It’s a rare and extraordinary opportunity to run through Central Park with the fastest women in the world. And at the New York Mini 10K on June 12, 2010, I did just that.
From the moment world marathon record-holder Paula Radcliffe took the microphone to welcome us, I knew this race would be special. Another 10K in Central Park? Big whoop, right? But as I looked around at the smiling women next to me in the start corral, some genuinely tearing up at the sight of five-month-pregnant Paula and hometown hero Kara Goucher (amazingly, also pregnant), I felt it. This isn’t some I-am-woman-hear-me-roar kind of thing; but the positive energy among us was palpable. Paula changed the whole world’s expectations of what a woman — what an ATHLETE — was capable of after pregnancy — and there she was, running with us. People weren’t shoving their way forward like usual at an NYRR race. Everyone was just excited to run.
There were strong showings from countless running clubs as well as groups of friends who’d made their own tshirts for the occasion. Solidarity was the theme of the day. And that spirit had quite an impact on race results; I heard many women say they ran personal bests in spite of the humidity.
The start of the Mini is as unique as the field of participants. Runners take off from 61st Street, enjoying a fast flat mile up Central Park West with a throng of spectators before entering the Park at West 90th. From there, the clockwise loop of the Park is familiar to many – it covers the steady incline on the west side, then a quick descent before the northern hills. This year, since humidity was a factor, NYRR set up a sprinkler station just before the Harlem Hill climb. A refreshing option for those who don’t mind damp shoes and a slight decrease in pace from crowding. Once you top the last hill and head East, you’re practically home free — a flat stretch past Engineers Gate, down Cat Hill and just a few rollers before crossing the finish at West 67th Street.
What really separates the Mini from other 10Ks is the tremendous field of pro athletes, the camaraderie, and the crowd support from the fellas. I knew my own teammates would be out in force, but I was pleasantly surprised at the number of men cheering for us throughout the Park. It felt great. In particular, I remember a guy who climbed a lamp post to cheer alternatively in French and English, “8000 mètres pour aller! Good for you!” It was also exciting to see a number of moms and daughters on the course. Paula Radcliffe’s 3-year-old daughter was there to cross the finish line with her. And then there was my coach’s wife with her son… who was wearing a homemade paper race number. Just like Mom.
5,189 women finished the race and received pink carnations. 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the Mini, and hopefully NYRR will up the ante for this important event. I will definitely be at the start line.
Course: A (Perhaps a B if you tend to run in CP all the time). The flat mile outside the park was a great warm-up and the thrill of entering Central Park through a crowd makes it feel like an even bigger race. Once inside the park, it’s challenging and scenic, not to mention historic, plus there’s crowd support. What’s not to like.
Organization: A. It’s NYRR and they know what they’re doing. Plenty of port-a-potties, plenty of bagels. Clear signage and supportive volunteers are their trademarks. Corrals were surprisingly orderly. Aid stations were plentiful and sprinklers were added to combat the heat.
Atmosphere: A. This is the reason to do the race. It’s special in a non-hokey way that’s hard to describe, but you feel it when you get to the start line. Believe me, I’m no Sarah McLauchlin fan, but this was pretty cool. The fastest women in the world run alongside locals, a slew of first-timers and lots and lots of groups of friends. If you’re there to PR, strong chance you will. If you’re there to have a fun race, you definitely will.
Logistics: A I didn’t have to travel for this race except by subway from home, but it’s NYC. Pretty easy to get a room and get here from anywhere. And clearly, women do. Start corrals were located at Columbus Circle which is easily accessible from most subway lines.
Overall: A Every woman should run this race at some point. And guys? Come out to watch us kick some major tookus. I could skip the pink carnation, but I’m glad I can say “I ran the Mini.”
- Julie
