Bird in Hand 5K
First up is the Bird in Hand 5k which was held on a gorgeous Friday evening in Bird in Hand, PA. For those of you not familiar, this is in the heart of Amish Country in Lancaster County, PA. The start and finish are in a farmer's field with one of the best built Finish lines you will ever find-complete with white wooden fencing installed just for the race. The course takes you on country roads, through farms on gravel roads, past one room Amish school houses, on grassy paths between cornfields and through water stops manned by Amish families. Many locals run this race in their Amish garb, some even running barefoot (and placing very well).
Festivities started with hot air balloons lifting up into the clear September sky. The race went off without a hitch-except for the horse and buggy that led the front runners and fan support on the course was amazing!
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the entire event. After post race festivities there was also a bonfire complete with all of the fixin's for Smores!!!
They also were preparing for the BIH Half Marathon the next day...which got me thinking....and the next thing I knew it was Saturday morning and I was on the starting line! The day started off with another balloon launch and it was fun to be out on the course and follow the balloons in the distance over farm fields. Melissa road her bike and caught me at several spots along the way. She even caught sight of a balloon touching down in a field!
Once again I have to say the course was great! A few hills but beautiful scenery the entire way.
And the most unique race medal you will ever find!! Hand made out of local horse shoes that were saved up and then hand welded with adornments-including "road apples"!!
The race benefits the local volunteer Fire Department and these folks are there to help anyone in need. They sure know how to put on a great event. It was a pleasure to give back to them.
I don't know of anywhere else that you can read inspirational quotes in spotless potta potties, get whoopie pies in your goodie bags and have smores around a bonfire!! It was also great to see many of my Pocono running friends there. Great job to Act Sports Management and everyone involved in this race extravaganza!! I give it an A+!!!!
You can read more about running in this area in Runner's World magazine. http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/running-with-the-amish
PowerBar Ironman Perform, 2 Powerbar Gels
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