One of Cincinnati's oldest and largest races is the Heart Mini-Marathon. It began in 1978 with about 3000 runners and now it approaches almost 15000 runners and walkers for the various events from the Half Marathon to the original 15k to the 5k and the 5k and 10k HeartWalks. For 2013, they eliminated Torrence and changed the start and finish line from 5th and Main to 6th and Broadway for the start and 5th and Broadway for the finish. I did not run any race due to the fact that I got injured at another race two weeks before so I would be spectating and keep watch on the club rooms at the Westin(Each year the club gets two rooms at the Westin to allow club members a place to put their stuff, avoid the portolets with 6,000 other runners and walkers, scramble to find a restroom with runners , and a chance to socialize with other members and guests). It was quite entertaining watching the runners trying to find a restroom open on the Westin before the race began. I know that is sick, but if they were members of the RCGC, that would not be a problem.
Conditions for this year's Half and 15k were not as good as 2012, but not as bad as 2009. It was a little cold and overcast but there was no wind. For the 5k at 10:30 conditions were much worse with the wind and snow falling. I was at the finish for the 15k and to eliminate the distance they added the hill at Sentinel. I don't know if that was any better than the hill at Torrence. In years past, you had the downhill to propel you to the finish. I headed back up to the rooms to hear what our members had to say about this year's race. I briefly checked out the postrace, which seemed pretty good except for maybe waiting in line for the goetta sandwiches. I got back up to the Runners' Club room to enjoy good company, good food and good drink(View Photos). One of the things that all the runners mentioned was the start and the swaying of the bridge to Columbia Parkway. Some runners felt dizzy and others were freaked out by it. Many members had such a good time at the Heart Mini Suite that the club might move the Holiday in Lights Run here for 2013.
A big Thank you to the Westin Hotel in downtown Cincinnati for being gracious hosts to the Runners' Club of Greater Cincinnati, Gina Meyers for the food, and Todd Hofacre for the drink and club members for cleaning up after themselves. See you in 2014.
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