This blog post is written by Kathi Blinn, an avid runner who recently entered a new age-group category (70-79 years). In a way, it’s a companion piece to today’s podcast, which is about the support a running club provides.

Every spring, the New Jersey shore town of Asbury Park (of Bruce Springsteen and “The Sopranos” fame) becomes the epicenter of a running event called RunAPalooza. The main race is a half marathon with a route that goes up and down the surrounding shore towns, and also a 5K out and back on the boardwalk. And then there’s the five-person marathon relay that starts at Seaside Heights (made famous by the show “Jersey Shore”) and heads north along the coast to the finish line on Tony Soprano’s favorite boardwalk. This is the kind of event that truly excites my running group, Old Bridge Road Runners, in a major way! 

Old Bridge Road Runners was formed via Facebook about 13 years ago as a meet-up for local runners to do track workouts, long runs, and support for training. No membership dues, no organizational board, it is just a very casual group promoting community among all runners. What I appreciate most about this multigenerational, coed group is the encouragement and support it provides in pursuing individual goals—all done with lots of love and laughter. Over the years we have formed some deep friendships and continue to welcome new runners into the fold. Our group thrives on outside-the-box running adventures, and the RunAPalooza Marathon Relay really fits our vibe. When we heard that there might be awards for best costumes, it rang our bell. We love to be silly, and we excel at it!

These costumes are “chef’s kiss”

Last year, we fielded three teams: two for women, and one of men. We women dressed as Disney Princesses and the men went with a theme of Poop, Run, Repeat wearing a, ahem, certain brown emoji hat. This year we again had two women’s teams for the women, yet now two men’s teams. The women were collectively a box of crayons, and one of the men’s teams dressed as hip-hop gangsters. (Their commitment to running in those costumes was commendable.)

RunAPalooza rarely has been blessed with optimal weather since early April at the Jersey shore is often cold, windy, overcast, and/or rainy.  This year, we had all of that during the race, but most runners got lucky with the wind at their backs for most of their 3.76- to 6.12-mile legs—except for me. I zigzagged around inlets so at times I was often running directly into the wind whipping off the ocean. My leg had four bridge crossings and two railroad crossings (!), so I was just thankful no oncoming trains or drawbridge openings interrupted my 4.64-mile leg. 

Kathi, far right, as a blue Crayon

I found the transition areas to be the most fun with the teams and spectators there to cheer. It was so exciting to watch the baton hand off, gather up our teammate, then pile into the car and head to the next transition location. As we were driving, we looked for people we knew on the course, cheering and ringing cowbells as we drove by.

For our runners on the last leg, the weather turned ugly with a cold rain, but still there were smiles at the finish line. After checking in at the tent and getting our shirts and medals, the group gathered at a local restaurant. The  main topic of discussion: Who’s in for next year, and what’s our costume?