Race Recap: Hope for Haiti 5K Trail Run 2018

A few weekends ago, I ran the Hope for Haiti 5K Trail Run. This is the 2nd time I ran this race. I ran it back in 2016 (just at the start of what would become a near year-long issue with anemia). I was hoping for a better race this time around...then the unexpected happened. 

My 4-year-old son decided he wanted to run the race with me. He's run 1-milers before and done really well (about an 11 minute mile on road races), and can generally sustain that for a little over a mile. Since this race was kid- and dog-friendly, and because I had no major goals other than to just run as well as I could on wet trails, I decided to let him run. So he registered as the race's youngest participant, and managed to talk my husband into registering as well. So the race became a family affair. 

Pre-race fun

Pre-race fun

I love this race because it’s so close to home. It’s not one that’s great for PR’ing, unless you’re looking for a trail PR, but the course is pretty and winds through the trails of Oakland Plantation, which are usually closed to the public except for events like this. The other race here is the Race & Roast 5K in the winter.

Taking a break and hitching a ride on Dad's shoulders

Taking a walk break

The last time I ran this race, it was held on a Thursday evening. This time, it was a Saturday morning, which was fine with me. I’ve become a much better morning runner over the past few years. Evenings are not the best time for me to run since I’m pretty much zapped but that time of the day these days.

They also added finisher medals for all participants (and ribbons for the kiddos). I always love getting finisher medals. The last time I ran this race, even age group winners didn’t get medals so I was happy to see finisher medals this time around.

There’s not much to say about my own performance during this race. I stayed with my son the entire way.

He took off running since he was determined to “beat Daddy” and ran for the first 1.25 miles, then he got tired and wanted to walk. From there we did a run/walk combination until Daddy caught up with us. Then there were a few times he wanted to be carried during the last mile. So we did a run/walk/carry to the finish, with him running as fast as he could at the end. He’s only 4, so we help him out when we can, but I think by next year he’ll be able to run the whole thing on his own.

Showing off his ribbon and medal

I’m so proud of my little dude for running this race. Watching his happy little face as the crowd cheers him on the finish is just the best thing ever, and he was so proud of his ribbon and medal.

But I think I’ve created a racing monster because now he wants to run all the races with me. I think my 4-year-old just picked up an expensive hobby.

Do you have kids who like to race with you? Is trail racing your thing or do you prefer the road?

Race info

Race: Hope for Haiti 5K Trail Race
Date: September 8, 2018
Location: Mount Pleasant, SC
Medals: Yes, ribbons for kids
Course: Trail and grass, some shade, some sun
Weather: 80s, 100% humidity, sunny
Performace (1/worst to 5/best):N/A - ran with my 4-year-old son
Health: Good