The Patriots Run is a run held on 9/11 each year to Thank and Honor those who Serve our Country. Thank you Veterans and current Military!
There are several different distances to choose from. A participant can do the 5k, half marathon, full marathon, ultra distance or compete as a team in the ultra. I chose to do the half marathon. I had completed a 20 mile run the previous Sunday as part of my training for the Chicago Marathon. Doing a half marathon so soon after that 20 mile run was a little ambitious and my legs would rebel. By mile 10 my quads were screaming and I was reduced to mostly walking. I made sure to run at least a portion of each lap and each lap it became harder to continue but I had already planned on this being my long run for the week and quit was not in my vocabulary that day. I ended up losing count of laps and completing an extra lap or 2. Oops! This was a pretty low key race and I ended up finishing first in my age group. That doesn't happen very often to me and I was quite surprised to hear the news. I later learned there were only 5 women in my age group, I was still surprised to finish first though. After all, I had been walking most of the final laps. Hardware is always fun to get so thank you to Patriots Run for the medal! :)
This year the event was held at a new location: Oregon Trail Park at 100 S. Robinson in Olathe, KS. It was a .66 mile loop with a few hills along the way. Temps were in the high 50's to low 60's throughout the event which made for great running weather. I am not sure who to credit for the pictures taken on race day but I wanted to share some of them here:
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| Loved all the flags and military present! |
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| Thank you military! |
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| Thank you! |
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Part of the motorcycle procession that got the race started! Military and Sheriff's Office participated in the procession.
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| Johnson County Sheriff's Office had a couple motorcycle officers on hand to get the race started. |
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| One of several who carried a flag during their run. |
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| Kudos to all those who carried the flag during their run. |
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| Always awesome to see our military participating in the run, many of whom wore full packs and/or were in uniform! |
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| Another member of our proud military in uniform participating in the run! |
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| Looking great guys! |
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| This lady passed me countless times, she kicked ass! |
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| This lady in yellow also kicked ass! I don't know how many times she passed me but it was a lot! |
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| Here are some of the speedy men in the run. |
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| This guy rocked it! |
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| This little guy rocked it too! |
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| I never look happy during a race.... |
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| I was pretty pooped with 2 laps to go and this guy took the time to chat with me. He asked how far I had left and provided encouragement. Runners rock! |
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| Had this view every lap. Nice little scenic park. |
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| There was lots of food and drinks. Very well organized event. thank you! |
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These are some of the awesome volunteers! Thank you!
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