Registration: This was available through the website link to get me registered. Price increased as race day approached. You could also register on race day for $30. Included in registration was a unisex short sleeved tech shirt, reflective arm band, beer ticket, chip for timing, bib, small men's deodorant and some flyers to other races.

Packet Pickup: Participants could grab their gear the day before the race and the day of the race in the basement of the bank. Someone else could grab your stuff.

Pre-Race: There was plenty of parking available at the nearby high school, but it was a short walk to the festivities. There were many port-o-potties available near the start/finish. Volunteers were even keeping them clean!

There were other events happening before the 4 mile race, the 1/4 mile fun run and the 1 mile race. Announcements happened and music played over a loud speaker. With about 5 minutes before the start of the race, people started lining up next to estimated pace per mile signs. The National Anthem was performed live. 1500 racers were then sent on their way.

Race/ Course: One loop on the city streets of Eldridge
-paved, asphalt - potholes or cracks to watch out for, especially as it got darker
-night race, course lined with luminares in most areas, some residents on course decorated with lights
-lots of spectators, handing out beer in addition to high fives and blaring loud music
-miles were marked, volunteer yelling time
-water stops, paper cups
-no photographers
-flat, a few inclines
-Volunteers at all intersections

Finish/Post Race: There was an announcer at the finish, a banner above the street an overall time clock and a giant mural was painted across the street; it was easy to spot the finish line. After the chip was clipped from your shoe, a volunteer handed runners ice cold bottled water. Then there were tables with strawberries, bananas, cookies, grapes and bomb pops. The final thing up exiting the finishers chute was a sprinkler system.

Runners could redeem their beer tickets at the nearby beer tent for a Coors Light, Bud / Bud Light or Mike's Hard Lemonade. Once out of the finishers area it was a little crowded but you could proceed back to the finish to cheer on other finishers. There was a computer set up scrolling results.

Overall: This race is always on my calendar, as I mentioned before, I love a small town summer festival, and when they have races that coincide with them, I try to run them. The price is right, and the organization gives the money back to the community. It's not bucket list material, but if you are in the area, I would run it.

Check out the pictures on my blog https://marathang.wordpress.com/2015/07/13/moonlight-chase-2015/

Link to this review