\The next race in the Kennesaw Grand Prix series was the Hero Run 5K. I have ran this race several times previously and really enjoy this race. While the race is on a great course and is very well organized, it is the cause that means the most to me. The proceeds from the race fund multiple programs for veterans including the Wounded Warrior Project, Disable American Veterans and other charities supporting local verterans.
Once the 1 mile run passed through the start of the 5K, it was time to line up! All 6 races in the Kennesaw Grand Prix are ran on the same course, so I have become quite familiar with the course over the years. The course starts at Kennesaw First Baptist Church and heads out towards Swift Cantrell Park. After a mile long (ish) loop of the park, you head back towards downtown Kennesaw and finish at the Depot. The course is absolutely one of the most flat courses you will find in metro-Atlanta. Yes, there are some very minimal 'hills' along the way, but by Atlanta standards, it is pretty darn flat.
The final mile has a bit of a long yet very gradual uphill before the final .2 mile of downhill to the finish line. Fortunately, I know this course very well and what the final mile is like. I knew that we were going to slow down just a smidge the final mile, but didn't want to lose too much of the pace we were going. Just before we hit the mile 2 I did the "runner math" and knew that we were going to SMASH Stacy's goal!
The next race of the series is on September 29 for the Great Locomotive Chase 5K. We will have to miss this one due to other commitments, but I will return for the final race of the series in October, the Garden Gallop.
To learn more about the Kennesaw Grand Prix series and register for their upcoming races, be sure to check out their website.