Saturday October 24, 2015. Louisville, KY. Cloudy, 65(ish) degrees, humid. 8:30 am.

Registration: This was available online, price increased closer to race day. You could also register at packet pickup, but there was no race day registration. Registration included a gender specific long sleeve tech shirt, a bib with timing strip, an Uber discount, and the Race Joy Mobile App.

Expo/Packet Pick up: There were 2 days to pick up your packet at Louisville Slugger Field. Thursday and Friday before the race. For an additional fee, participants could chose to do a VIP packet pick up at the Evan Williams distillery. There was no race day packet pick up. A virtual race bag was sent to runners a few days before, in addition to many informational emails. There was free parking.

There was a small expo at the general packet pick up. Bib numbers were posted, and then you proceeded to the correct volunteer, where you were handed a bib after checking your ID. Then because the race was for people 21 years or older, a wrist band was placed on your wrist, to wear until the post race was over. This band had the tickets for the post race food & drinks. After grabbing a bib and band, then it was off to pick up the race shirt. The shirt was in a sealed plastic bag, volunteers encouraged you check out the shirt station, before opening your bag. At the shirt station they had opened bags, available to look at or try on. If the better fitting size was available, you were allowed to exchange your shirt.

There was some merchandise available to purchase from the local Fleet Feet, where the pace team could also check in. There were race cotton shirts available to purchase. Evan Williams was there with 4 bourbons to sample and a gift basket drawing. There was one table to find out race information. There were a couple of massage tables for free.

*On Friday there was an additional event held at the same location.

Pre-Race: The race started in downtown Louisville, in front of the Yum! Center. There was an arch signifying the start line and a gated off starting area, with one entrance at the back it was about a block long. There were no corrals, but once in the gated area runners were encouraged to line up according to pace, or near a pacer.

Parking available in many downtown area ramps, which you had to pay for.

There were bathrooms open to the runners at 2 nearby hotels, and some port-o-potties set up under the bridge in the area. There were volunteers standing in the area with signs that said something like "How can I help?" There were a couple water coolers with paper cups for water.

There was a gear check set up, it was in a congested area near the one entrance to the gated area. Clear bags were provided and a tag on the bottom of your bib was used to identify your bag. There was no security I saw (doesn't mean it wasn't there.)

There was a trumpet player who played "My Old Kentucky Home" followed by a the National Anthem on trumpet.

Race/Course: The race started and finished in downtown Louisville, and took you through Cherokee Park.

-Surface - the entire course was ran on pavement or asphalt. There were repaired areas or small holes, nothing major.
-Terrain - Downtown Louisville is flat, but the areas around the park are hilly. Nothing too steep, however if you don't train on hills, the course can prove to be a challenge.
-Scenery - There was the pretty park in the fall with the colorful leaves, downtown buildings and an all men's homeless shelter along the course.
-Mile Markers - Each mile was marked with a big sign, there were clocks at these.
-The course had spray painted arrows on the cement
-Volunteers - There were volunteers at each intersection, law enforcement at busy intersection, however some would be clumping and talking amongst themselves.
-Bathrooms - there were a few on the course, but could have been more
-Hydration - There were many stops. A few with water only. Then a few with water and powerade. Each stop had the same design paper cup. They weren't very spread out and it was hard to figure out, unless you heard the volunteer say which liquid they had.
-No food on the course
-Course Entertainment - a couple of DJ's on the course pumping loud music, cops blared music from unmarked patrol cars
-Spectators - very few, but the ones that were out and about were very energetic and cheering for all
-Photographers - only saw them at the finish line
-Some roads were open to traffic, running areas were coned off, but most of the course was closed to cars.
-Timing mats throughout the course.
-Course was open from 8:30 am until 12 pm

Finish / Post Race: The finish line had the majority of spectators, and could be seen with a timing mat, arch, clock, and photographers. Once across the line, a small bottle of water (maybe 8 oz) was handed to you, an Evan Williams bottle shaped medal was handed to you, then a heat sheet wrapped around you.

A quick turn to the post race area, and you walked by the Powerade, chocolate milk, grapes, bananas and Panera bagels. A sign was posted for runners to be respectful and only take one.

After this there was the area, in a field, near the Ohio River, for the post race party. Free to runners, and $20 for non runners. The wrist band each was given at the packet pick up was good for 4 free bourbon samples, one beer, one slice of pizza, and once cup of burgoo. Hi Five Donuts were there selling donuts. Massage was available for $1 per minute. A band was playing cover songs, the lead singer actually sang as he wondered through the crowd.

There were many bourbon brands set up, each under a tent. In the big tent was the main sponsor Evan Williams and the Falls City Beer. The bourbon was spread out, but there was a very long line to get beer. There were a few picnic tables scattered about. The burgoo (soup/stew) and pizza were under the same tent. The pizza "sold out" quickly, but they came back with more pie about a half hour before the party stopped.

There were a bank of port-o-potties in the area, or you could use the hotel. The party wrapped up at 1pm, which gave the last finishers an hour to party, however the music just stopped, but no harsh instruction to leave. The t-shirts went on sale at this time too.

The finishers medal is one of the coolest medals I have seen, it is shaped like a bourbon bottle, but it's then hand dipped in wax. I was told there is one medal that is half dipped or sideways dipped, if you received that, you were comped an entrance to next year's event. The ribbon also has the date on it.

Once the post race was over, there was another event happening in an area called "Whisky Row." Participants could collect up to 5 different pins, from 5 different establishments. Non runners, could get the pins if they purchased a drink with KY bourbon.

Some of the bars were open before the post race ended, and were out of pins before we could claim them, each place only had 250. There was only one place opening at 4pm, but it appeared they were giving out pins before that time. We were only able to claim 2. It was a neat idea, but not fair to everyone as it became a contest.

Overall: Only a few minor things that can be fixed easily, a reasonable price considering all the alcohol, a good challenging course (fair hills) and friendly people. If you can get this race on your schedule, I would recommend you run it.

Check out my blog...pictures and more personal info, and a donut! https://marathang.wordpress.com/2015/10/26/urban-bourbon-half-marathon-review/

Saturday, October 3, 2015. Cloudy 50 degrees, windy. 7 am. Kettle Moraine State Forest, Wisconsin.

Registration: This was available for quite a while online. Price started at $80 and increased to $115 on race day. The race was capped, and if it wasn't sold out you could register on race day. You could transfer your registration to another distance. Included with registration was a bib with timing chip, a short sleeve gender specific tech shirt, finisher's medal, post race hot food and a post race beer.

I registered with 183 days before the race, online. The race never capped and there was a tent with registration on site, shirts were still available, but may have to wait until end of race to claim, as they printed them on site. The shirts are nice tech shirts, but not race specific, so if you ran the 5k you got the same as the 50 mile. (Mine also fits strange)

Expo/ Packet Pick up: There was no expo. Instead participants were given a virtual race bag, and encouraged to pick up their bibs and shirts at three different area North Face Stores the Thursday and Friday before the race. To pick up your packet you had to have an ID, and you could pick up someone else's with a copy of their ID. The store closest to the race (Brookfield, WI) had a speaker event on Friday night with North Face Athletes and the Race Director.

*A group of us BibRave Pros attended the Speaker Event. There was standing room only, Each race has a different set of speakers, we were treated to Dean Karnazes, Dylan Bowman & Timothy Olson and a member of the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Sarah; along with Race Director Nick Moore. Each was given a different question, and we were told about the course. Then it was opened to questions from the audience. Followed up by pictures or book signings.

Pre-Race: The race start/finish was at a Park. Parking was available, but had to pass through the park entrance and get a piece of paper for free parking. Closer parking was first come, first served. Car pooling was encouraged. There were park bathrooms (real) and many port-o-potties. There was no security or law enforcement that I saw. The area had tents with many stations: packet pickup / registration, bag drop, giveaway tents, beer tents, medical tents, food tents. In the center there were fire pits as it was a bit cool. Each day there were multiple races, and they all had different start times, with waves. The waves were to just get people to start so they weren't in a clump as most running areas weren't that wide. The announcer kept his high energy throughout the entire event, announcing each start and what was happening.

Race/Course: All courses were on the trails through the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

-Trail - single track, horse trail, rocks, grass, dirt, sand
-Hilly - nothing too steep, but overall rolling hills
-Aid Stations - 6 stops on the course, plus the finish. Chips, pretzels, potatoes, salt, oranges, bananas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, m & m's, skittles, water, clif shots, clif energy drink. Medical personnel. Signs for how far the next stop was. Energetic volunteers. Had to shout bib number to person keeping track of runners.
-Chip timing - there were no timing mats on course, but a system was in place to have updates sent via text, facebook and twitter
-Spectators - only a few spots to view runners on the course. If you were doing the 50 mile, your crew was allowed on course at spots. The few spectators (volunteers) were very friendly with lots of pep.
-Photographers - the were on the course in a few spots, post race photos were available for purchase the next day online.
-Course Markings - there were no mile markers. The course was marked with plastic ribbon, the ribbon in the same color of your bib was the course you were to follow. Any tricky spots on course there was a volunteer directing traffic.
-Bathroom - there was a port-o-potty at each aid station.
-Scenery - nice scenic trail, views of forest and prairie, some parts of course are on the Ice Age Trail.
There was a 9 hour time limit for the 50k

Post Race/Finish: Finisher's were handed a bottle of water and a finisher's medal, the chute took a turn to the finisher's food. When it was stocked there were chips, clif bars, bananas, oranges, & almonds. There was catered hot food for 50 milers, 50k runners and marathon runners; it was a hot sandwich (turkey, veggie burger, pork) chili, fruit, potatoes, cookie, soda. If you ran a shorter distance the food was $12.

Awards were announced, and prizes were given. There was a beer area, ID's were checked and runners could get a free beer with their bib. Sierra Nevada had 3 choices, on draft. If you recycled your water bottle, you could get a free pair of Repreve socks. There was a tent for post race massage and chiropractor. The North Face had a rolling station and giveaways. Participants and friends could hang out as they wanted.

Overall: For a longer distance race, great organization, fair trails, great for first timers, this race is worth it. The generic shirts and medals aren't enough to keep me away from doing it again. Or maybe I was clouded in my opinion as I got to hang out with friends all weekend.

Check out my blog http://wp.me/p3CgRX-1bm for Shenanigans and pictures

Sunny, about 80 degrees, HUMID!!! 8:30 am. Iowa City, IA.

This review is long as I chose to write it differently.

It’s no secret I like to run all the races. There are a lot of area races this weekend, and I was excited for a race in my hometown. Nothing better than sleeping in your own bed, and not having to wake up extremely early to get to a race.

This race is part of the Regina (local school) Fall Festival. In addition to the 10k there is a 5k and one mile race.

I was able to register online for $25-$30. Race day registration was available. Included was a bib, and soft cotton, unisex short sleeve t-shirt. Participants could also save $1 on the brunch later in the day.

There was a packet pick up at the festival the evening before, or you could grab your bib before the race.

The race morning started like any other. I had my coffee, wheat english muffin with peanut butter and caught up with social media. Since I already had my bib number, I needed to put together the perfect outfit and get to the race on time.

I arrived near the start at about 8:00am. I knew I needed to park so I could leave when it was done without a headache, to make it to my next destination, an outdoor market. There was plenty of parking on the back side of the school, but it would have been difficult for leaving. I am not sure what the bathroom situation was, but I am sure there were port-o-potties available for the festival nearby.

The one mile race had just started when I arrived, the kids were off first, full of energy, and it wrapped up with some walkers in the back. I overheard some say they should move to the sidewalk, as the roads were open and busy with traffic, and there was not a bike or patrol car following the last person.

I watched the racers come to the finish, and did a little jog and found the starting line, on the open street. Runners had gathered and a guy with a bull horn showed up. He said the race would start on “Go” there was no timing chips, just a clock that started. The 5k & 10k started at the same time. There was a moped that led the runners. (for how long, I am not sure)

This race was small, about 100-150 participants. No encouragement to line up according to pace, but everyone seemed to do that on their own, YAY!! No National Anthem. The guy said “Go!” and I hit start on my watch.

I had looked at the route that was posted online, and knew it was going to be hilly, with the steepest incline near the last mile. I also was aware of the heat, humidity and lack of shade. Since I sat outside the day before, all I had been doing is drinking water, Gatorade, and eating watermelon. Ok I had one beer :)

The first few blocks, on the city streets I tried to take it slow and not go out too fast. We passed one patrol car guarding the first busy intersection. The streets were all paved and there were no major potholes. When we came to the first turn a few blocks in, the road was marked with chalk arrows. As I ran all turns were marked this way and with yard marker signs. There were some volunteers on the 5k route telling you which way to turn.

After that first turn we were still running on the streets, but they were not busy. We transferred to a sidewalk and came upon the first hydration stop at around mile 1.5. We were still with the 5k runners. I approached the stop and the energetic students were shouting “Gatorade” I was like “no water?” I grabbed a paper cup of red Gatorade, which was a nice change from the standard lemon-lime and was on my way.

I was hot and sweaty. There was a small out and back section, before we parted way with the 5k runners. Then it was as if I was on my own. With a small race it’s not a big deal. I was trying to stay consistent with time. My first mile was around 9 minutes, and I thought with the heat I could stick with that, however at mile 2, I was at 9:48, I really needed some water.

When we got to the part where we needed to turn on Scott Blvd, a really busy intersection, there was no one with the race near, no one alerting traffic. So you might have had to stop, to safely cross the road. The miles we ran on Scott Blvd were when the hills started and there is no shade. This part was all run on sidewalks. Lucky for me, a woman pushing a stroller passed me on the uphill, I wasn’t out there alone.

Mile 3 came, and there was no water stop. I was running a little faster than the last, mostly because I didn’t want to lose sight of the woman with the stroller. Other than her, and a few other runners in the distance there were no spectators.

However by mile 4, I was toast. I was running 10 minute pace and there was no water stop. However I topped the hill and saw a water cooler in the distance. The cooler was after another busy road crossing with no volunteers or officers. I crossed the road and asked, “water?” They said “no” I knew if I didn’t take any red Gatorade I would really be hurting, so I took a drink and moved along. I really wanted water, and wanted to dump some on my head.

This little loop of the race was on an entrance to a business, so running on the road was not a problem. Then before mile 5 we were back on Scott Blvd sidewalk. This is when I noticed someone on my tail. I didn’t care if they passed me, all I was dreaming about when crossing the finish line was some water.

I knew there was also the super steep hill near the finish. I was now running conservatively. I hate the dehydration headache and I knew I was going to be battling this if I didn’t get some water. At this point the race was all on sidewalk.

I topped the last hill, made the last turn and could see the finish. It was clearly marked with flags and the finishing clock. The last few yards finished in the grass.

As I crossed the finish line I was handed a participant ribbon and headed straight for the post race drinks. I spotted the water cooler and noticed a woman filling a cup, I asked “is that water?” she said “yes” Then we made small talk about the water situation.

I then went to grab a cup to fill, NO CUPS!!! Some kid made some silly remark… I was soooo mad, I said, “I need water” and stormed off. I had a bottle in my car. I have never been so angry at the finish of a race. I don’t know if there was food or bottled Gatorade, or anything else happening at the finish. I just left! I wasn’t sticking around for someone to find cups, maybe they did. I needed that bottle of water in my car.

I made it to my car and guzzled that water. I live maybe 2 miles from where I parked, I had almost drank the 20 oz bottle by the time I got home.

I’ve been thinking about this race and situation all day. My first thought was, maybe I missed something on the information sheet, about this being a race with no hydration or something. So I checked :

"The course is concrete, with splits at the one and two mile markers for the 5K. Water will be available on the 5K and 10k course. The races will begin and end at Regina."

It also didn’t appear there was a lack of volunteers at the water stops. I get that Gatorade or an electrolyte is an essential need on a hot day too, but I think water should be a main concern. I wonder if some people passed all together because they have intestinal issues and read there was water on the course?

Next I thought, maybe it’s my fault: never assume and always carry your own hydration. I have always been one to make fun of those carrying water on 5k’s. Lesson learned! If it’s a hot race, I will bring something to drink. When it’s cooler I can run 10 miles with no water, but this heat & humidity bothered me.

Then I thought about whether or not safety was even considered on this race. First with the obvious water problems, but then with the lack of marshals on the course at busy intersections. I paid to run this race, no matter how many people sign up, there should be road permits or volunteers at each busy intersection.

I also know this was only the 2nd year for the 10k, but the 5k has been going on for a while. It’s not a first year race. I’ve ran other races starting at this location. The Blue / Gold 5k which was a similar route and then Thanksgiving race and Red Shamrock race which start on the trail near the back of the school.

I am trying to pick out some positives. I did like that the course was posted, so I was prepared for the hills. I also like that each person received a finisher’s ribbon. Also the price for a 10k was great, and the shirt wasn’t bad either. Also being an experienced runner was a positive, I knew to slow down.

I’ve been asked, “what race should a person run in Iowa?” Well, I never recommend a race in Iowa City, why can’t they be as great as all the ones I travel hours to get to? Don’t get me wrong we have some good ones, but there are never any spectators, and there is always some quirky problem. Why can’t we have fun races, well organized races?

Maybe I am biased because I run so many races….However for those who ran their first 10k today, don’t let this discourage you, there are plenty of fun ones out there.

I’ve spent the better part of the day, drinking more water and gatorade and trying to eat salty things. I understand water can dilute your system and all that, so you need the electrolytes Gatorade offers, but you can’t dump it on your head either. I think my headache is finally gone, and according to the pee chart I am well hydrated.

I will just remember to read through all race information and bring my water bottle next time. Cuz there will be a next time, like tomorrow I have a 5 mile race. (but I’ve run it before, it’s a good one, an hour away)

Now I wonder where the official results are? They must not be uploaded yet, I can’t find them at this link: http://icfallfunfest.com/ My garmin had a 58 min finish time with just 6 miles.

I added this to my blog, same review, but check out the photos https://marathang.wordpress.com/2015/09/06/regal-run-10k-2015/

Sunday, September 12, 2015. Sunny 50 degrees. Iowa City, IA. 8:30am

Kickoff to Kinnick – a 5k with a finish on the field at Historic Kinnick Stadium, benefiting the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and Tim Dwight Foundation.

Registration: Available online, by printing a form, and on race day. Registration topped out at $40 on race day. Included with registration was a unisex, short sleeve, soft, cotton tee; timing on a bib, post race beer, and a pint glass.

Packet pick up: There were multiple times to pick up your packet, however no expo, the first 2 pickups were at the local sporting goods store, the Friday and Saturday before the race. If you picked up your things at these pickups you were able to get the pint glass. The pint glass was also available at this store after the race on Sunday. Race day packet pick up was also available, near the starting area in a parking lot.

Pre-Race: Plenty of parking in nearby University lots, all free. Only about 4 nearby port-o-potties. There was music playing over the loud speaker, and announcements from a local radio DJ. With about 20 minutes until the race start, the 1600+ participants were encouraged to make their way to the start line.

With about 10 minutes to go, more announcements and pace per mile signs showed up on the side of the starting area. No mention to line up according to pace. A drone flew over the crowd. No National Anthem.

Race / Course:

-paved surface, on street and sidewalk. no major potholes, but could have been a spot here or there to watch out for
-Roads were not closed
-ran against traffic in coned off lane
-no mile markers
-2 water stops, in small plastic bottles
-some photographers
-no starting corrals
-family friendly event, strollers permitted
-some rolling hills near the last half of the course
-lots of volunteers, at most every turn & intersection
-no course markings

Finish: Runners were allowed access on the field by running through one of the tunnels at Kinnick Stadium, once on the field you could see yourself on the jumbotron crossing the finishing line, marked with an arch, clock, timing mat and photographer. The Iowa Spirit squads were milling about as well. Participants were allowed to walk around the field and take pictures. Spectators were not allowed on the field, but could watch in the south end zone.

Post Race: The post race area was outside the stadium in the west parking lot. There were tents with freebies, similar to what you would see at an expo, live music, and a silent auction. There was bottled water, bananas, granola bars, hot dogs, chips and craft beer. ID had to be shown for access to beer area, where each runner of age was given 2 beer tickets.

Overall: This race is pricey and crowded, but it’s cool to finish on the field at Kinnick, the post race is fun.

Please check out my blog for opinion and pictures. Go Hawks! https://marathang.wordpress.com/2015/09/13/kickoff-to-kinnick-5k-review/

Monday September 7, 2015. 8:15 am. Cloudy at start - sun at finish, 70's, humid. Bettendorf, IA

I was excited to learn the Bettendorf community has continued to have this race. Last year was to be the last race.

Registration: Available online and on race day. The 5 miler was only $25 without a t-shirt, but shirts were only $5 more, and described to be a long sleeve "quality" shirt . There was a timing chip on the back of the bib included with registration.

The long sleeve quality shirt, was a unisex, soft, cotton tee.

Expo / Packet Pick up: There was no expo, but packets could be picked up at the fitness center the Saturday before, however no pick up the Sunday before the race. Could also pick up your packet on race morning. Someone else could pick up your packet. No extra flyers or materials.

Pre-Race: There was parking at the near by Middle School, on street or at the park where the race started. There were port-o-potties, but they were out of sight, behind the pool that was nearby.

The kids run and one mile race were run before 8 am. At 8 am there were some announcements. The National Anthem was sung, and the participants were walked to the starting line.

Race / Course:

The course started on he paved road, there were a few cracks in the pavement that could have made you trip. Then the course switched to an asphalt bike path, which narrowed, but wasn’t too crowded. Eventually the course joined back up on the paved road.
water puddles and mud on the path, but volunteers were there warning you.
There were 3 water only stops, all in paper cups.
Each mile was marked, there was a volunteer yelling times
The course was on roads open to traffic, the running lane was partitioned off with cones, always running against traffic
Volunteers or law enforcement at all intersections, and along the route
There was a timing mat at the halfway point
some hills, but nothing steep
a few spectators
no photographers on course, but around the finish area
Post Race: Finish was marked with a timing mat, clock and an announcer trying to get as many names announced as possible. There was apples, bananas, an assortment of cookies, bagels and water. There was a medic tent. The timing company had a spot you could get printed results. Room to cheer on finishers too. No awards ceremony, but a table was set up to claim AG awards, which were t-shirts.

Overall: This is a great race at a great price. Always professionally organized.

looking for some more photos, check out the review on my blog at www.marathang.wordpress.com