The Capital 10-Miler/10K -a Run for the Arts is traditionally held either the last Saturday in March or the first Saturday in April, avoiding conflict with various holidays and events. And, the 10-Miler is a good shake-out race for marathoners planning to run Boston or other early Spring marathons.

Well, this calendar year called for a last-week-of-March race and the cold, crisp 34 degree morning and strong 16 mph wind blowing down the Susquehanna River greeting this year’s runners (around 500 total), It was a testament that we were still in March. But who doesn’t love a strong wind blowing off the river in your face? It simply adds to the challenge.

I had originally signed up for the 10-Miler, but a few days before decided to either walk or run the 10K. My training was minimal. In the weeks before the Capital 10, I kept mileage low as I tried to work through pain in my left thigh. It had been bugging me for several weeks. In the end, I opted to run. Well, run is an exaggeration. Let’s call it a slow loping jog. I knew in the first mile or two it was a mistake, but did I stop? No.

I finished, then decided no further attempts to run until I had some professional help. Thanks to Pivot PT, I’m on my way to a good outcome.

But, back to the Capital 10. Running at a slower pace and not really concerned about a finish time, it occurred to me how fortunate we locals are to have such a scenic course for a 10-Miler right in our backyards. That may be one of the reasons runners are enticed from neighboring states and across Pennsylvania to compete on this course. The photos below are examples of the beauty along the Capital Area Greenbelt, Riverfront Park and City Island.

And many thanks to the planners and volunteers who originally laid out these trails and continue to keep them beautiful.

A thank you as well to all the volunteers who braved the wind and cold temperatures. Looking forward to Year 17 in 2027, and maybe a first-week-in-April warmer temperature.

Congratulations to all the runners and walkers who continue to support this race. We love having strong competition and our outstanding top 10-Miler finishers this year are Stephanie Cassel.(1:02:02) and Fred Joslyn (57:34).

Come on back next year. We’ll be waiting for you with, if tradition holds, lots of sweet and salty snacks and (for runners over age 21) a can of specially labeled Capital 10-Miler/10K pale ale from ZeroDay Brewing.