Kona St. Patricks Day Run in one month!!!!

As many of you are aware, the first Kona Run as part of their Grand Slam series is coming up in four weeks!  I frankly cannot believe we are almost here.  I always feel like the Kona St. Patrick's Day Run is the start of the racing season.  Yes, I know there are races all year, and this will be my fourth race in 2014, but it just feels like racing season starts in March.

The first of the four run series will again be held in downtown Plymouth for it's third year.  This year Kona Running company has once again outdone themselves in regards to the bling for this year.  So let's get right to the bling and then I'll give you some details of the race.

The first 4,000 registered(which I happen to be one of them) will receive a Kona Running Company beanie:

Winter Beanie!  Woohoo!

Of course, if you register for any of their races including the Dublin Double, 10k, 5k or one mile run, you will get one of their tech shirts:

Everyone gets a shirt!

Now if that is not enough bling for you, then sign up for the 10k race because all finishers(limited to 2,300) get this sweet medal:

10k Finisher medal

But wait.......there's more(I've always wanted to say that!  Haha!).  New this year, Kona is offering the Dublin Double.  What's that you say?  Run the 10k THEN run the 5k.  Do that and you also get another medal for doing the Dublin Double(limited to 500):

Dublin Double

I'll be running the Dublin Double and it will be my first double race ever.  I can't wait to see how I do for it.  How's that for some sweet bling?  Now, if you are also running this race to get your Grand Slam medal, once you have completed all four races, in November, after completing the Kona Chocolate Run, you'll get this too.  Woohoo!!!

Grand Slam!

As I've always said, if Kona knows how to do things, they know how to bring bling for the runners.  Haha!  This year, they are also offering double runs at their Wicked Halloween Run and Kona Chocolate Run as well.  Think about it - if you run all their races(including the doubles) this year and including the Novi Half Marathon, you will earn nine medals - that's crazy!

As for the details of the Kona St. Patrick's day run, there are several other new things this year including shuttle buses to downtown Plymouth so you will have free parking.  If you decide to park downtown in one of Plymouth's lot, please be sure to bring some money because the City is going to charge $5($2.50 to the City and $2.50 to Charity).

Also new this year is three waves starting at 7:30am for the 10k and 9am for the 5k.  I think that's a great idea.  Not only will this reduce the congestion at the start of each race, it will also allow more runners to take on the Dublin Double and not have to worry about finishing the 10k in time to start the 5k.  If you run the 10k, you need to be able to keep a 16 minute pace.  And no worries for the Port-o-potties, as the race will have enough at the start/finish.  They also have made an effort to improve the finish line area so that it runs even smoother.

All these new things are in place to make the race even more enjoyable and many were suggestions from runners who have run the race.  Kona certainly listens to it's customers and keeps improving each year.

Of course, many of the same great things will be back again.   Take a look:

In addition, the certified courses(10k and 5k) will again be back as well as the 1 mile(not certified).  Now I know that many of you don't like the fact that it's the same course for the Plymouth races but use it as a challenge.  Run your races this year and see how you improve or see what the weather brings and makes for different challenges.  Hopefully you can improve your race time with each race.

10K Certification

5k certification

As with all their races, there will be early packet pickup.  I strongly suggest that you come the day before to their mini expo and get your packet.  There is nothing worse than stressing over having to get your packet race morning especially if you take the free shuttle.  Plus, you get to see me!  I'll be volunteering again at packet pickup which is always a great time.  Make sure you say hello if you see me!

As far as weather?  Well, who knows given this year's Winter weather but either way, Kona provides warming tents so you can keep warm before/after the races.  Last year was really cold and the first year was really warm.  Check out the pictures to see how I'm dressed so differently!  Shorts one year and Winter jacket the next.  We are due for some warm weather, right?

It's crazy how different the temperatures were - what will 2014 bring? Either way, I'll be there!

Not signed up yet or need more information?

Go to the Kona St. Patrick's Day Run website

Go to the Kona St. Patrick's Day Facebook page

I hope to see you there!

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Note:  In exchange for this blog post, I receive a complimentary entry into the race.  I am not compensated and all opinions on here are my own and I'm not required to provide a particular opinion our the races.