Review: 2015 Rock 'n Roll Portland 10K

What: 2015 Rock 'n Roll Portland Half Marathon and 10K
Where: Downtown Portland
When: May 27, 2015 
Distance: 10K

This was my second time taking part in the Portland Rock n' Roll 10k. I signed up last year at the race expo, even before completing the 10k the first time. It was a leap of faith at the time, but I was sure glad after I finished that first race that I decided to give it a go again. 

I got off to a bad start this year.

The Start Line for the 10k was different than the Half Marathon. The half started about 30 minutes earlier so I decided to see my running buddy take off. Well, just as she was about to take off, a kind half marathoner spotted my 10K bib and said, "Did you know your race is starting down there?" A quick "OMG! and thank you!" and a quick jaunt down the Waterfront to my start line started the race for me. 

I ended up in the very back of the pack. I had a couple minutes to regain my composure and then we were off. I don't usually mind being at the back of the pack because... you know... I may be slower than most but I'm still doing the distance. No shame in that. But it kinda freaked my mind out with a police officer tail car right on my tail so early in the race. I feel like pushed myself a little too hard early on because of that. 

A mile or so in, I regained my composure and pushed ahead so that I wasn't the very last one and didn't have the tail car right on me. It did a lot for my brain. Pretty much everything was smooth sailing at that point. 

The course was different than last year. This year, the half marathon went one direction, and the 10k went the opposite. Now I get that it helped with congestion (and kept slowpoke 10K'rs from clogging the way for speedy half marathoners). 

But I must admit that I sure missed crossing paths with the half marathon folks and looking for familiar faces I've seen at other races (as well as friends taking part in the race). There's just something about making your way down the course and seeing a familiar face and hearing the "YAY!!!!!" yell... or getting a big hug mid-race.

Half marathoners went over two bridges. We went over three (Hawthorne, Steel and Morrison). And we went over the Steel bridge twice.

One of the cool things about the RnR series is they have entertainment along the course so there was some music along the way. Plus they always have a concert at the end. The headliner for the Finish Line concert this year was Portugal. The Man. They were pretty fantastic. I can't remember who last year's headliner was. :)   

What we got: A race-specific tech shirt, a plastic drawstring bag (handy for bag checking your stuff during the race) and a race specific Finisher's Medal. Our bib included a ticket for a free beer after the race. At the Finish Line, we received several samples: chocolate milk, bagel, some popcorn treats, Gatorade and water. 

(These were the half medals)

(And here is the 10k one. Our ribbon was Airport Carpet inspired, but it was blue rather than green)

Prior to the race, at the Race Expo, there were several vendors offering samples (as well as ones selling stuff) and a number of photo opportunities.

I didn't pay a great deal of attention at who else was at the race after the race, but the folks from Chobani where near the concert stage, handing out free samples of yogurt, and folks from Jimmy John's were giving out sandwiches.

  

Final thoughts: I was ready to sign up to do it again at the Expo this year, but the RnR folks were still working out details with the city. When registration opens, you can bet I'll do it again.