This normally isn't a very competitive race.  I did it last year and got 2nd as well.  What's difficult is that the 5k and 10k both start at the same time in the same place.  I felt good going out and was in about 4th place when I hit the first mile.  During the third mile I moved into 2nd place and with the plan to catch first place.  Unfortunately he was just too fast for me.  The gap wasn't closing at all and I knew if I sped up anymore I would die quick. Interestingly enough, I hit mile 5 my legs were done.  All season we have been training for the 8k so I guess my legs just decided they wanted to stop then. I had already slowed down but it hit hard on this one.  This is also the stretch where all the 5k walkers are so you have to run around them.  Another downside is that the last 200 meters are on a sidewalk turning into a parking lot so it makes it very difficult to get any speed.  I was happy with my time and won a nice little pumpkin pie... Then I stuffed my face at the Thanksgiving Feast :)  My splits: 5:43, 5:40, 5:49, 5:48, 5:57, 6:11, 1:15 Unfortunately there were some people who signed up for the 10k and decided they wanted to run the 5k instead.  So when they crossed the finish line at about 35 minutes, it showed up on the results and kinda screwed us over.  If you sign up for a 10k, run the 10k.  If you decide you want to run the 5k instead then don't cross the finish line... Really people?  | 