Three Races and a Wedding, Part 1: Cinco de Miler Race Report

I ran three races this weekend. Here's my Cinco de Miler Dallas review.

Saturday morning started with the Cinco de Miler run at Fair Park. I was really only gonna run the Cinco de Muddo on Saturday, but when I saw how cool the Miler t-shirts were, I couldn't resist. The race organizers had sent out multiple emails last week warning participants about Fair Park event traffic and strongly encouraging us to bicycle or carpool. Since I live 27 miles away and would be running alone, I made sure to pick up my race packet earlier in the week and chose to ride the DART train to Fair Park.

Bad idea.

The Cinco de Miler start/finish line was over 1.5 miles from the nearest train station, so I and several other participants got a helluva warm-up before the start. Several of us noted that EVERY OTHER RACE held at Fair Park began near the entrance and near the DART station, such as the Hot Chocolate 5k/10k, The Ugly Sweater Run, The Electric Run, and so on. Not cool, Cince de Miler, not cool.

I hoofed it and got there with just enough time to use the port-o-cans, which were clean and stocked with paper, and to snap a quick photo before lining up and taking off on the 5-mile course.

The course was pretty ugly, winding mostly through housing near Fair Park, but I'd brought music with me, including the girl power set-list from our V-day performances. The weather was nice and dry, and I felt good. I think I smiled through the whole course. A police officer monitoring the course cheered and offered high fives and another clapped for us further down. The course was mostly flat with a long downhill slope near the end. I finished in an unlikely 1:00:29, about 5 minutes faster than I expected.

Registration included a free finish line beer. While I stood in line, a man came by to check IDs and pass out wristbands for over 21s. When we got to the front of the line, they made us fish out our ID again for proof of age and handed us each a can of Corona Light, only 99 calories. I had thought Corona was a light beer. Obviously Cinco de Miler knows nothing about running. I took two sips and chucked it in the garbage. No wonder they have to give it away for free; Corona Light is fucking awful.

There was little going on at the post-race "party," so I trekked back to Fair Park Station as quickly as I could, joints aching. I just barely missed the train and had to wait 20 minutes for the next, worrying about whether I'd make my next race at all.

Fancy Dress Picnic at Fair Park

Host to the Texas State Fair and myriad festivals and conventions, we all know Fair Park as a traffic nightmare to avoid if you're rushing on any given weekend. But did you know that Fair Park is like any public park in Dallas in that you can just walk in, have a picnic, and hang out?

On April 6, my fashion-savvy, spooky-savant friend Heather Carouth (pictured below) hosted her second annual Fancy Dress Picnic in celebration of her birthday. She calls herself a Fair Park fanatic for her love of the buildings, museums, and events hosted there and said she loves to spread the word about all it has to offer.

It was a gloomy, overcast day, perfect for our fair-skinned friends, though a bit chillier and rainier than we would have liked. The group of about a dozen laid out blankets on the grass in front of the Daughters of the American Revolution building and had a table of refreshments set up beneath a few pop-up pavilions. 

Melissa Veach (above) was kind enough to share her umbrella with me and brought beverages to share as well, and her fancy gentleman joined us in dressing up (below).

We drew no shortage of curious stares from the hoards lined up for the beer festival that day and even a handful who strolled by to ask what we were doing and take photos with us.

Above: Heather and Matilda Crow set the scene worlds away from Beer Fest.

So if you're looking for a unique setting to enjoy the spring weather, take the DART rail down and check out Fair Park. Just don't put down any wickets for croquet, because you'll probably get busted like we did for aerating the lawn.

Fair Park fun facts:

• Fair Park boasts the world's largest collection of Art Deco exhibit buildings, art and sculpture.
• Fair Park is the only intact and unaltered pre-1950s world fair site remaining in the United States – with an extraordinary collection of 1930s art and architecture.
• Today, the 277-acre park and its cultural, educational and sports facilities play host to more than seven million annual visitors.

Fair Park rules:

• Skateboards, bicycles, roller skates or roller blades are not allowed inside the Fair Park gates during the State Fair of Texas. However, all are allowed during the remainder of the year provided that they are not used on the steps and plazas of our cherished buildings and monuments. 
• You are always welcome to bring your own food or beverages in Fair Park, although some museums and buildings may not allow you to bring food or drink inside facilities. You may bring coolers or ice chests, but they are subject to search. Alcohol, glass containers, and metal knives and forks are not allowed.

Ugly Sweater Run 5k

I ran the Ugly Sweater Run 5k at Fair Park over the weekend in Dallas with my brother. It was a pretty solid event benefiting Toys for Tots. The course was nice, the weather just a hair warm for running in sweaters, and the swag unique. Registration included an Ugly Sweater knit cap, a mustache tattoo, and two beers or hard ciders at the finish line. I happen to like the Angry Orchard Apple Cider offered at the Ugly Sweater Run and enjoyed the spiffy ugly sweater koozies. Parking was free, though a bit far from the start line, and this event was definitely worth the discounted $20 registration fee.

I did not make this monstrosity but bought it at a thrift store a few years ago. There are Santa worry dolls and plastic beads glued to it along with a plastic beaded wreath pinned to it and sequined Santa. I wish I had a better picture for you; it hurts to look at.