The GE 5K Road Race Benefiting the Petit Family Foundation -- Plainville, CT

Today I had the opportunity to be one of the ~2100 runners competing in the first annual GE 5K Road Race. Even with a 9:30 AM race time, temperatures were oppressively hot and muggy. No matter. The event went off great, and considering this was only the first annual race, I expect it to only get better in the future. The race included a kids run, a standard 5K road race, and a fitness walk. The cost was $30 with all proceeds going to the Petit Family Foundation. The race had many local sponsors that were quite generous. Free drinks, food, and various items were available. The post race festivities included food and music. Even if you were not a runner, it was a fun event for the whole family. I do not do many road races, but I definitely plan on participating in this one again next year. If you are considering entering the race next year, I strongly suggest pre-registering.
One note: The kids fun run was a little chaotic, in a comical way. Many kids were more eager to take off than a race horse at the derby. The organizers had everything they could do to keep the kids behind the starting line. Under these circumstances, the race organizer made one crucial mistake: While trying to explain to the kids how the race would start she used the words "Ready, Get Set, Go". Her intention was to explain to the kids that when they hear that signal they should take off. However, upon hearing these magic words, even out of context, the eager kids immediately broke from the starting line. The organizer tried in vain to re-group the kids for a re-start. Eventually she just gave up and let the mob take off. It was a funny moment. Each kid that completed the run got a medal.