Race Recap: The Cupcake Classic

In the beginning of summer, my mind started reeling.  My birthday landed on a Saturday this year.  Instantly, I knew I wanted to celebrate with a race.  I scoured the race calendars everywhere and just couldn't find the perfect course/location that was worthy of my "birthday run."  Hence... The Cupcake Classic was born!

I've always been a natural event-planner.  In fact, many of my previous jobs paid me to plan events... on a baseball field, in a large expo center and even in a bar.  Event planning is something that I've always enjoyed, so to create my own race seemed like a no-brainer.  When I signed up for the American Cancer Society's DetermiNation team, it served as the perfect charity tie-in.  Donations are still accepted {here}

This past Saturday, October 22, was the local Cupcake Classic fun run in East Peoria, IL.  (See {here} for the recap of the virtual race.)  With the help of sponsors, I kept the event free for women in the area to participate.  The objective was simple... Celebrate the Fit Life!  It was my 37th birthday. Yet each year that I run, I feel younger and younger.  Alas... the magical powers of running!  Once you feel that magic, you can't help but want everyone around you to feel it too.

It was a beautiful sunny fall morning, I couldn't ask for more!  My hubby and I got out to the trail about 7:00am to set up the water station and post mile markers (nice warmup run before the race!).  Ladies started arriving quickly as we set up the start/finish line area. I gave a brief welcome, which was interrupted when the group of 70+ women started singing Happy Birthday to me (Awwww!).  My Big Girl has been learning the National Anthem in kindergarten music class, so she made her debut over the loudspeaker and did great!!

The 3.7 mile fun run was so much fun!  We talked, we laughed, we gave high fives and hugs, and the smiles were abundant.  Not a celebration of the 37 years I've already lived... but for the years that lie ahead.  I'm so blessed to have these wonderful supportive women in my life.  In my heart, I truly believe the best years of my life are yet to come...

I am now 37 years young!

Oh-yeah... my official time was 34:24 (9:17 pace). 

My hubby said I finished in 6th place! 

(Note to self - Don't invite anyone faster than me next year! HA!)

Please enjoy the slideshow below for a photo recap of local Cupcake Classic...

Thank you again to everyone (local and virtual) 

for helping celebrate my birthday this year!  

You made me feel really special!




THANK YOU TO THE CUPCAKE RACE SPONSORS!
Saucony and Running Central
Sexy Mom's Running Club
Team Sparkle
Mark Twain Hotel
Ryders Eyewear
Pearl Izumi
GU Energy Gels
Build-A-Sign

Jessica's Gifts

BondiBand

Quad Cities Marathon