Hosted by: Reentry and Resources
Timing service: ActNow Racing
Weather: Sunny, 8 mph winds, 46° F (Shorts, long sleeves, headband/hat, gloves)
Route: Out and back on the paved Friscro Trail
Race date: Saturday, January 5, 2019
Start time: 10 AM
Race distance: 5K or 10K
Typically, the first weekend race of the year in the Springfield Area is the Fresh Start 5K. This was the first year for the 10K distance and it seemed that it was well received. Many runners took to the longer distance, however, that could have been due to the oversight of the 5K turnaround. It was marked but no volunteer directing the runners to turn back. An easy fix that will hopefully be address next time. There were two aid stations and they were placed at each turn-around. A couple more volunteers might have helped at the stations so that cups could be handed out to the runners as they passed by. The coordinators have done well to make this a fun race to benefit their mission of serving the Southwest Missouri Area to provide referrals, created and maintains a network of agencies for support and provides financial assistance to citizens who have felony criminal histories. In addition to overall and age group awards there are lots of drawings post-race. A wonderful way to jump start or maintain your winter fitness routine. Happy running! ~trvw