I was confused.

Staring at the sign-up page for the Run for the Pie 10K, I was confused – why a July race? Pi(e) Day is March 14! And why a 10K? Why not a 3.14-mile race?

Despite these questions, it looked like so much fun! I mean, a race where your entry fee was a pie? And you got to choose your pie based on how well you placed? Count me in! Even though I’d be training for the Frederick Women’s Distance Festival at the time, I thought it would be a fun, casual race with my fellow Steeplechasers.

And I was right!

Race Director Barb Cosgrove shared the history of the Run for the Pie 10K over on the Steeplechasers Facebook page (you can read it here in all its glory), and all of my questions were answered. The Steeplechasers have always hosted a summer 10K, but it really became special in the 90s when a chance to win a fabulous homemade pie from Jim and James Lowrie fueled some serious competition. For these first few years, The Pie Run was held on the Brunswick towpath. Eventually, the race grew larger, and a new tradition was born: “bring a pie, win a pie!” The route also shifted from the Brunswick towpath to the Frederick Watershed and now to the Lazy Daze Farm in Rocky Ridge.

I was a bit apprehensive about running this, especially after talking to a few seasoned runners who warned me about the early downhill followed by the late uphill (who designs courses like that?!). However, with this being a new course, all bets were off!

I got a little lost finding my way to Lazy Daze Farm, as my GPS decided to take me past the turn off. Luckily, a few of the Steeps were out warming up and I was able to backtrack to the start. The farm is lovely, with so many curious animals that were obviously used to humans “ooh”ing and “ahh”ing over them, as well as giving them pets and crackers (under the watchful eye of Lazy Daze employees, of course).

The table full of pies and pie-adjacent treats really made my day! Having never participated before, I was afraid there wouldn’t be enough pie for later finishers like me and had steeled myself to the possibility of not being able to take home a tasty, tasty pie. But once again, I was amazed and gladdened by the generosity of my fellow Steeps and took a few minutes to peruse my options.

So many pies to choose from! As well as some pie-adjacent goodies.

Before I knew it, it was time to start! We all gathered at the start line and listened to some last-minute instructions and words of encouragement from both Race Director Barb and Timing Guru Lou King. Then, we were off!

First hill? No problem!

The course was paved and wound through some beautiful farmland, and though there were plenty of hills none were too long or too steep. The animals, mostly cattle and horses but some donkeys as well, all came out to watch us and wonder what we were doing …

I was sticking with the 5K training program rhythm of 3x (6R:2W) + 2x (5R:2W) + 4R, doubling up to account for the full 6.2 miles. Which meant right around the turnaround point I did 10 minutes of running before I could take a break, but honestly? I felt pretty good! I had a chance to run with several members of the 5K training group (hello ladies!) on the way out, which helped me keep my pace and not overdo it, so I felt fairly fresh for the run back.

These folks were a sight for sore legs!

I took a little bit more time on the way back to admire the scenery:

Even with that, I managed to finish faster than I had expected, AND I nabbed the 50th place! The 50th prize was a great touch and really made me feel accomplished! I even wore my new tank top to the 5K training run the next day!

I appreciated the same sense of humor that made someone bring Moon Pies as their entry fee … as I was the one who brought the blueberry pie Oreos!

All in all, I had a great day at my first Run for the Pie 10K and hope to do many more in the future!