational runners, who clearly were enjoying their run. I couldn't figure out if they were on their cooldown or they were part of the race.
This half mile section is really the only part of the race on car road. The rest of the course is on the bike trail. I had access to the sidewalk and there was never really any danger. I just wanted to be done and I could hear the finish line in the distance.
Mile 6 came across at 9:28. So much for a big benefit of the hill. I just wanted to be done.
There was a decent crowd lining the finish line. With a race of over 700 runners, those who had already finished or who were spectators gave shouts of encouragement. I actually started to try a bit harder here. Might as well, put on a brave face and make it look like I was a pro runner as I sped through the finish line.
Conclusion
So once again, this wasn't a race "race" for me. It was a get it done, hope I win something in my age group, and bank a solid effort. The other goal was not to wind up in the medical tent or having to walk (mission accomplished).
My time, was a whopping 3 minutes slower than last year. Last year was a "sufferfest". This one wasn't as bad but I wouldn't call this one an improvement in terms of performance. But given my race load and the weather conditions, I raced this one pretty much to plan.
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| Podium Picture |
I was happy to find out I was 2nd in my age group, and in the top 50 runners.
I had brought my own hydration for after the race, but there was a typical spread of food: cheese sticks, oranges, bananas, etc. There were also some vendors. I don't think I could eat anything though and I wound up socializing until the awards came about.
The shirt appears to be of the same color / model as last year's. Not thrilled with it, but it'll work for a Saturday bum around the house shirt. The medals were heavy duty and nicely designed. I was happy with those. Price-wise, I paid nearly $40 about a month before the race to register. Not a bad price all things considered.
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| Medal and shirt |
The course is a nice one but challenging. Other than being a bit more explicit on where to turn around for the 10K, the course was safe, well marshalled and had ample aid stations. I really enjoy it and I would consider running this wide bike trail on a leisurely run as well. The 5K, though, does appear to come in significantly short (around 2.95).
This race is a lot of fun and I got to be with a lot of my friends for the morning. Running in Utah County is always a treat and I'd put this one on your list if you are looking for a race in mid August.
Upcoming Races
08/30: 2025 Swiss Days 10K -- Midway, UT (Confirmed)
03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)
