09/09/2026
I walked out to my car at 6:00 a.m., loading the few post-run necessities for today’s big race. It was already a sweltering 80 degrees with humidity that felt like hot water.
The 13-mile drive was a typical hot, early summer morning. There was the obligatory 18-wheeler using all three lanes because it couldn’t decide which one it wanted, and the small car covered in running stickers proudly displaying accomplishments from 3 miles to 13.1.
As I topped the hill, I saw a sea of vehicles filling multiple parking lots—people just like me, all with the goal of winning the ARK 5K, apparently unaware that everyone else had the same plan.
Runners made their way to the starting line, chatting, reminiscing with friends they hadn’t seen in years, and sharing the anticipation of race day.
The start was almost cliché. All I could hear was my heavy breathing and the pounding of running shoes. The sun rose over the horizon, temperatures climbed, and the glare made it difficult to see the course.
Mile one was in sight. Lester was about 20 paces ahead, and my watch showed a 9:13 pace. After the third left turn, I noticed runners ahead beginning to walk. We had reached the first big hill. I knew a long downhill awaited us on the other side.
We snaked through some much-needed shade and completed mile two. My pace had dropped to 10:24, but it was still respectable.
The final mile was as tough as expected. Sweat poured from every pore. I could see the finish-line arch and checked the clock, knowing I was within my goal.
I crossed the finish line at 31:40, returned my timing chip, and looked for a cooler place to recover. Then I walked back onto the course to cheer on the other runners—and to find one very special runner: my 9-year-old grandson.
We ran and walked his final half-mile together. My little buddy crossed the finish line, received his medal and a bottle of water, and flashed a smile that was absolutely priceless.
Thank you for a great race!
By - David Winstead!
