Another Monster Dash has come and gone. (How is it November already!?) I had a great time at this race once again, and Team Ortho continues to tweak operations to improve the experience.

Packet Pickup was right by the Start/Finish line, at the Panther Pavilion "Shack" in downtown FW. I went early in the day so it didn't take long, and there was tons of free parking right by the front door. One con for a lot of people is that there wasn't race-day pickup. If you couldn't make it to the official pick-up, you had to pay $30 to have your packet shipped in advance. I wouldn't be surprised if this was a deal breaker for folks who don't want to pay that shipping fee and can't make it to the pick-up.

I arrived about an hour early on race day. (I remembered the start line being 1mi from the parking lot last year, so I didn't want to make the same mistake.) They moved the start line this year and it was right next to the parking lot. No complaints here! Passed the time milling around the vendor booths, checking out the pre-race costume contest, and making a last-minute porta pottie stop. Lots of fun costumes everywhere!

The route was similar to last year---an out-and-back course along the Trinity River Trails. It had rained the whole day before the race, so there were some pools of water that we all attempted to avoid. (Which usually ended with us running into even bigger pools of water in the grass lol.) The course was pretty flat---elevation gain was only 150ft. There were more volunteers overall this year. Some were stationed along the course, with buckets of candy. (Guessing the younger 5K runners took full advantage.) Other volunteers were stationed at the water stops and did a great job. There were also well-staffed Medic Stations for the half marathon runners. This event doesn't usually draw a lot of spectators but there was a great HS cheering squad around Mile 2/Mile 6!

Side Note: It "misted" during the race. I learned a valuable lesson--it sucks to be wearing glasses when that happens. Had to take them off and hope I didn't fall into a pothole! :)

Post-race festivities were great. Everything took place inside the "Shack." Team Ortho partnered with Karbach Brewing and all runners (21+) got a free beer. There was a DJ mixing before/after the awards ceremony. Loved the swag as always--a great medal and finisher jacket. (See picture.) The jacket has thumb holes, a large back pocket, and an embroidered logo on the back. It's also fleece-lined and so warm! Perfect for this time of year.

'Til next year Monster Dash!

This was my 3rd Rahr Oktoberfest and all I can say is that it gets better every year! The DFWRuns marketing team does a great job promoting and organizing this race. The t-shirt designs are different every year but they never disappoint. This year's event catchphrase is my favorite by far: "I'm not the wiener but I wasn't the wurst!" It's etched on all of the finisher pint glasses.

Parking is always tricky around the brewery--they don't have a customer lot on their property--but you can always find a spot in the neighborhood. The pre-race logistics ran very smoothly--all IDs were checked as you arrived and there were plenty of port-a-potties available.

As everyone got lined up for the start, I noticed a few drones flying overhead with cameras attached. I'd never experienced that before but I'm sure this will catch on elsewhere if it hasn't already. The course was well-marked, with plenty of officers out managing traffic. My one tiny complaint for this run is with the aid stations--there was only one. Given that summer is still in full swing in Texas, I think a 2nd station would not go unappreciated. In any case, I'll probably carry an extra bottle with me next time.

There was plenty of water at the finish and lots of enthusiastic volunteers managing the crowd. One of my favorite things about Rahr runs is that you get 3 full pints with your entry. I've never managed to drink 3 full pints--there's no way I'd be able to drive home--but it's nice to have the option. :) The post-race festivities continued until late afternoon, with a ceremonial keg tapping, a costume contest, and several stein hoisting competitions. Lots of vendors--including local restaurants and food trucks--had set up booths around the brewery and were giving away samples.

The beer flowed freely and a good time was had by all!