And the Survey Says…
(Note: Mikayla, who runs our social media, wrote a Facebook post about the post-race survey we did last year. Unbeknownst to me, she titled it the same as I did on this post. The only reason I am bringing this up is because I feel really great about having the same thought process as the very cool Mikayla.)
July. For you, July may mean vacation. Or it may mean school shopping or family reunions or vegetable harvesting in your garden. And, as a public service announcement, July means less than six months until Christmas.
For us, July means crunch time. It means the 8th Annual Spencer C. Duncan Make It Count 5K will be here soon! We have the world’s best volunteers who are committed to making your experience the best it can be. Last year, we conducted a post-race survey and learned some really interesting things. The number one thing we learned is that you like us. You really, really like us. You like the course, you like the cause, you like climbing into the Chinook, you like the Boulevard of the Brave, you like the colors (red, white, and blue!), you like our bibs, you like our dog tags, and you like our awards. We really like that you like us. We make a concentrated effort to make sure you do! You also had some suggestions for improvement, and we agreed. So, check out what we are working on, and be prepared for an improved Spencer C Duncan Make It Count 5K:
–Porta potties. Our planning team has many women on it. Believe me, this is important to us, too. This year will see an increase in the number of porta potties we have as well as better placement for easier access.
–Food options. Good news, Stroud’s will be back again with their free cinnamon rolls! In addition, Just BBQ & Catering will be there with pulled pork biscuits and gravy, hot dogs for the kids, and maybe some brisket for you to take home. Just BBQ & Catering is owned by a veteran, so be sure to stop by. You won’t really have a choice. The aroma will draw you in!
Also joining us this year is Bambu Coffee. Also veteran-owned, you will want to stop by and try some hot or cold coffee, milk tea, and mochi (little frozen chunks of yumminess!). Proceeds from the sale of Bambu’s treats will go back to the Spencer C Duncan Make It Count Foundation.
Be sure to bring cash or cards for BBQ and coffee!
–DOGS! Have you brought your dog to our run or seen dogs at our run? Leashed dogs are always welcome. New this year, you can register your dog for the run. Your registered dog will receive a chipped bib (you can attach it to your dog’s collar with pins we will provide) plus a special surprise. First, second, and third place dogs wearing bibs will receive one of our super-cool awards. Imagine how great that will be for your dog to be bragging at the dog park!
–Course. We have a great course and amazing volunteer course monitors. This year, you will see even more volunteers on the course as we try to curb the confusion of people who don’t run the full course but whose bibs still cross the finish line. If you are someone who does need to shorten your course for any reason, please feel free to do so, but please be mindful that your bib chip will register your false time if you near the finish line. Either avoid the finish line area with your bib or report to one of our volunteers immediately upon returning to the start/finish area. This is really important, so please help us maintain the integrity of our run.
–Parking. We hear you. Parking can be a little chaotic. New this year, we are offering satellite parking and a shuttle bus! The kind folks at JOCO Sheriff’s Department have offered part of their parking lot at the adult detention center. From there, you will be shuttled in an air-conditioned First Student bus to the area where all the action is. There will be grass areas in which to park along the shuttle route as well. We are so excited to offer this shuttle service and are grateful to First Student for joining us!
Keep watching this website for more news about his year’s run!
So, more food, more toilets, awards for dogs, better parking, and for the first time this year, a VETERAN-DESIGNED shirt! It’s going to be our best run yet, and you will not want to miss it!! We will see you at packet pick up on Friday, August 2nd and at the run on Saturday, August 3rd!
Make It Count,
Megan Moore Duncan