Running ventures took me to Norwood, Massachusetts today for the 9th Annual Joseph & Rose Gilio Memorial 5k. Prior to race time it was about 78 degrees and overcast but of course lining up to the start the sun broke free and post-race it was up to 84 degrees in the sun.

The course is an out and back loop that begins and ends at St. Timothy’s Church in Norwood and runs through a quiet suburban neighborhood. Between miles 1 and 2 are pretty flat but from the start to 1 and from 2 to the finish you are going up and down some pretty good rolling hills the entire time.

The race raises funds for the St. Timothy’s Social Outreach Program and today’s race had about 160 runners and walkers taking part. Nice tee-shirts and New Balance running socks were given to those pre-registered and there was plenty of post-race hydration available.

Finished the race today in 23:54 or 7:43/mile. A little slower than last week’s running but coming off a terrible headache on Friday so I will take it.