Ran the Black Jack 5k – January 16, 2010 – Fletcher Park – Fletcher, North Carolina

This was the first is a series of three Black Jack races, well-organized and managed by Aaron Saft and his team from Foot Rx.  It’s a 5k cross-country course (no pavement – just grass and trails) and you play a rewarding game of Black Jack along the way.  Pay just $5 to participate, start with a single playing card and get a second card at the halfway point.  Choose to take a “hit” at the finish line if you please.  Closest to 21 without going over wins.  The reward is a Foot Rx gift certificate equal to the amount of the “pot” (sum of the $5 registration fees plus I think there was some extra prize funding contributed by Foot Rx).

It was great fun.  A chilly start in the low 30s.  About 35-40 brave runners came out for this.  The course is quite flat and much of it is on grass (as opposed to trails).  I started with an eight and picked up a king at the halfway point.  I pondered my options as I finished the second half of the race and decided there was no way I’d win anything with an 18, so I decided to take a hit at the finish.  Another eight.  Oops.

Six runners had Black Jack and they each received a $40 gift certificate.  I expect the results will come out in the next day or so.  I finished with a 25:24 and will definitely come out for the next one – January 30th at Jackson Park.  7:30 registration, 8:00 race start.