This Sunday, the vibrant streets of Charlotte will be filled with thousands of runners participating in the highly anticipated Around the Crown 10K. Among them is John Vodacek, who is looking to secure another victory to his growing list of achievements.
Originally from Wisconsin, Vodacek made the move to Charlotte in January and has quickly established himself in the local running scene. His recent triumphs include wins at the Yiasou Greek Festival, Charlotte RaceFest, the NoDa 5K, and the Charlotte Summer Track Series. These performances have positioned him well to potentially sweep the Crown Collective’s Triple Crown, a significant accomplishment in the local racing community.
The course for the Around the Crown 10K is unique, as it transforms the city’s streets into a running track, offering a rare opportunity for participants to race on a highway. Vodacek expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I’m pretty excited about it honestly, like, you don’t get to run on a highway very often. Maybe I’ll channel my inner sports car when I’m out there.”
Vodacek’s training regimen is rigorous, involving twice-daily workouts and a weekly mileage that can reach up to 100 miles. He emphasizes the importance of nutrition, focusing on a balanced intake of carbohydrates and protein to maintain his energy levels. Despite the intensity of his preparation, Vodacek aims to keep a level head, stating, “I know that once I get to race day, once the gun goes off, I’m going to be just kind of the normal competitor I always am.”
As he approaches race day, Vodacek is mindful of not overthinking his strategy. Instead, he is taking a more relaxed approach to ensure he is in peak condition when he lines up at the starting line. The outcome of the race will ultimately reveal whether he can add another victory to his record, but regardless of the result, Vodacek feels a sense of belonging in the Charlotte running community, which has provided him with fresh motivation since his relocation.
For those interested in following the race, Channel 9 will provide comprehensive coverage starting at 7 a.m. on Sunday, featuring exclusive interviews and course updates from the beginning to the end of the event.
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