2017 Semi-Annual Beach Balls 5k

This year's almost 5K race (3.4 miles actually) took place at Pine Beach Trail in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Listed as a moderate to intense 5.1 out-and-back, I put it at 3.4 from Live oak entrance to sea turtle breeding ground on the Gulf of Mexico. Starting out at the trail head marked by a live oak that measured larger than our Honda Pilot in circumference, the runners took off at a higher mph rate than usual thanks to the mosquito population. The first 1/4 mile through the oak canopy was intense but opened to a level compact trail lined on both sides with various pines (slash, loblolly, sand), myrtle oaks, yaupon and deer moss. As mile 1 passed the only passage between Little Lagoon (salt water) and fresh water Gator Lake was the running path itself. Off to the east,  thunderheads and sheets of gray dipped to the ground obscuring the skyline. Baby gators are kind of cute (and tasty when properly prepared). Then the real fun began with a 300-400 yard turn around in the dunes dodging ghost crabs that opened to protected breeding grounds (should have brought my wife) and nothing on the shoreline either way for over a mile. Brought it back to meet an armadillo on the way and finish with DFH's Flesh & Blood for an Untappd badge by 8am. Thanks to those who turned out;)