Saturday August 29, 2015. Cloudy, humid, 70 ish degrees. 9 am. Stanwood, IA

Small town 5k to honor Bill Bails, or give back to a man who has given to so many others.

Registration: This was available through an online site and by printing a form and sending it through the mail. Registration started at $20 and you could register for $25 on race day. If you registered early you were guaranteed a short sleeve cotton unisex t-shirt. Otherwise a bib with timing chip was all that was included.

Pre Race / Packet Pick up: The race started and finished near a small park and football field. There was plenty of parking, wherever you could find it, in a lot, side of the road, etc. There was a park bathroom for everyone to use. Packet pick up was in a park shelter. A line for pre-registered and a line for day of registrants. Bill greeted everyone as they entered.

Runners milled about until they were called to line up at the start. Announcements were made on a bull horn, and special attention to the markings on the course and the roads were open. No National Anthem.

Race/Course: The course was 2 loops through the streets of Stanwood, IA.

-paved surfaces - lots of warped asphalt, but no major potholes
-mile markers on yard signs - but being a loop race, came across mile 2 sign before mile 1
-photographers near the finish
-some spectators in their driveways
-roads open to traffic
-Volunteers and firefighters were monitoring the course
-one water stop, paper cups as you finished the first loop at the start/finish area
-flat, a few inclines / declines, but nothing to crazy

Post Race/Finish: The area was marked with a timing mat and a gathering of people. It was a tad congested as it was a loop race, with walkers just finishing their first lap and runners completing the race. There was bananas, bottled water and cookies. Results were posted, and you could get a print out to take with you.

Overall: I have mentioned how I like a small town race, this is another reason why. It is great to give back and it was a well organized event with a reasonable price. I hope they continue to make this event happen.

Check out https://marathang.wordpress.com/2015/08/30/bill-bails-5k-review/ for pictures and how I accomplished my 26 mile run the same day