I’d just landed in Adelaide, Australia and the first cafe (The RUNHÔUSE) I went to just happened to have a run shop & club attached. Spotted a poster in the window “Your Fastest Night In Town – 5 km races under the lights”. Well that sounded like a great way to shake off the jet lag!
So I found myself amongst 400 or so runners in Pakapakanthi/Vic Park, part of the fantastic Park Lands area that surrounds the city centre. The course follows part of the old Grand Prix circuit, which is now used for cycling crit races, running and go karts. Food trucks and a DJ added to the atmosphere. 4 races, each with pacers ranging from 25+ mins down to sub 16. Seeded myself in the 19-22 mins. Incredible sunset for the first couple of races, then properly dark for mine. A pleasant 15c and dry. As if by magic, my deckchair had sneaked its way into my suitcase, so I was easily spotted by my family.
Seemed to be missing a 20:30 pacer so set off with the 20 min group (a bit ambitious for me at the moment). “Bang on target” said the pacer as we hit the 1km marker in 3:50. Erm?! Needless to say, I couldn’t hold that and dropped back a bit. As for running under the lights, well that was true for the bit near the grandstand, but could barely see further out.
Turns out I was more tired and confused than realised – thought I was all done when they rang the last lap bell! Caught by the 21 pacer to finish in 21:11. Race winner 18:35.
The super speedy race was won in 14:15. Unfortunately I don’t have names as the results were missing those details.
Did it shake off my jet lag? I reckon so – was back for parkrun the next morning at 8am.
If you’re ever over that way, I can totally recommend the running in the Adelaide area. Parks/beaches/hilly trails and plenty parkruns – all good.
Race was on 4th April 2025.