**** Rate the Race- McGuire"s Prediction 5k 2014

The McGuire's Annual 5k Prediction Run is not really a 5k race at all, it is more of a spectacle and party wrapped in the disguise of a 5k run. If you have not attended this run you have been depriving yourself of an unforgettable event. Go ahead, pull up your online calendar right now and save the date.

This is one of the best St, Patrick's Day celebrations anywhere, combined that with doing a 5k with 14,000 (yes thousand) of your closest Irish friends and the result is unforgetable. Think about it, if you lined up all the runners in single file they would fill the entire course and each runner would only occupy about 15 inches front to back! Add in thousands more cheering you on and just "people watching" and the downtown area is packed.

This is the only prediction run I have ever attended. The runners are to predict their run times when they register. Timing device use is strictly prohibited. Winners are those who most accurately predict their finish times.

But forget all that. If you come to this race to be the closest in your prediction, or decide you are going to set a PR on the course you will quickly discover your goal is out the window. The winners are those who have the most fun, meet new friends, take in all the costumes and enjoy a little after run refreshment. I think this is the after party all other after parties want to grow up to be.




There will be lots of live music after the run in the space next to McGuire's. A large stage is set up in the west end. The area will be packed. Many stands will be available to offer after run drinks and snacks. This year a group of employees threw McGuire's t shirts to the crowd from the roof of the restaurant. It is amazing watching the people and what they will do to get the attention of the person throwing the shirt.

You can register on line for this race or the day before. Even if you register on line, you will still need to go to McGuire's the day before in order to pick up your numbers and get your wrist band after showing your proof of age to the staff there. The wrist band is required for the after run adult beverages.

Speaking of beverages, the first year I did this run I ran as fast as the crowd allowed. Weaving in and out of the other runners. When I crossed the finish line, the first thing I looked for was some kind of sports drink. I spotted a stand in the parking lot handing out drinks and headed that way. Let's just say that the drink I gulped down looked a lot like the green colored Gatorade we have all seen. Much to my surprise (pleasant surprise) I discovered the green sports drink they were serving was actually doses of their famous "Irish Wake" mixed drink. I had another, or two. Which resulted in me sporting some new attire-

But that's ok, I can rock a tutu.

On the morning of, come early. park on the south side, going towards the bay. There will be lots of open lots if you beat the main body.

Stay for a while, enjoy the music and the people. It will all end pretty quickly and the staff is expert at getting the area back to its original state.

If you are really, really, enjoying the after party- BRING A DESIGNATED DRIVER!

For 5k runs, and for lots of other reasons this run is an A++.

Did you do this run? What did you like most about it? Don't forget, the McGuire's in Destin hosts a Halloween run each year. Same kind of atmosphere on a smaller scale, complete with costumes and antics. The Destin run also includes a 10K and a course you can really run on.

Have you marked your calendar yet???