CVS Caremark Downtown 5k Providence RI

I love this race! The CVS Caremark Downtown 5k has a vibe all its own. I always feel at home.  It is the closest thing Providence has to a running block party.  I feel comfortable among the crowd talking to folks and taking pictures before the race and on the course. The movement of the runners through the city captivates and encourages me to look at the everyday normal in a different way.    

I think the smile on my face conveys how much fun I had today!

I stopped by Rhode Runner Inc on Thursday to pick up my race bib and shirt.  Most of the bibs were still waiting at the ready.  All that racing potential just sitting there waiting for runners to set it free!

This years shirt was a vibrant purple! 
It also came in women's or men's for the first time! 
Not bad for a local 5k!

The weather forecast for the day was rain and thunder.  Lucky for the 5k and 3k runners the storm moved through quickly and although the ground was wet and there were puddles on the course, it stopped raining before I had to get out of my car. :) After the storm clouds cleared I headed to the city side of the Capital and started taking in the race scene! 

Abbey Rhode was playing in front of the Capital.

The high school teams were gathering
here, there and everywhere before heading to get their team pictures taken for the costume competition.

The top of the street holding back the racers as they
pinned and prepped for their outing.

There were some great folks in the crowd who stood out!
This Hartford, CT, firefighter raced in his full gear!

Happy Birthday Kelli Mclellan!
What a great way to celebrate your day!

Charlie Breagy, race director,
up on the stage like a proud papa.

The race sponsors!

Here we go folks! 
Moving to the line and ready, set, go!

Crossing the Point Street Bridge!

This mom and son caught my attention.
They were taking care of each other and moving right along!

Runners rounding the corner near the I-Way!

Zigging and zagging our way back into town.
I love the green grass, brick red building, and blue sky
with the runners moving through.

Hello mile 2 and downtown Providence!

Up, up, up, and over the line!

Charlie taking pictures of the runners finishing!

Happy runner!

Taking pictures of the finishers!
#65 - U.S. Representative David Cicilline

 After the CVS Caremark Downtown 5k wrapped up the "kids" started warming up for the Tufts Health Plan High School Inspirational 3k.  

Bishop Hendricken boys stretching their legs. 

The corral was full of energy getting ready to hit the course!
The St. Mary's Academy Bay View girls
took on the course in their Patriots gear!

All in all it was an amazing morning.  I am all in favor of local races that start at 11:15 am.  I was able to sleep in and have time with the family before heading into town...and the chocolate chip pancakes served me very well (thanks to my hubby).  This is just one of those races that I will do every year.  How can you go wrong with a block party that takes it on the road!