Hillcrest Elementary's 'Spring Foward' - race #3

    The straight streets of Drexel Hill are perfect for races!  On a sunny morning with temps in the low 50s, I was ready for Hillcrest Elementary School's "Spring Forward 5K and Family Walk" on April 29.    Hosted by the Hillcrest Home and School Association, the event benefited the school.  See photos and video of the race at http://tinyurl.com/7ghf8v8.    
     When I arrived at the school I was surprised there weren't more runners ready to race.  I guess that might have been due to the fact that the Twilight Run was later that night in Havertown, as well as the $24 registration fee.  The T-shirts they gave out were so cute and there were plenty of volunteers available.  Lining up at the corner of Marvine Ave. and Agnew Drive, I waved to my fiance Kevin as we headed off on first leg of the two-loop course.  I wasn't sure I'd like running a course twice, but I enjoyed it more than the up and back course of the Twilight Run.  Heading down Marvine Ave., I kept a steady pace as I passed each tree-lined street.  Crossing over Turner Ave., I glanced left and saw the church where I'll be married this October, St. Bernadette of Lourdes.  While the streets weren't completely blocked, race volunteers and police helped the runners as they navigated the course.

      Turning left before we reached Drexel Ave., we headed down to Cedar Lane.  Each time I saw a family outside their home cheering us on, it made me smile and helped boost my energy.  Turning left onto Cedar, it was a straight shot down to Penn Ave.  The course felt mostly flat, which made me relaxed enough to check out the houses with For Sale signs on their front lawns.  With a left onto Penn and a right at Bond Ave., we made it back to the school and set off for lap two.  By the time I made it to the finish line, I felt a boost of energy and clocked in with a time of 28:52.  My best finish of my spring season!  For some reason I seem to run faster when there's less people.
     Grading on the route, ease and cost of registration, T-shirt appeal and the overall fun factor I give this race four sneakers out of five.
     Next up is my longest race of the year, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run.