Nicole Gallo Sunshine & Bubbles 5K in Drexel Hill

     You might not think that many runners would race on a rainy, windy, cold Sunday afternoon. But hundreds did at the first annual Nicole Gallo Sunshine & Bubbles 5K on March 30. The race benefited the Nicole Gallo Sunshine Scholarship, which helps girls continue their Catholic education. Registration was $25, which is the average for 5Ks now. Try & register by mail & you'll save the $3 fee that online sites like Run The Day charge.
   Arriving at Monsignor Bonner Archbishop Prendergast High School, I was impressed by the dedication shown by the friends and family of Gallo, a Prendie grad who was struck and killed by a distracted driver in 2009. The name of the race is just so sweet.
   With light rain falling on our heads, Kevin & I lined up next to Delaware County Memorial Hospital. At the sound of the gun, we took off across Lansdowne Ave., made a left on Argyle Ave. before turning onto Winding Way. With markers & volunteers along the way, the route was very well marked. After a left on Fairfax Road, we headed to Hillcrest Road & along the trolley tracks. Though at first I was disappointed by the rainy weather, it was actually cool & refreshing once I started running.
   Curving right onto Foss Ave., we passed St. Andrew's Church where we ran the Spirit Run last October. After a right on Highland Ave. & a right on Shadeland Ave. (where the wind & rain started to pick up at mile two) we headed to the straightaway of Huey Ave. After a quick change in direction towards Arlington Cemetery, where some students played "Happy" from their car, we got back on Huey and headed towards the finish line. Racing towards the finish line near Lansdowne Ave. & Garrett Road, I felt good & not as worn down as some other races. With a time of 29:05, I was happy with my first run of the season.
     I've done about a dozen runs in this section of Drexel Hill & it's a great area for races. Hills are few & the streets feel like you're running through an even grid. 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.

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