I came back to Fargo for my FIFTH year running the full marathon (along with 2 half marathon years!) and I know I will be back again! This race needs to be on everyone's must-run list - especially for anyone looking to check North Dakota off their 50 states running goals.

EXPO: Due to a family emergency, I was unable to make it to the race expo but my sister-in-law picked up my number and Elite badge for me. This was easy to coordinate and I just texted her my QR code - so thank you to my sis-in-law and to Charles that coordinates the Elite pick up!

RACE SWAG: Once again, I LOVE the Fargo swag! Runners received a nice quality drop-bag with zip pocket, along with a super soft Fargo hoodie. Last year the jackets were amazing and the hoodies were a great choice for this year - the variety is awesome, especially for repeat Fargo runners! The finisher's medal was fairly big and feels very high quality. I am always impressed by the Fargo bling.

COURSE: Flat & fast! The course had quite a few turns but has minimal elevation gain - ,most of it is likely road overpasses and underpasses :) The cheering fans and volunteers really make this race so wonderful. I don't remember a stretch that didn't have people on it or a band playing music! I did run with the 2nd place cyclist for the last half of the race and she was wonderful. Great to talk to and she had a little whistle to blow as we weaved through people, when the half marathoners shared some course with us.

AID STATIONS: Plenty of them and the volunteers were excellent. Most offer water or sports drink and then there were gels near the last half of the race. I had hit the wall pretty hard and didn't notice what they were offering at that point - I was just on a mission for a sports drink cup and then water to dump on my head! Some of the fans also set up their own "aid stations", which was so sweet!

POST-RACE: The race both starts in the Fargodome (which is a little tricky with the watch GPS) and finishes in the Fargodome - it's super cool and helpful on any year with cold or rainy weather. This year's weather was perfect though I still enjoyed finishing in the dome. After crossing the finish line, there is plenty of room in the finisher corral to cool down, pick up your medal, a water and make your way to the FOOD. I did notice a back drop to take photos at as well. The food is amazing! I grabbed chips, donuts and ice cream. It took a while to actually be able to eat, but just having the option to nibble on something (besides gels :s) is awesome.

LOGISTICS: This is another big part in what keeps me back to Fargo - the ease of navigating on race day and even at the expo. Though I didn't get to the expo in person this year, I have gone there on my own with my four kiddos and was able to pick up my packet with ease. They have usually have a nice selection of vendors, too. Originally my plan was to stay in the Elite housing in the NDSU apartments across from the Fargo dome - this is SO convenient and I hope they keep offering this! Due to family circumstances, my sister-in-law and I ended up driving 3 hours to Fargo on race morning, which worked fine, too. Traffic got a little congested as runners were all trying to get dropped off or park at the dome but I got in with plenty of time to get dressed in the locker rooms and warm up. I prefer to stay in the apartments but driving in the morning worked in the given circumstance, too.

 Did I mention Fargo has FREE race photos?! It's AMAZING. Fargo is an awesome race and running community. I highly recommend!