No other race in the area will come near the Runner's Alley event on the same weekend. The answer is fairly obvious. Many runners think of this race as an opportunity to party. With the race starting and ending at the Brewery there is an atmosphere unlike anything else in the area. That is why the race organizers are committed to an 11 a.m. start.
Runners can finish up and enjoy what the race provides.
Any earlier and that kind of mood would be compromised. Many runners are concerned about the start because of the heat but somehow seem to get over it after the race. Heck, I remember the first year in 1998. The race also deserves credit for being the only one around here that runs at Pease Tradeport. With all those roads out at the Tradeport it is a natural location for a race.