I keep coming back for this 5k, this is the 3rd year for me, and they changed the course due to Iowa City hosting the US Olympic Trials.

The 2016 Doc Dash took place April 9, it was sunny and near 30 degrees. Race started at 9 am.

This race supports the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic and the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic.

Registration: This was available online and on race day. I can't remember how much I paid, but in the $20-$30 range. I believe shirts were an additional cost, and this year they were a short sleeve technical shirt. Also included was a bib with timing chip.

Expo/ packet pick up: There is no expo for this event, but rather some booths with health information set up at the packet pick up times. An email was sent to inform participants of the pick up the day before the race, you could also get your bib the day of the race. Someone else could grab your packet. Participants received a plastic bag full of flyers with the bibs.

Parking (for packet pick up and race day) available in nearby parking ramp (for a fee), or about 1/4 mile away in Dental lot. Race day logistics could have been a problem if you didn't plan ahead because of this years increase of traffic due to the wrestling trials. * I ran to the race*

Pre-Race: The medical building (this is held on the University campus) was open for people to use the real bathroom, or just stay warm. There was a kids race before the 5k - the Docling Dash.

There was no National Anthem, but some announcements were made on a bullhorn. I didn't hear much that was said, except the woman kept saying "sidewalks". I did hear the siren for the start, and as everyone moved forward, so did I.

Race/course – *as mentioned before new course*
-mile markers
-lots of volunteers at every turn
-sidewalks (as mentioned before) I figured out why the woman kept saying it, runners were encouraged to stay on the sidewalks. *ok so this is just my opinion, how late was the course change made that they couldn't get permits for the roads? The sidewalks were crowded*
- all paved, not major problems, just watch footing for possible potholes
-elevation- no huge climbs, but the end was uphill
-scenery - run through some residential, some campus, and near the river
-there was a guy taking pictures at the finish line
- no spectators

Finish:There was an inflatable arch and timing mat set up for runners to cross. The timing company had a trailer set up to get results, and a TV was scrolling the results.

Post race: ALL THE FOOD! bananas, oranges, bagels, strudel bits, cupcakes, coffee, water. Raffle prizes given to those who commented on the facebook page or had raffle tickets. The awards were handed out to overall and age groups.

Overall: For the price and the fact I can run to this race, I always do it. Not sure I liked the sidewalks this year, but it's a good race.

Personal: I had a good race, I even ran mile 2 at 8:53, but that caught up with me as did the finish uphill. However my 28:35 was good enough to place 2nd in my AG. This years training and racing has been all over the place. I am just happy I get to do this.

Check out my blog for pictures https://marathang.wordpress.com/2016/04/09/ui-doc-dash-2016/

The 2016 Easter Egg Scramble was held on Saturday March 26, 2016. It was a sunny 45-50 degree day.

*I ran this race 2 years ago. The course hasn't changed, but I have run many races since then, so the star ratings are different as my scale has changed. Read on....*

Registration: This was available online, as well as a form to submit via snail mail. The price increased to $40 until online registration closed 2 days before the race. Race day registration was possible, but no shirt guarantee. Included with registration,unisex cotton short sleeve shirt, drawstring bag, bib, shoe timing chip, finisher medal, post race burrito & beer, and finisher's print out.

*The race provided lots of information on their website, and I was on a mailing list so I received many emails. However there was an additional website out there with different information as my sister kept asking me questions about start times.

Expo/ Packet pick up: No true expo. You could pick up your things at a heath center in the Davenport area the day before the race. Someone else could pick up your things. Race day pick up was available as well as race day registration.

PreRace: The race start was on a side street, near a small park. There were port-a-potties and nearby free parking. There were 2 short distance kids races that were held before the 9 am 5k start. There was music and announcements over the PA system. No National Anthem.

Race/Course: Run on side streets in the East Village neighborhood.
-all paved course, no major potholes
-hilly! first half mile is all uphill, incorporating parts of the BIX course
-I don't recall mile markers
-course closed off with cones, but still open to traffic, busy parts of River Drive
- very few spectators
-volunteers and law enforcement stationed at all major intersections
-no water/aid stations
-not much to see as most is run through a residential neighborhood, parts of the last mile have a view of the Mississippi River

Finish/Post Race: The finish had an arch and timing mat. However there was no chute, but rather the Easter bunny telling you to turn right to get your chip removed, receive your medal and printout. The post race party was behind some buildings in a parking lot, off the street. There was beer (Traveler's shandy) water, breakfast burritos, and some recovery bars. There was a 2 person live band playing some rockin tunes. Fleet Feet was there to promote the area's new store. Awards were announced when all participants were finished. There was an easter egg hunt across the street for all kids who participated in the fun run.

Overall: I like this race as it's one of the only local 5k's with a medal, which I factor into the higher price. Plus this race is a challenge, those hills can kick your butt!

Personal: I was enjoying the race with the hubs, my sister and niece, and friend. I really pushed myself, but the first hill got to me. I had issues with my Garmin, so ran without a watch. I finished with a decent 27:19.

I have the recap on my blog...check out my photos https://marathang.wordpress.com/2016/04/04/burritos-beer-and-bunnies/

The United Relay is a coast to coast relay across the United States, with 3 different routes. Each route consists of participants running or cycling stages, which they pick from the website, and then in turn raise money for a charity (many options to chose from.) Each stage was about 8-12 miles, and in big cities there were group stages ranging from 3-4 miles. Each route starts in a different location on the west coast, but all end in New York City, where there is a concert by Alicia Keys. 2016 is the first year for the event.

Registration: Available through the website. Cost was $50 per stage, or you could join a stage for $25. A cotton shirt was free, with code, but $5 shipping and handling. (I don't need another shirt, so I did not buy one) Tech shirts available for purchase.

*This being the first year for the event I know they needed participants, so I am not sure if you ran multiple legs if you had to pay multiple times. They also had cyclists fill in last minute, as the relay was first designed to be running only.

Runners got to pick the stages they wanted to run, so the course scenery and elevation was up to each participant. Runners were to maintain an 11 min pace. The idea was to have local runners run a stage near them, so they knew where to go. The race organizers sent emails with GPS coordinates of the starting and finishing points, and the stage leaders would plan the routes. The emails also included phone numbers of the route leaders, and the participants of the surrounding stages.

The website had a variety of information available, and was easy to navigate. There was a page for your fundraising, a live map to show the progress of each route, and a sign up page to know who was running where & what route.

My experience: I was running this for Bibrave, and helping the relay out by running 5 stages. I drove about 4 hours away to start the journey, in southern Illinois. I was nervous going into this, as there seemed to be the lack of information I am used to with a standard race. The weather had also turned hot, and I wasn't sure about maintaining the pace in the heat. However I had all the info I would need, I had my GPS coordinates, phone numbers, and they provided me with a Mapmyrun route through Illinois.

I had brought along all my aid. I had a cooler and snacks, and would be running with my pack and phone. I was just traveling to an area I had never been before, and I wasn't certain of the routes I would be running, or if the highways were safe. I was also nervous to meet the team leaders, as they would drive my car to the end of my route.

I arrived to my first stage, 285. The red team leaders, Richard and Ben were already there. We had some time for introductions and information as we waited for stage 284 to finish. I also familiarized myself with where I would be going, as I had no clue where I was.

My first stage was on a paved bike trail through cornfields. It was flat! Some of the portions were tree lined. I had discussed the route with Richard, and he was at every major intersection, asking if I needed something and pointed me the right direction. Always asking for a thumbs up (or down.) I was worried about maintaining the pace, and started off too fast.

I went on to run stages 292, 298, 305 & 309. Each leg was a little different. I ran parts of historic route 66, more trails, through Springfield, and on busy highways. At no time did I feel alone or not safe. Richard & Ben were somewhere near the route, always making sure I was ok, and they were driving my car. At one point I hopped in for about 100 feet to detour around some geese.

My first stage was on Saturday night (11 miles), then I had one Sunday am (8 miles), Sunday pm (9.5), and Monday am (10) and the last at Monday afternoon (8). It seemed each one the weather was warmer than the last stage. Which was affecting my pace, but I kept tackling each stage, accomplishing around 48 miles. Richard ran (walked in the 85 degree non shaded trail) with me the last stage

I do have to note that my stages were surrounded by cyclists, so I was able to take advantage of starting early to pad in some extra time.

I was so nervous going into this relay, but perhaps that was due to it being a first year event, and it being my first major relay. Once I took off running, I enjoyed the laid back nature and had a lot of fun.

I met some amazing people along the way, each a badass in their own way. Many running multiple stages of the relay, bringing their enthusiasm, and raising money for charity. I would like to participate again, and would recommend anyone joining this.

For more pictures and all the details, check out my blog https://marathang.wordpress.com/2016/05/30/united-relay/

The 2016 Hot Chocolate Minneapolis was held April 16, 2016, near the Boom Island Park Area. Race day temps pushed to 75 when all participants were finished.

*This is my third Hot Chocolate race, first in MPLS. The race does a great job of sending informative emails about all deadlines, training plans, and important information.

Registration: Registration was available online, and increased as race day approached. The 15k topped out at $74. Included with registration was a gender specific, zip up sweatshirt; a drawstring bag; a personalized bib with timing chip; finisher's medal; and finisher's mug.

Expo/Packet Pick up: If you knew ahead of time you wouldn't attend the expo, and before the deadline you could have your packet mailed to you. Otherwise you could pick up your race swag at the expo held in downtown MPLS at the Hyatt. The times to pick up weren't very late into the evening, but a friend could pick up your things for you.
*a friend grabbed my things for me, but she sent photos, and it looked like a smaller expo, but with all the Hot Chocolate features of inflatables and chocolate goodies to consume, in addition to some local running organizations.

Pre-race: It was suggested on the HC website to park in the downtown and walk the one mile to Boom Island Park (we ubered), as there was no great place to park near the start/finish. Each race started at different times and at different starting lines. There were what seemed to be a gazillion port-a-potties. Gear check using the tag on your bib. There were corrals, and these were assigned on your bibs, participants could submit a time to be put in the elite corral.
*For some reason I was in the preferred corral, and within that first corral there were pacers from 8 minutes to 11:30 min/mile. For more confusion the last corral had "no walkers" on the signage.

The National Anthem was sung, and there was a countdown to start the first corral. I can not say how soon the second corral started, but by mile 1, I was getting passed by them.

Race/Course: The course was a loop style, running near the Mississippi River. (very similar to the Hot Dash Course)
-all paved, no major potholes, but a section of brick that had missing bricks
-Beast Pacing pacers
-each mile was marked with a tent style flag, there were clocks (can't remember if it was each mile)
-timing splits at 5k & 10k - which worked with the runner tracking
-4 "candy" stops. Strawberry marshmallow, m &m's, chocolate marshmallow, and chocolate chip wafers
- Aid stations about every 2 miles or so, Nuun first and water second. Different paper cups, well marked with flag style banners
- a few spectators near start/finish area
- Photographers near the finish chute only - Free pictures
-Scenery: mixed parts of residential, industrial, parks....run across the stone arch bridge
-Elevation - relatively flat, biggest inclines were bridges
-Volunteers - there were lots along the course, and law enforcement at busy intersections.

Finish: The finish chute had spectators, and there was an arch set up. The first thing participants received was the medal, then after a short walk there was Nuun in cups, and then finally a bottle of water. (Medals for 15k only, and had an image of the city)

Post Race: The post race area was huge. There was the gear check tent, merchandise tent, hot chocolate finisher's mug tent, lots of inflatables with hot chocolate signage for photos, a kids area, lots of vendors/giveaways, and more samples of Nuun.

The tag on your bib redeemed the finisher's mug. Included in the plastic mug; dipping chocolate, a banana, Rice Krispie treat, bag of pretzels, a marshmallow, wafer sticks and a wet nap. Once finished, there were plastic bags to put your mug into.

*Boom Island is a great area for all these people, you can sit near the river and spread out. However on this hot day there was only one shelter with seating and shade. There was also no additional access to water, so the ONE bottle of water from the finish line is all you got. It was a hot day, the weather had gone from highs of 40's to a high of 70. The race should plan ahead for additional fluids. Or I guess note to self always carry my own.

My race: I had been struggling with my shin the week before the race, so I had no overall expectations. I ran a good time, concentrating on keeping each mile under 10 minute pace. I was actually having a great race, making sure to stop at all water stops. That last mile though I hit 10:02, I knew the heat was a factor. I had been training in 40 degree weather, it was too hot too soon. I was happy to finally get the finisher's bottle of water. I knew I needed more fluids, but there wasn't any, in fact was told each finisher gets one bottle of water. I even had a cup of Nuun, and it's not my electrolyte drink of choice. I finished with a time of 1:32:25, then struggled with dehydration issues for the next day. Note to self always carry my own.

Overall: This race can be pricey, but it's always fun and you get lots of swag for the price. This course is nice and flat, and would be a great distance for a newer runner looking to tackle longer distance. I felt that, even though some hot chocolates are more laid back, you could totally set a PR and race this. The parking is a problem, but Uber can fix that, and if it's hot the race needs to make accommodations.

For ALL THE PICTURES check out my blog https://marathang.wordpress.com/2016/04/18/hot-day-for-hot-chocolate/

The 2016 event took place on April 30. Race was scheduled to start (with the half) at 7:15, but due to rain and storms in the area, there was a 35 minute delay. The race went above and beyond encouraging participants to sign up for texts to get race updates and were proactive in making sure everyone was hydrated.
*It was about 60-70 ish degrees, humid, and expected to warm up

Registration: Available online, close to $100, price increased as race day approached. There was race day registration at the expo. Included with registration was a unisex short sleeve tech shirt, chip timing, post race beer, finisher jacket and finisher medal.

Expo/packet pickup: There were 2 days of the expo. This was held at the convention center. It was a large expo, half filled with race sponsor Brooks and their apparel. In addition there were your typical vendors with samples and demonstrations.
-The actual packet pickup went smoothly. Participants needed to bring a printout of a confirmation email and their ID. If you didn't have this print out, computers with printers were available. No one else could pick up your bib. No race day packet pick up.
-You could swap your shirt for a different size. You could also try on the finisher jacket, so you could be assured the correct size at the post race event. You could also get your ID checked for a post race beer, they gave you a paper bracelet.
-There was free parking across the river, or you could pay to park in a ramp or nearby. You could also chose public transportation

Pre-race: Pay lots available for parking at the football stadium, which is where the finish was. You could organize a parking shuttle, or you could grab a cab or uber. There were plenty of port-o-potties lined up near the start (which was not near the finish) There were lots of announcements. No shelter to stay out of the rain. Information tents, race day changes tent, pre race water and food tents.
-There was a corral system set up, 40 of them for both the full and the half. No one was really checking entrance into them, and they weren't sectioned off. Each corral went off about 2-3 minutes apart after the National Anthem was sung.

Race/Course: Run through Nashville on paved surfaces.
-paved surfaces, some potholes but nothing major, just be aware
-pacers
-Photography - MarathonFoto was on the course
-Scenery - the course really took on all parts of Nashville, from the downtown streets, to the minor league baseball warning track, to East Nashville, through a park, then finishing near the Titans football stadium.
-Elevation - it was hilly, no steep hills, but enough hills
-Aid Stations - water and lemon-lime Gatorade, in different paper cups. Glukos on course, both gels and chews (however I never saw any chews) The last big AS had actual food and beer. Wet sponge stop.
- bathrooms on course
-medical tents set up throughout, always with vaseline, as well as ice and bandages, even salted Gatorade
-Volunteers - they were every where, police at all major intersections
-Spectators, many areas with them, many areas without- but never felt alone as there were a lot of participants
-mile markers on course, with clocks, timing mats at a certain spots for runner tracking
-music- there were to be over 40 bands, rotating out in 26 spots, about every mile. I didn't count, but there were lots of bands on the course, however some places had gone to non live music maybe due to rain?

Finish/Post Race: Before the actual finish, there were gates set up to direct you to the arch and timing mat. There were many photographers. There were many spectators cheering everyone in. Once across the finish line a volunteer placed a medal around your neck, then handed you a bottle of water.
-There was so much food, and no place to put it, but to carry it. Bottle of lemon lime Gatorade, rice chips, pea snacks, grandma's cookies, fruit cups, bananas, and more I can't remember. I just remember feeling embarrassed I was carrying so many things.
-The area was gated off from spectators, once departed this area you then claimed your finisher's jacket and can of Michelob Ultra.
-Live band playing in the parking lot.
-no place to actually sit, except the grass, or there was a beer truck thing, but it was bar - lyou would pay to sit, maybe
-food trucks - many sold out of food

Overall: The race is expensive, but the course is a nice challenge with the hills. You also get a what you pay for with the swag, music and food. Nashville is a great host.

My race: I didn't have high expectations, just to finish around 5 hours. I started with the 5 hour pacer, after trying to stay dry under a heat sheet. I lost the pacer when they stopped for water, as I was carrying my own, I wasn't sure if that was a mistake. The sun stayed behind the clouds for the most part, but it got hot. I kept moving and never felt like I needed to walk. I had a good race, but my watch said I almost ran 27 miles (I think with such a wide course, it's hard to stick to the tangents) I did finish with an official time of 4:57, so I was happy with that. It was my 4th marathon of the year.

For pictures, check out my blog https://marathang.wordpress.com/2016/05/09/rockin-in-the-rain/