Cookie Chaser 5K Race Report

Here at Outdoor Sports Guide, we love cookies and are willing to run for them. So we jumped at the chance to take on the 10th annual Cookie Chaser Race 5K race last weekend! I have to say, it was one of the funnest 5Ks I've run in a LONG time, and we're already planning on participating next year.

The event raises funds for the Girl Scouts, an organization I already love and support every year by buying copious amounts of cookies. I'm a Samoa fan. Girl Scouts who participate can even get their own Cookie Chaser badge!

We arrived at the Riverton City Park about a half hour before the race start and found the weather in Riverton was a lot chillier and windier than in Salt Lake City. So we quietly grumbled about our summery outfits as we watched the 2Kers head out before the 5K and 10K began.

Soon enough we were off and running, no longer minding the breeze as we raced along a course through residential streets. Two racers in our pack, the Groves brothers, plowed ahead at the start and ran their hardest in an attempt to beat two costumed cookies, but those cookies were just too fast! Anyone who beat the cookies received a free Cookie Chaser hat, but sadly not even one person made it in before them.

Following the run we filled up on plentiful, tasty post-race treats: coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, oranges, bananas, chocolate milk, and Gatorade. Due to a computer glitch the awards ceremony was significantly delayed, but we stuck around since we knew two in our party had placed.

After Allan and Riley received their awards we were about to leave when I heard, "Willden" called over the loudspeaker. I was confused. Did I win a raffle prize? I've never been a particularly fast runner, so I was shocked and elated to hear I'd placed Second in my age group! When I saw the official results later I learned that everyone in our 8-person pack had placed in their respective age groups! What a great day!

All of us received lovely wooden awards for placing (mine is now hanging on my wall) and top finishers walked away with a box of Girl Scout Cookies, of course. This race was a fun way to start racing season, and a great warm up for longer races. Be sure to sign up for the 11th Annual event next April!

What's your favorite Utah 5K? Share with us in the comments.