Nemours Gardens

On Sunday we were at the DuPont Hospital for Children to run on the grounds of Nemours Museum and Gardens for the Inaugural Hear We Go 5k. With 205 pre registered runners and walkers I knew we were in for a nice race day crowd. But could success also bring problems. YES. The route that we use on the property of Nemours (which is gated) can not really handle a crowd of over 200. Why? Here are some of the reasons:
1. roads are very narrow
2. walkers and those pushing strollers getting in the way of runners
3. not allowed to use field chalk to mark out course
4. have 30 volunteers on route for a loop and a half course
5. no one allowed on the grounds due to liability insurance with out a race number
We have a biker leading the lead runners on route but this is not enough. Some runners did not hear the volunteer or see the bright yellow signs in the ground that we had posted that said straight first loop.....go right second loop to finish. And the walkers with strollers were taking up the narrow roads making it impossible for the runners to keep pace. We only use this route for one other event. The Ronald McDonald House of DE 5k. The Ron McD 5k committee has already decided that we will not be using this route next year due to these issues. As for Hear We Go 5k. We do plan on using this course next year but will make two major changes:
1. Runners start at 10 am
2. Non competitive walk starts at 10:45 am and only a 2 mile walk.
This will make for a much better event so all those on property can enjoy their run and walk.