We Quayed

The 21st Annual Run the Quay.  What can we say about this race? We love it and hate it at the same time.  

The first time we signed up for this race was when we had lived in town a year or so. Quite frankly, I cannot remember if it was 2010 or 2011.  I remember thinking that North Carolina was nice and flat and the course should be easy. Plus, it was early in the morning so the weather should be fine.  

I immediately regretted both thoughts.

I ran down a hill knowing full well that what goes down must come back up. Then I ran up hill. Then I ran down hill. Then I ran up hill again. Then I ran down hill only to run a long half mile back up hill to the finish line.  Who the fuck designed this course?!  

Plus I felt like a hot sponge because what moron plans a race on the most humid days of the spring when the air is still and the humidity sits on you like, well, a hot, wet, sponge?!  

That is Run the Quay, a lesson in humility if you think you are a good runner.

Run the Quay (RTQ) is also one of the most fun community events in town. The running community is a very friendly and welcoming one. Most people are not "fast" or "competitive". In fact, only a very select few are out there to step on the podium. The rest are only competing against their previous time, or just trying to get out there and run. All shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities are welcome in the running community. The people at the back of the pack get just as much love from spectators and fellow runners as the speedsters who finish first.  

I love that about running. 

In Fuquay-Varina's case, lots of spectators and families line the course. There are kids races for the little ones. It is a very friendly atmosphere.  At the Quay, you will see the mayor out running. You will see friends you have not run into in a while. You will see your dentist, your kid's teachers, and all sorts of people you know from around town. 

Of course, for the last six years or so, I have been a part of the Run the Quay Committee. I now know the person who thought up this wicked course. I have been friends with the race director for over ten years.  I helped spearhead and execute the international version of RTQ in 2017, when I and several others ran the race in Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar during my deployment. So yes, I am now part of the problem.  

A few years ago we added a 10k race to the 5k race day and made so that you could run one race or the other or both for a 15k challenge.  I did it one year. Just one.  The 10k being first left me drained and sluggish for the 5k.  More power to those that do it. As I am fond of saying lately, "you do you."  

This year TJ ran just for the fun of it. He did the 15k challenge but didn't try to compete. Instead he opted to run with his track buddies from school. I was able to get the Emcee to wish him a happy 18th birthday as he ran past the 4 mile mark and then crossed the finish line. 

In past years, Grant was able to place in the Top Three for a few years until this year when he aged into a new age group. Suddenly, there were older teenagers who were much faster than him. Grant never gives quarter easily and he powered through the finish. At least it gives him something to strive for in the years ahead.  If I know Grant, he will be back on that podium soon.  

Another great thing about RTQ, we have a sponsored after party at a local brewery. They even make a light and refreshing ale that goes down easy at 10:30 in the morning.  As a general rule of thumb, any race that has FREE beer at the finish line is a race worth running!  

Unofficially, this was our 13th, 14th, or 15th Quay.  No PRs. No podium awards. Just lots of friends and good times.