Race Recap: Packers 5k

The great Lombardi has my back!

Once in the car, it sounded rather silly that I was driving 345 miles to run 3.1.  Oh, the things runners do for a good race!  Thankfully, I was not disappointed. The Packers 5k, presented by Bellin Health, might just be the best short race I've ever run. From the race organization, event goodies, a strong run and sweet course, this race was champion-style.

Everyone has 'their team' and the Green Bay Packers have been mine since I was a little kid. It's kinda like a birth right when you grow up in Wisconsin. We bleed green and gold up there. Packer fans are serious about their football, but they also make it fun. The crowd at Lambeau is always welcoming and golly (beer might have something to do with that), but I've always been proud of the fact that they're not jerks to visiting fans. The entire atmosphere of Lambeau Field is positively electric and this race was no different.

The Packers 5k was an evening race with a start time of 6:30pm.  I arrived early Saturday afternoon to pick up my packet and stroll around the great stadium. I moved out of Wisconsin almost 15 years ago, so I don't get up to Green Bay very often. I enjoyed walking around the complex, shopping at the Pro Shop and watching the crowds wait by the players' exit (training camp was in session). Stadium tours were in session, so I followed one for a while and reveled in some Packers history.

Supporting the GREEN with a Team Sparkle skirt!

As the afternoon went on, the crowds outside Lambeau grew and grew.  I had no idea how many people were running, but later at the start, it was announced that over 6000 people had registered. That's a pretty big 5k race, which in most cases might equal chaos. However, these event organizers are obvious professionals. In just the third running of the Packers 5k, this event was impressively smooth. Race bibs were color-coded with your assigned wave number (based on your pace when you registered).  The corrals at the start were gated with a guarded entrance. The volunteers were incredible... looking at the bibs and directing runners to their proper waves. Thank you to the gentleman watching the wave 2 gate. He would not let you in without the proper bib! While some may find this harsh, the end result is a really smooth race for all involved.

Before the race started, I met up with my fellow Sole Sister Courtney and her cousin Mallory, who also made the long trip up from Illinois.

I also got to meet Kelsey... who had a matching shirt with me!
Do you like our shirts? They are available for purchase here.

Finally time to race! We lined up on Lombardi Avenue in front of the stadium. I didn't exactly have a race plan. I ran a 10 miler the day before and could feel it in my legs, but undoubtly, the adrenaline was pumping! I decided to just run by feel and go with the flow. I brought my iPhone (which I never do when I race) just so I could get some pictures inside Lambeau. I've never been on 'thee holy field' before and was really excited to experience that.

After an introduction of some Packers alumni and the National Anthem, the gun went off for wave 1 (under 7 min mile pace). We moved up and a couple minutes later, wave 2 was on its way. Despite a packed field, the start was smooth because we were all relatively running the same pace. I had lined up in the back of wave 2, so I did have a little dodging to do in the start. The course made a big square through nearby neighborhoods before coming back to the stadium. I was surprised by the gentle rolling hills in the middle, but also found it thrilling. Every time we went up an incline, I picked off runners. I was determined to run a smooth pace and kept steady despite the hills. I glanced at my iPhone twice to see my pace (8:16 and 8:22). I was running a strong pace for me, but still felt comfortable.

As we made the turn back to the stadium, I could hear the finish line excitement in progress. Upon entering the players' tunnel, our course narrowed and the pace naturally slowed a bit. It was so cool running underneath the stadium! There was 2-way traffic and runners were yelling back and forth with a fun "Go Pack Go!" chant that echoed in the tunnel.  As we came out the tunnel, the Packers cheerleaders were lined up along the field to welcome runners. It literally took my breath away. Running into Lambeau was like entering a Thomas Paine painting. The field, the stands, everything was so serene and perfect. I had to remind myself to keep running. Quickly, I turned my phone on to snap some pictures. My hands were literally shaking with excitement and my fingers slick with sweat. It was a task of coordination to run, take photos and not drop my phone (or face plant).  There were several tv cameras filming the runners as we circled around the field. The live action was played on the jumbotrons above.

I even managed to snap a self-portrait while running inside Holy Lambeau

As we came down the final stretch of the field loop, that section of seats were filled with spectators who were cheering wildly. Right at that point, I made my way around a group and found some open track. I sprinted it out as we exited the field. As we made another run down the players tunnel, my pace suddenly started to catch me. I swallowed deep and pushed my way to the finish, which was in the parking lot near the Tundra Experience.  I felt pretty weak coming down the final stretch, but gave it all I had... which turned out to be a new 5k PR!!

Again, the race organizers did a great job at the finish line. Cold bottled water was immediately available and then a huge tent with long tables of food (pretzels, cookies, bananas, oranges, apples). With the staggered start, there were never lines for food and we strolled through easily. They even had a nice area with water misters to cool down.

Some of the fun Packer Backers I got to run with!

There are very few races I repeat (simply because I like new experiences), but this one is already calling me back for next year! Nothing I love more than a fun atmosphere, good course and top-notch organization. Thanks Packers... Jess will be back!

Official Chip Time

26:21 (8:29 pace) New PR!

#25 out of 350 in my division

#252 out of 3291 females

#886 out of 5686 overall finishers