Gateway To Space

Today we all got up early to run the Gateway To Space 5K at the Shuttle Landing Facility in Kennedy Space Center. Generally, visitors are not allowed to see the Shuttle Landing Facility, so this was a great opportunity to see some more NASA history.

We arrived at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex around 6:00 AM. From there, we caught a NASA bus to the Shuttle Landing Facility. It was a short ride over. On the way, the driver provided interesting tidbits of knowledge. For example, he told us a story about the pilot who had the most pinpoint accurate landing. To some people’s surprise, it was not a male astronaut. When we arrived, a man told our driver where to drop us off. It was pretty obvious that this was something unusual and special.

Sunrise at the Shuttle Landing Facility

Since we were early, we walked around the facility and tried to stay warm. They were offering free hot chocolate, so we accepted. There was a pair of F-104 Starfighters on display near a line of port-o-potties. At this time, we were not allowed out on the runway. Susan informed us that her foot hurt and she would not be participating in the race.

As race time approached, buses continued to drop off runners. It was clear that the race would be delayed, or would it? The organizers made the decision to start on time, regardless of whether there were still people arriving. There’s a lesson in there: be on time.

The race began and we all on our way, down the taxi way and onto the 15,000 feet long, 300 feet wide runway. This runway is one of the longest in the world. Andrew and I jogged together past all the rubber marks left by so many shuttles over the years. We continued past historical markers at the edge of the runway. I was too interested in setting a good time to stop to read them.

The race was both a 5K and a 10K; the shorter using only half of the runway length. As we neared the 5K turnaround point, I noticed that there was a Space Shuttle parked near the north end of the runway. I never found out any details about it, but I know it was not a “real” Space Shuttle.

Fake Space Shuttle

By this time, Andrew was getting tired and started to walk. I continued jogging without him to the water stand, then started walking, too. Making it past the half way point was a pretty good achievement for me. Now all there was left to do was finish the race. I ended up finishing with a time of 33:26 at a pace of 10:46 per mile.

After the race, Andrew and I had our picture taken near the sign on the building.

Andrew and I after the race