On Sunday, Ram Racing held their annual North Shore Classic 5K and Half Marathon. For many runners, including myself, this was our first longer distance race in the heat and humidity. With temperatures nearing 80° and hills throughout the course, the half marathon was a huge challenge.
Thankfully, the many staff and volunteers from Ram knew how to provide support to runners. Volunteer stations throughout the course offered water, Nuun and medical aid at nearly every mile. There were even a few cheerful residents that shared their hose water and sprinklers with runners as they raced through the neighborhoods of Highland Park.
The 5K started at 7 a.m. while the half marathon started at 7:30 a.m. with corral start times spaced out so runners had enough room on the course. The course began in downtown Highland Park and wove through the neighborhood streets before circling to the lake front and back through downtown to the finish line. There were hills throughout the course with one serious elevation which unfortunately went down before he came back up. This challenging course was a great way to start marathon training season.
Finish line crossers receive a huge metal and a bag full of snacks. Volunteers also provided hand towels soaked in ice water and a sprinkler hydration area for runners to cool down in. All runners received a high-quality racing tank top with bright summer colors that can definitely be used to train.
First through third male winners for the 5K were: Alexander Brown, Nicholas Falk and Hector Merchan. First through third female winners for the 5K were: Molly Crotteau, Megan Mocogni and Anita Appius.
First through third male winners for the half marathon were Kevin Havel, Jackson Neff and Oscar Medina. First through third female winners for the half marathon were Alyssa Schneider, Chirine Njeim and Amber White.
This was a well-organized race with a huge turnout. It is easy to see why this race is a success year after year.
