Looking Back on the Tuscaloosa YMCA – Youth First 8K

Area runners gathered on a humid late May morning in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the YMCA's annual race, the Youth First 8K.  The proceeds from this race benefits local youth programs.

First, I'd like to say congrats to Tammy and the entire Tuscaloosa YMCA team on their hard work and for having such a successful race!  Looking and asking around, it appeared everyone really enjoyed themselves.  Runners like to change things up on courses, and this includes races. It adds an extra interest element and this race delivered on that.

The intriguing course had plenty of turns and sights through parts of downtown Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama campus. Sure, other races have a run by Bryant-Denny Stadium, but that never gets old. It's inspiring to run by beloved local landmark, Roll Tide! The streets of the Historic District are a good take in as well. Seeing these points on foot really gives you a chance to soak in the city. I've never been through the Guildswood neighborhood off Queen City Avenue.  A very scenic... and hilly part of town.  It happened around mile 4, as I enjoyed soaking up the sights, as my shirt was soaking up the sweat from the humid trek around the hills.

Afterwards, a few things you can count on at the post-race celebration:

• Water
• Snacks
• Awards
• Door Prizes

This race hooked up with the new downtown hotel, Embassy Suites.  'Staycations' with over night stays and giftcards to the upscale Side by Side restaurant were being awarded.  Yeah, as those prizes were announced before drawing a name, you could probably hear me whisper under my breath, pick me, pick me.  Somebody else won.  Who?  I don't know, it wasn't me.  Haha.

It was fun morning, take a look at few photos from the event.