Last weekend, was the second annual Jeff Galloway 13.1 race weekend in Atlanta. In 2014, I ran the half marathon on Sunday but didn’t partake in the 5k. This year, I woke up early on Saturday to run Barb’s 5k with family and friends.
I wore my Sparkle Skirt and Sparky Soul headband.
Barb’s 5k race benefits the dog park at the Piedmont Park in Atlanta. It’s the perfect beneficiary as the course runs right by the dog park.
All of the race participants gathered at the Atlanta Phidippides running store location for last minute bib pickup and warm hot chocolate. It was nice to have the indoor store location to meet at, even though we were lucky to have warmer than usual temperatures that weekend.
The starting line was actually .4 miles from Phidippides, so everybody walked together to the start. Jeff and Barb Galloway kicked off the weekend with advice and encouragement as we lined up according to speed.
The starting line of Barb’s 5k.
My friend Amy and I leisurely ran it together in the back, while my friend Jennifer was trying to keep up with her son in the front (he finished it in 34 minutes at 7 years old…yeah).
Ready to Run: Amy and I with Jen and her FAST son, Brendan!
We started off in a loop around the park before heading directly into the heart of Piedmont Park. The course winds around the dog park and lakes with the Atlanta skyline as the backdrop. It’s a beautiful 5k course and it didn’t feel overcrowded. They offered several water stations along the way and the race was walker-friendly.
Can’t beat the views in Piedmont Park.
Gorgeous views along the course.
After crossing the finish line, Barb Galloway was waiting to congratulate you with your new medal and a recovery snack box.
Barb Galloway congratulated me at finish line.
The overall winner of Barb’s 5k race was actually Barb and Jeff Galloway’s son, Westin Galloway! How cool is that?
Westin Galloway winning his Mom’s race. Photo Credit: True Speed Photo
The race was very well organized, offered a scenic route through Piedmont Park and all participants received a finisher’s medal. I loved that it was race that truly welcomed runners of all levels. It’s a great race for the whole family!