Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Parkway Classic as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
Spring racing season is well underway and my next big race is the Parkway Classic 10 Miler on April 23rd! This will be the first time I’m running this race so I’m really looking forward to some beautiful scenery in Alexandria, Virginia! I’m sharing 5 reasons why I’m excited about the race!
[bctt tweet=”I’m excited about the @runpacers #parkwayclassic! Find out why this will be a great race coming up next Sunday! #runchat #bibchat” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
Parkway Classic 10 Miler – Alexandria, VA
This year marks the 33rd annual George Washington Parkway Classic! The Parkway Classic is considered the hometown race of Alexandria, VA. Here’s more detail on the course:
This course, renown for lush scenery and gorgeous river views, takes runners down the GW Parkway and through the iconic brick buildings lining the streets of Alexandria.
The 10 mile race starts at Mount Vernon Estate, the home of George Washington, while the 5k race starts at Belle Haven Park, a marina tucked off the Potomac River. All runners will make their way to the exciting finish at beautiful Orinoco Bay Park in Old Town.
With the colors of spring in bloom as a backdrop, and scores of spectators cheering along the way, this course offers a one-of-a-kind experience and makes the Parkway Classic the perfect race to kick off your running season!
Doesn’t it sound amazing? When offered the opportunity to run it with BibRave, I jumped! Not to mention, I’ve heard such great things about the race from my fellow running blogger Coco over the past few years! I look forward to meeting up with her on race day. Here are a few more reasons why I’m excited about the Parkway Classic!
5 Reasons I’m Excited:
First Race As a BibRave Pro Ambassador
While it is my second year as a BibRave Pro Ambassador, this is the first year that I’ll be able to participate in one of their official partner races! I really look forward to meeting my fellow pros and wearing my BibRave singlet as if I’m some sort of elite athlete, LOL!
And this is just the beginning – I have several other races that I will be running as part of the BibRave Pro team, including:
- Buffalo Half Marathon (5/28)
- Rock ‘N Roll Seattle Half Marathon (6/18)
- Rock ‘N Roll Montreal Half Marathon (9/24)
- Rock ‘N Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon (10/14)
Do you believe me now when I said this will be a busy year of races? LOL! If you’re running any of these races, let me know – I do have discounts available!
Me in my singlet!Racing in a New State
This will be my first race in the state of Virginia! My brother lives in the DC area and I’ve only been able to run in Alexandria one other time when visiting him…but I loved it, even though it was super cold that day. While I’ve never had a goal to race in all 50 states, I love getting the opportunity to run in new places. We’ve been having ridiculously warm weather in Philly lately, so who knows how warm it’ll be in Alexandria in late April, but I’m looking forward to it!
Mount Vernon TrailRunning a Hilly, Scenic Course
Coco gave me the scoop about the rolling hills on this course. Even though I felt pretty miserable from the hills at Rock ‘n Roll DC, I like a challenge. I know that running a new race and enjoying the scenery will help distract me from worrying too much about what lies ahead! I really want to take in all of the sights and maybe see if I can make a little bit more progress with the 10-mile distance!
Spending Time With Family
I’m definitely looking forward to some family time while I’m in the DMV area! The last time I was in DC for my race, neither my brother or sister was in town…go figure! I had a great time with my friend Maureen, but I definitely missed seeing my kinfolk! Fortunately, I’ve got a much better chance of having some QT with my siblings! I still need to finalize the logistics!
Trying Sugar Shack Donuts!
From Red Brick TownSugar Shack Donuts is a sponsor of the Parkway Classic, and it has been a LONG time since I’ve had some good donuts! I look forward to checking them out – just browsing their website, they have unique flavors like cucumber melon, fresh peach ginger, bacon maple, and chocolate Butterfinger! After running 10 miles, I think I’ll have earned the right to eat a donut (or 2 or 3)!
PS – it’s not too late to sign up for the Parkway Classic! Save $5 off the 5K or 10 Miler with code 17gwpBibRave!
I’m participating in the following linkups:
Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday Five 2.0, Ilka and Angela for Fitness and Food, Susie, Debbie, Lora, and Rachel for the Running Coaches Corner and Annmarie, Nicole, and Jen for Wild Workout Wednesday!
Have you ever run the Parkway Classic? What races are you looking forward to this spring?
Alexandria VA + Running + Donuts… don’t need to tell me anything else!
Right?! I’m so excited!
Those sugar shack donuts look super yummy – I can see why you are excited to try them out!
I always get excited to race in a new state as well!
It’s always fun to run somewhere new. I gotta get those donuts!
I think all races should be sponsored by doughnut shops! This race sounds great. I wish I was closer!
The Philly 10K had support from Shake Shack and they had custard for finishers (though they ran out)…I’m all for it!
I’ve never heard of this race, but it sounds awesome! You really are doing a ton of races. Being a BibRave ambassador sounds like a blast!
Being a BibRave Pro is really fun and we’ve been getting the opportunity to test out some really cool gear! This will definitely be my busiest racing year, but I figure why not go for it!
Awesome! I love the ten mile distance and was bummed not to do Broad St this year… have such a fun time!
Thanks, Laura! No Broad Street for me this year either…I’m looking forward to spectating though!
I have actually never done this race and it’s so close to me! Hope our fantastic weather continues and you have a wonderful race. People really love it! Enjoy those donuts
It seems to be a bit under the radar this race, but I hear Pacers puts on great events!
Yay! You know I’m so excited to see you! And local Port City is the beer sponsor, so I will be having beer and a donut at the finish!
I’m really excited to get together! I love trying local beers too…I should have made that another reason lol!
This race sounds like so much fun! Running and doughnuts are best friends as far as I’m concerned. I hope you have the best time! Good luck!
Thanks a lot, Alaina! 🙂
This sounds like a lot of fun! The 10-mile distance is a great challenge (not too far but not too short), and donuts (LOL!).
I’m enjoying the 10 mile distance a lot! I’m excited to see how it goes!
I LOVE racing in a new state and new places. Such a fun way to get to tour and see the scenes!
Absolutely! It never gets old! 🙂
That’s cool that you are a bib rave pro! You definitely have lots of races to look forward to! -M
Thanks, Meranda 🙂 It’s gonna be a very busy year of races!
We have a Sugar Shack Donuts shops that just opened down the street from where I live and I have not gone there. That is probably a good thing. But I will have to try it one of these days. Maybe after a long run!
Oooh that’s awesome! I wish I had such close to access to amazing donuts like that, even though it would be pretty dangerous!
Those doughnuts would be reason enough for me to run any race!!
I know, right?!
Sounds like it’ll be a blast! I don’t have a 50-states goal either, but I do love running in new places. There’s just something so fun but adventuring into unknown territory. And those donuts… mmmm!
I’m really excited about it! Running in different cities and states always excites me 🙂