Running Santa Cruz's Wharf to Wharf!

Ran the Wharf to Wharf today. A Scenic 10k route overlooking Santa Cruz beaches with bands playing throughout. Heard everything from bagpipes and ukuleles to metal. Race kicked off at 8:30 in front of the old arcade on the boardwalk. It was insane 15,000 people, the first mile pace was a yo-yo, at times a standstill, to running with the bulls in Pamplona, then back to a walk again,took 9 min 47 seconds. Second mile of the course started opening up, still a lot of bobbing and weaving, some people bobbed when they should of weaved, which was rather entertaining. Next couple miles were good, finally settled into a good pace. Fifth mile started feeling the burn, this is where the bands really fire you up for the final stretch. Right before the 5th mile marker I spotted my buddy Will from work whaling a way on the drums, it was awesome and just what I needed for the last push. When I heard the race official shout 40 minutes 55 seconds as I crossed the 5th mile marker I realized I had made up the time I had lost at the beginning of the race and I could finish under my goal of 50 minutes. Pushed it the rest of the way, finished at 48 minutes 15 seconds. Good time, next year I'll be shooting for 42 minutes!