The 5K and 10 Miler runners start together (in 6 different start waves) and run close to the first 2 miles together. While it was slightly congested until the split, it wasn't too bad. Since our waves were split up by pace, the runners around you were keeping about the same pace as you.
Yes, it is a hilly course (it is Atlanta), but one of the highlights of this race course is running the Cardiac Hill Challenge. Positioned at around mile 7 of the race course, Mizuno sponsors a challenge to see who the King & Queen of Cardiac Hill are as well as the 100 fastest. The challenge clocks your time over the course of a mile as you conqueror about a 12 story elevation gain over a mile on Peachtree Road.
If there is one thing that can help you power through 10 miles of hills, it is awesome course support. Well, this race seriously has some of the BEST course support that I experience. Thanks to school groups, the puppetry center, Back on My Feet, Girls on the Run, and even roller derby girls there were plenty of cheers to be had. Whether you were passing out water, holding signs, ringing cowbells, giving free high-fives, or just simply cheering loudly - THANK YOU!
Despite being exhausted from the night before, I ran a very solid race. With setting a new 10 Miler PR by over 7 minutes, I can definitely say that I am excited to see where my fall races will take me. I was using this race as a measuring tool for where I am at before diving deep into a fall and winter full of half marathons.