By Kristen Osborne
The first race in the BTC Triple Crown Series successfully launched on September 26, 2015. This was the very first running of the Whistlestop Half Marathon. I know I can’t be the only runner to worry about first races, as they tend to be disorganized. However, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by Saturday’s showing.
The Community Development Agency for the City of Irondale was one of the major sponsors of the race. Mayor Tommy Joe Alexander kicked off the event. Several city officials were present, both volunteering and running. The races were designed to finish at the Whistlestop Festival, a downtown crafts and food fair to bring attention and interest to the city of Irondale.
City Councilman John London was very excited to be hosting a major long-distance race.
“We used to have the Ironman. But we don’t have that anymore and wanted a new race to focus on,” London said. “We’re hoping we can build this and then bring the Ironman back.”
The race also included a 5k and a dog friendly fun run. The 5k began at 7:30am, with the half marathon following at 8:15am. I think it would make more sense to switch these times next year. An earlier half starting time would benefit the runners with cooler morning weather. Additionally, family members doing the 5k would not have to wait as long at the finish line.
Team Magic hosted the race, providing the timing and race support. Therese Bynum, founder and co-director of Team Magic, explained that her company hosts 20 events per year, mostly triathlons.
Bynum is also the proud owner of two therapy goats involved in Birmingham’s Hand-in-Paw animal therapy charity. The goats were on scene to provide entertainment and support to the runners. One of them got frisky and broke loose right before the 5k, with a short, highly entertaining goat chase ensuing.
Other than the momentary goat escape, the race ran smoothly. The professionalism and experience of the race team was evident – this was much needed and appreciated by runners. The half marathon course could have been very confusing, but ample volunteers were on hand to guide runners. The course began with a short out-and-back leg, immediately followed by another out-and-back leg. The course then took runners into the quaint downtown neighborhoods and school zone of Irondale. It was filled with two large loops, several turnarounds, and some small repeat loops as well.
I often felt lost in relation to the start and finish lines as I do not know the city of Irondale very well. However, I was always certain that I was on the course and going the correct direction. Team Magic, in conjunction with the Irondale Police Department, did an excellent job of marking the course with clear signs, hundreds of cones, and friendly volunteers along the entire route.
Ask anyone who was there: the course was extremely hilly. There is a particularly brutal hill at mile 5. And, because it was part of the large loop, again at mile 10.
This was not race to set a PR. But do not let this scare you away. Not every race has to be a flat, fast course to be enjoyable. Indeed, we would get quite bored and lose a lot of necessary fitness if we never encountered hills. This is an excellent course to test your hill conditioning. I came away very thankful for my recently increased cross-training efforts.
This is also an excellent opportunity to get to know a small community on the outskirts of Birmingham. Irondale has seen its share of the economic downturn and is fighting the same struggle of many small towns to keep its local business thriving and community culture vibrant.
The finish line of the Whistlestop Half ended at the historic railroad station downtown and spilled straight into the Whistlestop Festival. Results were constantly updated and posted on a scrolling digital screen. Each runner was provided with plentiful food, including hamburgers, chips, pasta salad, fruit, and more.
Overall, this race was a fantastic success for a first running. While some runners may complain about the hills, I would hope they keep the course the same. It was interesting and challenging. I also sincerely enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and excitement of the Irondale community to be hosting this race. I have had numerous experiences with less than enthusiastic race volunteers and downright grumpy locals who couldn’t understand why their roads were blocked. Irondale wanted us there, and it showed with their hospitality and hard work.
Kristen S. Osborne is an attorney and home fitness coach from Cahaba Heights. Tell us about your experience at the Whistlestop Half Marathon on the BTC Facebook page or tweet with #BTCTripleCrown.