Race Report: Come on Over 5k

   Today, I will be recapping the Come on Over race held at Riverfront Park in Portland, CT.

Course Map

Date: 27 September, 2025

Town: Portland, CT, USA

Distance: 5km

Conditions: It was a very sunny morning with a light breeze. It was 68F when the race started and 76F when it ended. While the temperature was not particularly high, it was a very humid morning. The dew had not dried off the grass by the time I left after the race!

Parking: There was plentiful parking in a lot and surrounding grassy field. I parked in another lot associated with Riverfront Park up a small hill to ensure I could pull out right after the race, as I had plans for the rest of the day.

I parked right by this sign describing Portland's historic brownstone quarry

Check In: The check-in area was conveniently situated in a park pavilion. I arrived 35 minutes before the race started and there was no line, but there was a long line just a few minutes later. The check-in area was located near park restrooms, and there was also a port-a-potty.

Course Description: The race course was barbell-shaped with some rolling hills. We turned right out of the park and ran down an industrial road between the Connecticut River and the brownstone quarry turned amusement park. The course continued straight and flat along the river for the first mile until runners had passed under the famous Arrigoni Bridge, then turned left and looped through a hilly neighborhood to rejoin the industrial road and run by the quarry again. We continued past the park where the race started and climbed up a steep hill (passing my car) and continued into anotehr residential neighborhood for the second mile. The final mile proceeded downhill on roads, then turned onto a fine gravel track to enter Riverfront Park. After a short, steep climb up a hill (and hopping over a water diversion pipe), we continued on a trail for the final quarter mile.

Afterparty: The race finished under an inflatable arch back by the pavilions in Riverfront Park. The volunteers were enthusiastic and friendly. Results were posted immediately on paper, which was convenient. There were bottles of water but no other refreshments.