Ridley Run - race #2

      Probably the only point-to-point race in Delaware County, the Ridley Run 5K brought out over 400 runners & walkers on a sunny, 55 degree day on April 14.  Kevin picked me up & we headed to Ridley High School for the 11th annual Ridley Run 5K.  The event benefits the Community YMCA's support campaign and the Ridley Educational Foundation.  See photos and videos at http://tinyurl.com/7l3gypt.   
     There was some confusion about picking up our bibs up on race day, but since we arrived so early, we hopped on the first bus to the Ridley YMCA.  The buses were well-organized & we made it to the YMCA with plenty of time before the 8 a.m. start.  After gathering in the the gym, we headed out to the parking lot & were ready to race.  Soon we were off & turning left onto South Avenue. 
     Heading right onto Academy Avenue, we weaved through the quiet streets of Ridley.  I love the early morning runs because it just seems so peaceful out & the hectic pace of the day hasn't started yet for most people.  Last year it felt like a fast course, but this year I felt like I struggled more with the route, which was a little different.  It was great though to see that there were time clocks at the 1 and 2-mile points, & our first mile was less than 10-minutes.   
     Crossing over Route 420, we headed up a brief hill before breaking right onto Edgewood Avenue & passing a tiny stream before turning left onto 6th Avenue.  The volunteers along the way were great & offered words of encouragement & helped block drivers from crossing into the runners.  Turning right onto Morton Avenue we reached the high school.  Compared to last year, Kevin & I knew it wasn't time to celebrate just yet!  Following the other runners, we continued on to the back of the school & ran one lap around the track.  It was a fun way to end the race & I was happy with our time, 29:37.  For the second year in a row we celebrated the race with a Nifty Fifty's breakfast.
     Grading on the route, ease and cost of registration, T-shirt appeal and the overall fun factor, I give this race three sneakers out of five. 
     Next up is the "Spring Foward" 5K run at Hillcrest Elementary School in Drexel Hill.