2,700 participants and 600 volunteers spent this past weekend getting crabby in Hampton at the 2024 Crawlin’ Crab Race Weekend presented by Bon Secours!
On Saturday, the 5K participants took off from underneath the Hampton Roads Convention Center sails and enjoyed a beautiful course with the Hampton Coliseum as the backdrop and a turn about at Blue Bird Gap Farm where runners were greeted by the friendly resident animals.
On Sunday, the Half Marathoners took off from the start line in front of the Hampton Coliseum and spent 13.1 miles exploring the scenic highlights of downtown Hampton. The course led them through the charming historic district, with tree-lined cobblestone streets, past Darling Stadium, and along the Chesapeake Avenue waterfront. Along the way, the upbeat atmosphere was fueled by water and Nuun stations, Kecoughtan High School cheerleaders, beats from the Crimson Thunder Drumline, DJs and refreshing popsicles. Hampton’s residents added to the excitement, with many lining the streets to cheer on participants!
After crossing the finish line on both days, runners were welcomed with finish line nutrition, their finisher medal, photo opps and the Coliseum Central Post-Race Celebration just steps away. Along with soda and water, the 21+ crowd could choose from Devil’s Backbone Orange Smash, Vienna Lager, Magic Juicy IPA, Michelob Ultra or Blake’s Hard Cider. To keep the belly happy, and in addition to the goodies received at the finish line chute, participants received a bagel courtesy of Panera on Saturday and a Nothing Bundt Cakes’ Bundtini and an Uncrustable on Sunday. DJ Joe Fu set the vibe on Saturday and KaboomBox returned to the stage, for the second year in a row, on Sunday, delivering Top 40, Dance and Rock hits.
One big highlight came from the Starting Strides program that provided 50 students from Aberdeen Elementary School, each with a race entry, pair of shoes and transportation so they could participate in the Crawlin’ Crab 1K! A big thank you to all those that donated to the J&A Racing Foundation to make it happen!
A big congratulations to all who crossed the finish line, but a special out to our first place top finishers on both days:
- First Place Half Marathon Male Finisher: Adam Otstott, 1:11:36
- First Place Half Marathon Female Finisher: Emma Rogers, 1:19:50
- First Place 5K Male Finisher: Russell Haller, 17:58
- First Place 5K Female Finisher: Emily Honeycutt, 19:17
From beautiful weather, scenic views, the perfect after party and of course – our amazing participants, we couldn’t have asked for a better weekend!
