Pre-race: No expo, but there was one vendor giving away some items. Packet pick-up was at YMCA on day before race and also available on race day at the state fairgrounds. Parking is free on the state fairgrounds walking distance to the main entrance of the fair. Fairly regular communication from race organizers leading up to race day.

Shirt/Swag: The race shirt was off-brand, dri-fit long-sleeve. It runs a bit small, but overall is a very nice shirt. The medal was excellent and epitomizes the Nebraska State Fair, which is awesome if you live in state but also a really cool keepsake if you're not from an agricultural-based state. The medals were the same whether you ran 5K, half, or full. Only difference was ribbon, which varied based on distance. Runners also receive admission to that day of the Nebraska State Fair, which is a very unique swag item, plus a free beverage (beer or soda).

Aid Stations: There were 8 aid stations with all having water and most having a very, watered-down Gatorade available. All stations had cups with choice between water or Gatorade.

Course scenery: Race is through the city, but many of the miles are on paved trails. There are about 2 miles running through the prairie before reaching a county park and then the Stuhr Museum grounds. The trails mostly go through residential areas and course concludes on city streets through neighborhoods before finishing at the fairgrounds.

Elevation: Per my Strava data, I gained 35 feet in elevation. Regardless of quantitative data, its a clear and easy flat course. Definitely good for an easy run as part of marathon training and ideal for people striving to record a PB.

Overall: There's not a lot of glitz and glamor with this race, but it is very well done. Everything you need in a race you have from aid stations to quality swag. I would recommend this race for anybody seeking a PB at any distance.

I've run this race twice (2021 and 2022) and crowd support has steadily dropped the past two years. The second half of the course after leaving the Stuhr Museum and community college was especially sparse. However, it is very easy for spectators to find you at multiple spots along the course.

Pre-race: There was an appropriate level of communication leading up to the race. Expo is not applicable, as pre-race packet pick-up was at a tent at a public park in town.

Shirt/Swag: The race shirt was a short-sleeve, dri-fit shirt with the race logo on the chest and a sponsor logo on the back underneath the collar. The medal is quite heavy and features the race logo in the shape of South Dakota. I was fortunate enough to receive a free pint glass at the Finish Line Party at Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill in downtown.

Aid Stations: There were 6 aid stations with water and Powerade. There was no Gu or other nutrition on the course.

Course scenery: Course starts in Pioneer Park on the western edge of town. It winds through downtown before passing through part of the South Dakota State University campus. Runners pass through a few city parks that are pretty, but most of the course goes through residential neighborhoods before finishing at the park.

Crowd support was minimal, which isn’t too surprising given the city population (about 25,000). However, there were some lonely stretches after the full marathoners split off. Volunteers did a wonderful job ensuring runners could easily cross streets, as it is an open course. However, in many cases the volunteers were the only spectators on the course.

Elevation: Per my Strava data, I gained 319 feet in elevation. The course has a few rolling hills, but is relatively flat. The most challenging elevation change was early in Mile 9 in Larson Park.

Overall: The start area was extremely easy to find with volunteers waving people to the parking area. Volunteers were posted at each major street to keep runners safe crossing roads. The swag was solid, but the post-race party really shined. The service and food at Cubby’s were excellent. There were not a lot of frills, but the race was very well-run, and all the volunteers were extremely friendly and helpful.

Pre-race: Lots of communication from J&A Racing after registration leading up to race week. Even more communication during race week, which bordered on being too much. However, you cannot complain about not being informed.

Expo was a bit disappointing. There was a LOT of merchandise people could buy if they wanted something more besides the tech shirts that were part of the registration fee. However, not as many running-specific vendors as I expected. There were only two other races there, which was surprising considering how many races are in the region.

Lots of information about parking for the race, which made finding a spot very easy. Dry bag drop off/pick-up was very easy, but it is important to be on time for the drop as the trucks closed up right when the race begins.

Shirt/Swag: The race shirt was a generic, long-sleeve tech shirt. Sizing is good and quality is OK. The medal features the King Neptune statue from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, so it's a great local landmark. Medal can also be used as a bottle opener.

Aid Stations: There were 7 aid stations with all having water and Nuun available. All stations had Nuun upfront with water at the end of the station. Station just after at Mile 5 also has Clif Gu packets.

Course scenery: Race covers a variety of areas in Virginia Beach. Start leads runners through a commercial area before quickly transitioning to a residential area eventually heading through some trees near First Landing State Park before turning into Fort Story, which allows runners to pass some sand dunes and the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Eventually, the course doubles back through the residential area before turning onto the Boardwalk with runners passing the iconic King Neptune statue just before the finish line.

Crowd support was solid throughout the course, even going through the military base. The boardwalk was flanked with supporters, which definitely helps during the final half mile or so.

Elevation: Per my Strava data, I gained 38 feet in elevation. I never noticed any significant elevation changes or hills despite the data. Miles 3-4 were the "toughest" because of the slop of the road, but the change is not particularly noticeable.

Overall: The race is extremely well organized with lots of volunteers to help with everything from packet pickup to concluding with post-race nutrition. Crowd support along the course was good, even through Fort Story. Course is super flat, which makes it ideal for a first-timer or for someone seeking a PR.

One problem was the lack of time between each corral starting the race. The race started at 7:30 a.m. and corral 8 (out of 10 total) went off as 7:40 a.m. With minimal time between each corral, I had to fight through a lot of congestion to really get into my pace.