Kickoff to Kinnick – a 5k with a finish on the field at Historic Kinnick Stadium, benefiting the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and Tim Dwight Foundation.

Registration: Available online, by printing a form, and on race day. Registration topped out at $40 on race day. Included with registration was a unisex, short sleeve, soft, cotton tee; timing on a bib, post race beer, and a pint glass.

Packet pick up: There were multiple times to pick up your packet, however no expo, the first 2 pickups were at the local sporting goods store, the Friday and Saturday before the race. If you picked up your things at these pickups you were able to get the pint glass. The pint glass was also available at this store after the race on Sunday. Race day packet pick up was also available, near the starting area in a parking lot.

Pre-Race: Plenty of parking in nearby University lots, all free. Only about 4 nearby port-o-potties. There was music playing over the loud speaker, and announcements from a local radio DJ. With about 20 minutes until the race start, the 1600+ participants were encouraged to make their way to the start line.

With about 10 minutes to go, more announcements and pace per mile signs showed up on the side of the starting area. No mention to line up according to pace. A drone flew over the crowd. No National Anthem.

Race / Course:

-paved surface, on street and sidewalk. no major potholes, but could have been a spot here or there to watch out for
-Roads were not closed
-ran against traffic in coned off lane
-no mile markers
-2 water stops, in small plastic bottles
-some photographers
-no starting corrals
-family friendly event, strollers permitted
-some rolling hills near the last half of the course
-lots of volunteers, at most every turn & intersection
-no course markings

Finish: Runners were allowed access on the field by running through one of the tunnels at Kinnick Stadium, once on the field you could see yourself on the jumbotron crossing the finishing line, marked with an arch, clock, timing mat and photographer. The Iowa Spirit squads were milling about as well. Participants were allowed to walk around the field and take pictures. Spectators were not allowed on the field, but could watch in the south end zone.

Post Race: The post race area was outside the stadium in the west parking lot. There were tents with freebies, similar to what you would see at an expo, live music, and a silent auction. There was bottled water, bananas, granola bars, hot dogs, chips and craft beer. ID had to be shown for access to beer area, where each runner of age was given 2 beer tickets.

Overall: This race is pricey and crowded, but it’s cool to finish on the field at Kinnick, the post race is fun.

Please check out my blog for opinion and pictures. Go Hawks! https://marathang.wordpress.com/2015/09/13/kickoff-to-kinnick-5k-review/

Link to this review