Dick Batchelor Run for the Children 5k

I did another 5k on Saturday.  I know, I know, crazy since I'm 7.5 months along now (and I have more to do before BabyD comes)!  This one has been on my list for a little while, it was the Dick Batchelor Run for the Children 5k  hosted by Universal Studios Florida.  All but one of my 5 races before this one had been Run Disney events... the one that wasn't was my worst 5k by far.  Not in time, my time was really good, but just the whole event overall.  I don't blame the event, it was me being spoiled by Disney.  So I was a little nervous signing up for this one.  I really wanted to do one in another park since it's a fun way to see them and I've done all 4 of the WDW parks.  This one was held at Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Citywalk Orlando (and was the first race I've done where the start/finish line were not in the same spot).

I have to say I was very impressed with the event.  Being a Disney person, I don't have very high standards for Universal (sorry), and I know that this really isn't a "Universal" race like the Run Disney races are Disney.  But since they are the host they get associated with the event.  There was online registration, and day of registration.  I did online, but the day of was very well organized as was the packet pick up.  Now I'm definitely spoiled by Disney and all the characters out and about on the course.  I got my picture with Shrek and Fiona just before we started, and then afterwards saw them again, along with Shaggy and Scooby and that was it.  Although I guess that does make sure that the course is clear before the parks open.  I was kind of disappointed that there weren't any on course photographers.  I did this one solo, so the only pictures of me I got were (bad) self portraits and one that I got an early park guest to take of me after I finished.  One thing that kind of surprised me was that there was only one water stop, about halfway through the course.  This was the first 5k that I've done that didn't have two stops. Not complaining just observing.  

At the end of the race they had a mini expo along with some refreshments.  They had 6-8 tents set up with some samples and local businesses and tv stations.  A good selection of refreshments- bananas, sliced oranges, granola bars, Powerade, and (my one actual complaint) COLD bottled water.  

All in all I thought it was a good event and would highly recommend it to anyone who has looked at it in the past.  Oh, and for those who aren't up to running a 5k, this one is DEFINITELY walker friendly! It has a 20 minute minimum pace where Disney does a 16.  I walked the entire thing and didn't hit anything faster than a brisk walk up until the very last minute or so... when I saw the finish line, and the timer getting way to close to the one hour mark. I did what people tend to do in cars when they are getting close to an intersection when they see the light turn yellow- pick it up a notch.  I barely made it in under an hour, but I did it: 59 minutes 40 seconds!

Have you participated in this one in the past, or were you there this year?  Let me know what you think of it!   I had a lot of fun with this one, and it probably won't be my last one!