This was the inaugural Urban Hoedown, and though the crowd was small (maybe 600-700 runners), the race management and runners were enthusiastic, with some runners choosing to run the 5K course in jeans shorts and plaid shirts!

What I Liked:
-The course didn't go into McCormick- I hate the darkness of that part of a route- but on the flip side, the Lakefront Trail was also a lot more crowded since the crowd couldn't thin out on a straight out-and-back route. Win some, lose some!
-Water stations set up around the one and two mile markers, with Gatorade first and water second.
-Since it was such a small race, no lines throughout the festival!
-Fun souvenirs such as a cowboy hat and a bolo tie medal (pictured)
-It felt like a small, hometown 5K fun run, not a big city race. You chose your own corral based on what time you expected to run (honor system!). Everyone was very friendly and accomodating!

What I Didn't Like:
-The tech t-shirts we got were pretty plain- plain white, short sleeved, and just with the Urban Hoedown logo on them.
-Not really any vegetarian options at the food festival

After the race, you could enjoy a complimentary beer (312 sponsored) at the festival, complete with country music and other booths such as a NovaCare booth where PTs would roll you out. This race has a fun theme and an easygoing attitude and hopefully will continue to grow over the next couple of years!