If you've run either the Cherry Blossom 5k or 10 Miler, the 15k course will look pretty familiar. (The 5ks are fairly different, where the Jingle goes around the Tidal Basin, and the Cherry Blossom goes up to the Kennedy Center and then heads back.)
The night before I went through my small box of Christmas themed clothing and picked out a sweatshirt, tights and my usual running skirt that I made for the 2015 race. I also grabbed a some base layers along with a small stocking that has a clasp I sewed in to carry my usual pre-race picky bar and slipped it onto my spibelt.
Race day was a breeze because my Dad took advantage of early packet pickup, so he got our hats and bibs at the Pacers Running Store close to him. So the only other issue (besides the potential government shutdown since the race starts and ends on Federal land) was getting to the race. For years Metro opened early enough on weekends that a 9am (or even 8am) gun time was a non-issue. Then once the transportation system started a major overhaul they opted to open later on the weekends to allow more time for maintenance. ANYWAYS! I ended up buying us a guaranteed parking space through Spot Hero (click here to get $7 off your first parking reservation of $8 or more! Full disclosure: I also get $7 when you use my referral code.) It made race morning super easy because I reserved parking in a nearby garage so it was one less thing on my mind. It was even an easy drive over, so I wasn't missing the Metro at all.
After a short walk, we arrived at the National Mall and made a quick trip to the portajohns (no lines!) and headed to the starting area. (We arrived a little later than I usually like to, but it was just a 5k. After running a marathon, running a 5k feels totally different.) Before I knew it, I was queuing up my Christmas running playlist and we headed off around the Tidal Basin.
As expected with Pacers races, it was another great race that was pretty uneventful. There was one water stop at about the halfway point. The race organizers even put a course marshal right by one of the small bridges and had them warn runners that it was icy from the previous day's snow.
Once I crossed the finish line, I got in line for a space blanket, water, a super cute snowman medal, banana, granola bar and some peppermint donut holes from Sugar Shack. (The donut holes were awesome--peppermint powdered sugar on a lovely yeasty donut.)
This shouldn't come as a huge surprise, but once again I would highly recommend doing this race again. The course is great for out of towners or those new to the area since even when they change the venue, it's scenic with all the familiar monuments within walking distance. Everyone from runners to volunteers are in a great mood and wearing fun outfits and it really is fun going all out. I don't usually wear elaborate outfits for a race, but when I do, it's for the Jingle. In fact, I'm already working on my costume for this year's race on December 9th.
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