USA 25K Open Championships

On May 14, 2011, I will be running in the USA 25K Open Championships in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The USA 25K race is apart of the Fifth Third River Bank Run. On that Saturday, besides featuring the largest 25K road race in the country, they will also have a 10K, 5K run/walk and Junior races. While the Fifth Third River Bank Run has a 25K race, they also will be hosting the USA 25K Open Championships. As a member of the USATF, I will be participating in the Open Championship run.

I decided to run this race for a couple of reasons. First, because it is part of the USATF National Championships. I think it is neat that any USATF member can participate in the many national championship races around the country. The second reason is that I wanted to do something different. I love running 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons, but now I'm looking a new challenge. A 25K race is just a little longer then a half marathon. It is 15.625 miles. I know that a 25K is very doable and I will be able to run it without changing my training. Even though I run so many miles a week, I don't have the desire yet to run a marathon. Maybe someday, but not right now.

I'm looking forward to the new race distance. I just tried trail running Sunday and liked it. I hope that I like the 25K just as much as the other race distances.