Each year that I’ve been a student, I have seen runners, spectators, volunteers and vendors pile onto Oakland University’s campus to be a part of the Brooksie Way. This year, I decided to sign up to see what all the commotion was about.

Runners from all over the area gathered on Sept. 23, 2018 to participate in the 11th Annual McLaren Brooksie Way. I signed up to run in the 10k event, with my wave beginning at 8:15 a.m. While races can be expensive, the total cost for me to run was about $30 because I registered early and used a $10 off coupon. For all of the amenities I had access to, the price was a steal.

One of the best things about this event was the constant communication administration had with participants. From the moment I signed up, I received information on training sessions, group running and helpful tips as the race approached. Closer to the race, I received information on packet pick-up and parking on the day of the event.

Arriving to OU was a breeze. By following the directions that were given, I was able to arrive and park with little waiting in traffic. Once I was parked, I donned my running bib and headed to the starting line. Runners were corralled by colored bibs based on their average mile pace. My bib placed me in the third wave of 5k and 10k runners.

The gun rang, and I began my 6.2-mile trek through OU. This was not my first race, but this was my first 10k. I paced myself accordingly, and before I knew it, I had reached the three-mile marker. In the races I usually run, I would be done running by then, but that was only the half-way mark to the end.

I began to get nervous if I would be able to finish the race, but then I looked around at the runners near me, and realized that many of the participants were older than me and doing just fine. This helped me understand that my fears were only in my head.

Traveling uphill, downhill and uphill again, the Brooksie Way course was tough on my calves. The entire course was run on cement road, making each step firm and my ankles weak. Volunteers lined the raceway along with many bands, playing for participants and cheering them toward their goals.

The final mile took me past Hamlin Hall and the upper fields until I reached the finish line on Festival Dr. near Meadow Brook Amphitheatre. With my final time as 1:08.27 and an average mile pace of 11:01, I was proud of my accomplishment and looked forward to napping when I got home.

After finishing, I picked up my belongings from the free gear check and headed back to my car. Food and drink vendors were set up near the finish line, welcoming participants to relax after the race and grab a treat. No later than an hour after I left could I view photos from all the races and see my overall place in the race.

With barely any training, I did not do as bad as I thought I was going to. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and the organization of the event was well done. Who knows? Maybe next year I will take on the half-marathon!