The race hosts many distances. At 8 am there is a half mile fun run, at 8:15 there is a mile run and then at 9 am the 5k, 10k and half marathon all start at the same time.

It’s hard for me to truly enjoy this race as a running event. I run a lot of races, which are more fun, more scenic, with better medals, (if you didn’t run the first part of the “longest marathon” the medal doesn’t mean much, except you finished) but it’s hard to give up on a race in your back yard.

Registration: Was available online until the Wednesday before the race, you could also mail in your entry form. Registration was also open at the expo and on race day. Competitive race pricing, money went to the Iowa City Community School District and Regina Catholic Schools. Included with the fees were chip timing (first year), white cotton shirt, race bib, and many promo flyers.

Expo. The expo was held in the Rec Center the day before the race. Many exhibitors backed out, but there were still plenty of things happening. Running Wild, the local running store had deals on shoes, you could create race signs, or enter a poster contest, sign up for a free week at a cycling studio, learn about the schools, buy some head bands, learn about the Rival Game Relay, and learn about Medals 4 Mettle. I also brought information about Mile 22 bags and BibRave.

Pre-Race: There was on street parking around the downtown area for free. If you are not from the area you might have trouble finding a spot. Many announcements before the race including a message to line up according to pace, very crowded start with three races at once and no corrals. National anthem was sung.

Race / Course: All the courses are on the streets of Iowa City. Which can be a challenge in itself as many drivers aren’t always aware, but the course was marked well and I didn’t see any mad drivers this year.

Each mile was marked, most had a volunteer shouting times based on their clocks – not official
Where each course split was well marked and manned with a volunteer
Water and Gatorade stops, but in same paper cups; volunteers shouted which drink they had
Not many spectators, but the ones on the course were very encouraging
There was a bathroom on the course
Cement and asphalt surfaces, many crack and potholes, need to be alert
A Volunteer took photos
All major intersections had a law enforcement official, all intersections had a volunteer
No food or gel stops
No course entertainment
Hills, but nothing steep

Finish: Clearly marked with a banner over the street and the timing mats, names were announced. Chips were promptly removed from shoes, and the medal was hung around your neck. There were bottles of water, but I had to back track to grab one. On the next block was the post race food: bananas, oranges, cookies, bagels, sandwiches, water and chocolate milk. There was also free post race massage. Same amount of food for the first finishers as the last.

Overall: Not my favorite course to run, but I know the course and it’s in my back yard, so if I am around I will run it. However this race always falls on the same weekend as many other races, so we’ll see if I am back next year. I only recommend as it's a great fundraiser for the schools.