April Fools Race, Atlantic City 2018



 This past weekend my mom, sister, and I ran the April Fools race in Atlantic City. The last time we ran this race it rained during the whole race so I was happy to see that the forecast this year was looking much better. I had placed in my age group last time I ran it, so I was hoping to do the same, but we all know race days are unpredictable.  



We woke up to beautiful weather. It was sunny with a slight breeze. I had only brought one outfit so I was happy that it was going to work. We stayed very close to the starting line so we didn’t have to walk down until right before the race. 



 There was no corral placement so we all just lined up and soon the National Anthem played and we were off.  Right away my watch started buzzing that I was going too fast. Of course I always do at the beginning of the race, so I knew I had to slow down and find healthy pace.  My pace was still quicker than I usually am, but this was not a marathon so I knew I could hold onto the pace for a bit. As much as I don’t like out and back races, it was nice to know where you have to run and see the turn around point. I saw where the 7k was supposed to turn around but the 11k still had to continue on for about another two miles.   I was running the 11K.

Once I got past the turn around, the crowd definitely thinned out. There was hardly anyone running by me. A couple hundred yards later I saw the leader of the 11k running beside the escort bicycle.  After he passed, a few other men trickled behind him. I still hadn’t seen a female though. Right when I thought I may have been the first, I saw her on the other side. This was before I got to the turn around point, about 200 yards or so. I knew there was no way to catch her but I didn’t see anyone after her. As long as I held on to the pace and not have anyone pass me, I should be good and maybe the 2nd female to finish? 

After I was past the turn around and running on the other side I passed a lot of runners that were still running up and they were so encouraging saying you go girl, great job, etc. I smiled at a few and continued running. I hate to admit it, but I don’t feel like I am a very friendly runner. I didn’t wave or say thank you to anyone. But in my defense I am in a zone while I am running, and half the time I can’t hear what they are saying due to my music. I think runners understand. 
Meanwhile, my watch continued to buzz that I was running too fast, but I knew this was towards the end of the race and I had to continue to give it all I had to keep my lead, and that is what I did. I didn’t see any female nor male pass me the last half mile. I did pass a lot of people that were walking still from the 7k since it was on the same course. Nothing against the walkers, but what made me mad was the there were people that  weren’t in the race walking on the course. Some were so oblivious that there was a race even going on. So that was a little frustrating weaving in and out of those people. I wish the race course was marked more clearly so other people knew. Regardless, it didn’t affect me too much I guess it's just an annoyance.  


After crossing the finish line,  I collected my finisher medal and then went over to check the results. It said I was 2nd female and 8th overall. I was pretty happy about that, because in the past I had only gotten an age group award, not an overall. 



I was wondering what the award would be for overall placements. We found out what time the award ceremony was taking place, so I knew I had enough time to go back to the hotel and shower before it.  


When I arrived at the award ceremony they said they were going to announce the overall winners first for both the 7k and the 11k and once your name was announced, come to the front and after receiving your medal, go to the table to provide more information about yourself.  

We had to write down our name, email, and phone number next to our placement. I saw some numbers on the list and was wondering why. Were we getting paid? I asked another lady that had to fill it out as well and she said yes. They mail you a check in about a month. What???? This was awesome! I received $200 for taking 2nd place overall female. 

In addition to the finisher medal and the cash prize, I also got an awesome  Overall Finisher medal which is pretty large.
  

                                                        Overall it was a great race weekend. 

Have you ever received money placing in a race? What was the best award you ever received placing in a race? - L

                                            We will be linking up with the gals from TOTR.

29 comments:

  1. Wow, how exciting! Ive never won a cash prize but I did get a gift certificate to a restaurant for $100 once. However, I later found out it could only be used Monday-Thursday which was kind of annoying. Still a nice prize though! Congrats to you both on your races!

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    1. Thanks! A $100 gift certificate is still a great gift!

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  2. How cool is that? $$$

    Congrats on a great race.

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  3. Wow! Congrats! I've gotten 2nd in my age group once, but that's the best I've ever done.

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  4. So exciting! And may ask how jealous I am that you have t-shit weather. We have aFiol’s Five race in my town and this year I was in a funk so didn’t do it. Maybe next year.

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  5. Congrats, Lacey! That's awesome. Nice payday, too!

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    1. I thought so too. It couldn't not come at a better time.

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  6. Congratulations on 2nd place overall! And winning money is awesome too- I don't know any runner who couldn't use some cash. I have won money before but not a whole lot (never $200). That's definitely a better pay rate than jobs, right?

    This race looks really cool despite the crazy weather. The medals and the boardwalk remind me a lot of the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon.

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    1. It was a fun race. Even if I wouldn't have won money I enjoyed it.

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  7. Congratulations! That is one awesome price!

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  8. What a great recap and I'm so excited for you to have placed! That is awesome, and winning some cash is just icing on the cake. Glad you guys had nice weather and such a good weekend.

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  9. Congrats! That's great that there was a cash prize too :) I guess it's hard for races to block people from the course when it's in a scenic area like that but it does sound frustrating to have people who aren't participating in the race walk around on the course like that.

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    1. Yes it was. I think that was the only negative of the race.

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  10. Since I'm a Parrothead, I LOVE that overall medal. Great job placing, and sometimes just ignore the watch :)

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  11. BRING ON THE CASH!!! BAM!!!! Doesnt that now make you a professional? ;)
    M - I am TOTALLLLY digging those leggings!!!! So colorful & FUN!!!!

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  12. Oh that is so awesome! Congrats! I'll bet you'll be back at that race. :)

    I have never even placed in my AG, not even close. So I don't usually even check. I was 10th in my division in my race, and my guess is maybe there were only 10 people in the division. :)

    I love the medal too!

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  13. That's fantastic! What a great surprise for you. And no have not ever won my age group maybe when I am 90 :)

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  14. Awesome job Lacey, congratulations! Never won cash at a race ...that's pretty legit!

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  15. Wow congrats! $200 is a great haul! I have received cash as a running award before but it was more like $50, not that I'm complaining. Haha! One time though I got 2nd overall female but found out at the ceremony there was only an award for the overall winner. 2nd and 3rd just got AG awards. Kind of a buzzkill.

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  16. Wow! That's an awesome haul!! I did a race a couple years ago, and found out I placed first overall in the master's division (the two gals who were faster than actually got bumped up to "overall race" placings (if you've ever heard of such a thing). All the AG placings received medals, all of the "overall" recipients, though, received aviator scarves (the race was held on an airport runway). Right...that scarf is still in its plastic packaging and will probably never get worn LOL

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  17. Congrats! What a great prize! The only prize I have received for placing (besides a special medal or small trophy) was a $25 gift card to Target- which actually turned out to be an AWESOME prize because I used the $$$ to get grey ankle boots that I wear all the time. Do you have fun plans for your $200?

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  18. Go girl! Congrats on the placement and awards! Sorry about the course congestion - I can totally see how that would be annoying!

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  19. Congrats on a killer race - that is awesome to place overall!!! #goals

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  20. Congratulation! Looks like it was a great race.

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