Running with Birdies

The birdies welcomed us.11/25/25 dwm

This was the third year in a row participating in the Birdie Derby run. Three years ago was the last of 20 Berbee Derbies, then 2024 was the first Birdie Derby. It was a good time and we planned to be in town, so I signed up for 2025.

It wasn't as breezy Thanksgiving morning as it was the day before, but there was a chill in the wind, making the 28-degree temperature colder.

Because of the chill, I tried to arrive so I could get into the runner corral just minutes before the race. That way I wouldn't need to discard extra clothing and would warm up fast when the race started.

There were signs indicating where runners should line up under 7:00; 7:01 to 8 minutes; and so on, but the higher numbers were followed loosely. I couldn't get into the starting chute for my time so I joined a throng of 5K runners and walkers, but it was mostly walkers where I got into line.

Runners started in waves, so it took a while before we reached the start, then it took more than a mile of running to dance around most of the walkers.

Approaching the starting line. 11/27/25 dwm

It was a guessing game in terms of how to dress for the run with sub-freezing temps, but it worked out. I warmed up as I made my way around the course but didn't get over-heated.

Although it was windy, the way the course was laid out, there was only one section of the run when we ran into it, which was helpful.

I didn't use my Fit Bit to time my run so it was difficult to see if I was keeping the right pace. There is a significant climb at the two-mile mark, which slowed me to nearly a walk but I tried to recover my pace quickly.

Birdie Derby photo

There was a downhill, then a couple curves and a sweeping incline to the turn toward the finish line. At that point I lengthened my stride and tried to finish strong.

There were two timing clocks above the finish line, one for the 10 K race and the other for the 5, it appeared that I was close to my goal, so I tried going faster, which at that point was not much faster.

I crossed the line, slowed, then paused to catch my breath and re-group. I took off both gloves so I could take some pictures at the finish and to help myself to a banana, chocolate milk, and a Kwik Trip Glazer donut.

It was less than two hours after the race that I received my time and race results. I believe if my age group had been 60 years/2 months and 7 days, I would have had a good shot at winning. Since it was a bit larger than that, I felt good about my time in the Birdie Derby.

Race organizers turned around pictures taken on the course quickly, making them available on the race website. They are well-organized - a thank you to them for the opportunity and tip of the hat for the operation.