Pitter Patter 2010

[runningwild]

Has anyone ever done the Pitter Patter from Loyalist before?  Is it a "fun run" or is it a bit more on the competitive side.  A couple of friends of mine are considering doing it with me, but are worried that it is beyond their abilities.

Any info is much appreciated!

Cheers,
  Stephanie

[April]

I did this race last year with my sister-in-law. It was her first 5k. She had the same reservations about it. My opinion about races and whether they are fun or competitive is that you've paid your fee. It is your race. You are the one who decides if you are competitive or running for fun. Everyone is on their own schedule and some are set to race and others use it as a recovery run or first 5k run/walk. And it's all flat, so that's a plus for first timers.
I'm new to races and have never felt that I didn't belong there. Everyone has to start somewhere.
In my opinion this is a well organized fun run and a great way to start the season in the area.

Good luck to you and your friends. Hope to see you there.
April

[Glo]

Hi
I started running the last week of March last year, and did the 5k Pitter Patter last year.  Just think of it as a normal run with more people, and more fun !!!   Everyone makes you feel welcome, and they don't care your level, if you are a racer, a runner, jogger or walker. 
You will have a great time! 
And you never know, you'll probably be doing the 10k next year.

Gloria

[runningwild]

Thanks for the feedback guys!  I'll be there for sure, now I'm just trying to convince the girls to JUST DO IT!

[Sandy]

Well said April!! 

You will love the Pitter Patter, awesome race. 

[Kate]

The 10K Pitter Patter was the first event that I did last year after starting running again January 1st 2009.  Up until that race, I had only run 10K a few times.

I have a friend who keeps telling me that I am a runner in my own league, but I think any running event is what you personally want it to be and so long as you ENJOY it, that's what matters most.  Whether you're just trying to complete the distance or whether you're setting out to try for a personal best ... just have FUN!!

[Speed of a Corgi]

I agree wholeheartedly! I get a rush from all the encouragement from the sidelines and in the crowd of people at the start - even when they pass me! At the finish line, you know you're a winner when you know you have done your best and placed ahead of everyone at home on their sofas!

[Jane]

I am not sure how many times I have done this race, but I seem to have a bunch of Pitter Patter shirts kicking around. 

They have good door prizes and good recovery food.  Very important aspects of a race.  OK - THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS!    

The last two years their result calculations were wonky.  I am not sure how this has happened but they seemed to get the people out of order.  For some reason Nancie Gibson gets missed in the results and I believe this was the race where it has happened - maybe more than once.  It is her fault though -- she is so fast they don't see her come over the finish line!  I hope this year they mess up and make me 5 minutes faster than I actually am.     Then maybe I'll be able to break 30 minutes!!   

The course is kind of boring though.  Around the parking lot, out Wallbridge Loyalist Road to West Moira and then to just past the Humane Society -- and back for the 5K.  Pretty flat though, so that is a plus.     The 10K keeps going down Avonlough to where the Antique store is across from Stream.  A couple of inclines on that part.

It's a good race to do for your first one.