The 2016 event took place on Sunday, Sept 25. The race started at 7:30 am. The forecast leading up to the race was for 70 degrees and partly cloudy. Race day was actually sunny and a high of 85.

Registration: This was available online and started at $75 and increased to $85. You could also register at the expo. Included with registration was a personalized bib, long sleeve gender specific shirt, finishers medal.

Expo/Packet Pick up: There was an all day expo the day before the race at the iWireless center. Since there was no race day packet pickup you needed to get your bib here, someone else could also get it for you. Registration was also open at the expo. *I didn't get to the expo,but I have been in previous years, it's a medium sized expo, vendors, food, etc. There is also plenty of parking in the nearby event center lot.

Pre-Race: There is plenty of FREE parking for this event near the start/finish line, just makes sure to come early to avoid waiting in traffic. The iWireless center has a huge lot and there are ramps nearby. There are many port-o-potties set up.

The start and finish are the same. The finish tents are already set up, so this makes the starting corrals very crowded. There aren't any true corrals, but encouraged to line up by pace. Due to the crowding of this area, if you arrive late, you might have a difficult time making it to a faster pace area in the front.

There are many announcements and music. There are pacers. The National Anthem was sung live, and then the race began.

Race/Course: The course takes you through 2 states (Iowa & Illinois) and 4 cities, while crossing the Mississippi River.
-Terrain - the course is paved. There may be a pot hole or rough spot to watch out for, but nothing major.
-Elevation - this is a great first timer's course, minimal hills, maybe one major one, but nothing steep. There are also the bridge incline & declines. Speaking of the bridges, the first bridge crossing is just after the first mile, and the course is still crowded so the bridge bounces.
-Course Markings - each mile is marked. There are timing mats throughout. Some side streets are closed,but major roads or the Interstate is still open and coned off.
-Spectators - There are always people cheering in the busy sections of the course, but there are many stretches with no one.
-Volunteers - there are a lot of people monitoring the course, including law enforcement at the major intersections. They all appeared energetic
- Aid Stations - These were stocked with lemon-lime Gatorade and Water,and each were in paper cups. However some stations the water was first. Also I didn't have a great race, and was finishing back of the pack and the later AS had already started picking up and had minimal drinks or volunteers. There were a lot of them, but as hot as it was, could have used more.There were some stops with "Boom" energy gel. There were some oranges and candy too, but these weren't advertised.
-Photographers - Marathonfoto was on course, photos available for sale within the next few days.

Post Race/Finish:The finish arch was clearly visible, and you cross the timing mat. Once you were done running, a volunteer handed you a medal, then another handed you a bottle of water, and yet another handed you a chocolate milk. The finisher's area was spacious. There was post race massage & medical tents. I mentioned before I finished in the back of the pack, so when I got to the food, the only thing left was cookies, chips and the remaining hotdogs (that at one time were fresh grilled.) There was a station with Pepsi and a beer trailer with a "lite" beer.

I finished way after the awards were given out, but a stage was set up with seating for that.

My Race: I ran the first 8 miles with a friend running the half marathon, then the course split and I was on my own. I was feeling good, until I realized how hot it was getting. I should have brought my own hydration. I had made it halfway and saw the first person passed out on the side getting medical help.I realized that wasn't worth it and it's when the struggle began. It was like the aid stations were getting farther apart, and I needed a drink, dehydration is no joke. I started running .75 mile then walking .25. I tried to keep that going, but the end part of the course has minimal shade and I felt I was cooking. So, I just took my sweet ass time, I knew I would finish, but it was struggle bus city. Then at mile 23 (a part of the course that's an out and back) there was a random rain down pour....it felt awesome, well except for it hitting all the chaffing spots, and I now had wet feet. However being about 3 miles from the finish, by the time I was at mile 24.5 the sun was back out and I was cooking again. I finished in 5:55, easily one of my worst times ever, however I finished. Weather is something that can't be controlled, so I did my best.

Overall: I like this race because it's close to home and it's a decent price. There are areas that could be improved, but what race doesn't have those?Also, you can't control the weather, just prepare for it. I will run this again if my schedule allows.

I'll have pictures and more on my blog www.marathang.wordpress.com