On Sunday morning I participated in the Molly Murphy Memorial 5k with my family. My sister’s coworker had organized the race with her family in memory of their cousin. The race was to help raise awareness of anxiety and depression in young adults.
It was held at a high school track, which isn’t too far outside of Baltimore, but it was about 45 minutes from my parents’ house where we had all stayed for the weekend. We were on the road at 6:30 am to get there in time to pick up our bibs and warm up a little before the race started.
Molly Murphy Memorial 5k
There were about 200 participates, but no chip timing. Rob and I lined up pretty close to the front so that our times wouldn’t be affected by starting late.
The race began with 2 laps around the track. I forgot how nice it is to run on a REAL track! I ran behind Rob and he ended up pacing me for most of the race. After the 2 laps around the track we headed down to the street for an out and back course, before finishing with another 2 laps around the track. There were small hills along the streets but nothing terrible. It was also fun doing the out and back because we got to cheer for other runners along the way!
My sister caught a picture of me chasing behind Rob, and our dad is in front of her waving.
She also got a picture of my mom on the course
The weather was ideal for a July day- probably around 65 degrees at the start. By the end it was hot, but nowhere near as bad as it could be.
Official time was 21:40, 2 seconds off my PR but got me 1st place in my age group. Rob finished 5 seconds ahead of me and also got first in his age group!
I wasn’t trying to PR, so I was really happy with this time for not giving it 100% effort.
The rest of my family did awesome as well! It was nice that we finished the last 1/2 mile on the track because I was able to get lots of action shots!
After the awards we headed to a local diner to eat! It was definitely fun doing a smaller race with family and friends!
Have you ever done a race with a group of family and/or friends?
Anyone else race over the 4th of July weekend?
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Chrissy @Pink Polish and Running Shoes says
That looks like fun!
Runner Girl Eats says
Speedy! Congrats on a great race and 1st in your age group 🙂
[email protected] says
Thanks!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
What a great way to spend the weekend, with family and friends and also to support a cause that is close to you. That is fantastic that for a more “informal” race they still had such a great turnout! And way to kill it out there!
[email protected] says
Thanks! Yea it was awesome how many people came out to run or walk!
Kyndal says
Congratulations – those small races are so fun! I ran two of them this weekend and got first in my age group for both. I was so excited.
[email protected] says
Thanks and congrats to you, too! Two races and awards in one weekend?! That’s awesome!
Kate the great says
I love Linda.
Congrats!
[email protected] says
Doesn’t she look like a pro running up that hill?
Sam @ The Running Graduate says
Awesome job, and congrats on winning the age group!
I did a race with a bunch of friends/classmates in April in Canton and it was a lot of fun! I finished first out of the group, so it was nice to see everyone else finish.
[email protected] says
Thanks! Group races are so fun!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
Wow that was awesome! You are fast! Congrats on both of you winning your age group! That’s so cool that your family ran and it looks like such a fun time 🙂
[email protected] says
Thanks! It was fun having them participate in the race! My mom even said she would like to run races like that more often!
Amy says
Your time is awesome! Way to go for not even giving 100%! I like doing smaller races sometimes, especially with friends and family. That is one of the main reasons I love running our local Turkey Trot. Everyone is home for the holidays, and it is so much fun.
[email protected] says
That sounds like fun, too! I’ve been really liking the smaller races lately. Its nice to not worry about parking, lines, etc and just run!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog says
I’ve done just a 5k with my husband once, but I can’t imagine how fun it would be to do a race with the whole family! That is IF I could EVER talk my family into running in the first place! Looks like such a fun weekend and congrats on the win!
[email protected] says
Thanks! A few years ago I don’t think I could have gotten anyone in my family to run a race! They all seemed to like working towards a goal and the accomplishment on finishing the race.
Alli says
your family is the cutest.
look at you two just winning races like its no big deal..
[email protected] says
Ha! If you notice, we only get awards in the super small races:) But it is always exciting to place!
Kristina @ Blog About Running says
That’s awesome that so many people in your family ran the 5K! Congrats to you and Rob for wining first place in your age groups and basically being crowned King and Queen of the race!
I would love to do a race with family members but unfortunately there are no other runners in my family 🙁
[email protected] says
Haha thank you!
Maybe you can work on getting your family to try a 5k! Even if they have to walk some of it, its still a fun activity and awesome accomplishment!
Salt says
Umm and you weren’t even trying!? That’s a fantastic time! Congrats on the AG win! You were right up the street from my house. 🙂 (I need to go take advantage of that track!)
[email protected] says
Thanks!- I wasn’t “trying” to PR but I was definitely racing:) You’re the second person who told me they live near the high school! I used to work up there so I expected it to be way hillier than it actually was. Maybe if they have it again next year you can run it since its so convenient for you!
Nicole@thegirlwhoraneverywhere says
Congratulations on the AG win and that’s super speedy! I did a 4th of July race with three girlfriends last week..it was a BLAST!!!!!
[email protected] says
Thank you! And that sounds like so much fun!