30k Review, Saturday, September 19, 2015. Sunny 60 degrees. 10 am. Palo, IA

Registration: Starting at the end of August you could register online for $35, as race day approached the fee increased, and the chance of a unisex, soft cotton t-shirt, decreased. Race day registration was available for $50 and no shirt. Included with registration was a bib, (ankle style) timing chip. Registrants capped at 250.

Packet Pickup / Expo: There was no race expo, but there was a packet pick up held the Friday before at a local restaurant offering a discount on your meal. You could also pick your bib up the morning before the race, up to a half hour before the race started. A friend could pick up your packet, no identification needed.

Pre-Race: The race is held at Pleasant Creek State Recreation area, there were signs posted in the park to direct runners to the correct parking lot. There was plenty of parking for everyone. The beach bath house was open for use of the real bathrooms. A small walk to the start/finish area through some grass. Timing chips were distributed at this time, they were an ankle bracelet style. Last minute registration was open. Runners milled about until announcements were made with about 7 minutes until the race started. Most announcements about the course, as it had rained for 2 days before the race. Also a thank you to the DNR for allowing the race. Participants could ask questions if they had concerns. Very easy to talk to the race director and organizers. No National Anthem.

Race/Course: The race was 2 loops around the lake, first loop – counterclockwise, second loop – clockwise.

-Trail – horse trail ruts, muddy, puddles, sand, grass, uneven terrain, clean from most hazards
-Hilly – not steep, but felt like we were always climbing or descending
-Aid Stations – 3 on each loop, plus the one at the start/finish. Water and Heed in jugs, paper cups available to drink from, or you could fill your own. M & M’s, bananas, gummi bears, fruit snacks, cookies, pretzels. Each station had a sign telling you the mile marker and how far to next stop.
-Photographers – local guy taking photos as well as the spectators, all posted online for free
-Spectators – small race, very few, if any. Only had access to certain spots on course
-Course Markings – there were yellow flags closing off other trail entrances, signs on course with arrows, spray painted arrows on grass. No mile markers – just sign at aid station
-Volunteers – very friendly and attentive, always a smile when you approached an aid station, and happy to answer a question. Only saw volunteers at aid stations.
-Medical – No medical personel anywhere.
-Bathroom – there were port-o-potties on the course, one at an aid station and one in a parking lot we ran through
-Scenery – the trail was out in the woods, and near a lake. Many things to see, we even saw some pigs.
-5 hour time limit

Finish/ Post Race: The timing mat was strewn on half the road, a timing clock and the remaining people cheering you on. A “medal” was handed out along with a bottle of water as your chip was removed from your ankle. The awards were held before I finished the race. All medals and awards were hand made.

Short walk through the grass to the post race grub. Grilled hamburgers, brats and hot dogs; chips, candy, brownies. Pepsi, Mt. Dew, water, Miller Lite, Bud Light & Sam Adams. No chairs. A Chiropractor stayed for a while for post race massage & stretch, but packed up before I finished. The beach bath house bathrooms were locked up and there were no other facilities.

Overall: For the price, race organization, and unique finisher’s medal, this event is top notch. “A race for runners, put on by runners.” Despite the trail conditions, this is one of the best trail races I have been a part of. I will try to run this again if my schedule allows.

For photos and personal tidbits, check out https://marathang.wordpress.com/2015/09/21/pleasant-creek-trail-run-15k30k-2015-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

Saturday, August 8, 2015. 9:30 am. Iowa City, IA Cloudy, 75, HUMID

Races should not start after 7:30 am in the summer months. Also the start time was published at 8:30 on the facebook page, but 9:30 on the cornbelt site. It took a message via facebook to get it straightened out

Registration/Packet pick up: This was available online and on race day. Only $20 without a short sleeve cotton unisex t-shirt, which you could purchase for $10. A timing chip and bib were included. If you had registered online you could pick your stuff up the night before at a local hotel. The night before packet pick up was confusing, you could not register at that time, some confusion with bibs & chips.

I made the trek to the hotel, and found out I couldn't register. I did take the opportunity to tell them about Medals 4 Mettle. So far all information posted on this event was wrong or misleading. Also this hotel conference room thing, was like a private event, I felt like I was interrupting something. However it was for a good charity, so I would still run it.

Pre-race: There were lots of events happening, starting an hour before the race. Kids face painting, kids activities, and a silent auction had started. There was a real toilet at the nearby boat house, no extra port-o-potties for the race. There was parking on site, but it filled quickly, and spots were found in the grass. There were many announcements made, including a moment of silence. No National Anthem. It was already after 9:30.

The actual race start, was about a half mile walk from where all activities were being held. Once all participants made it to the start, the timer guy said go.

Race / Course: The entire race was on a paved city trail, this was not closed. It was a short run to the lake, 2 loops, and a short run back to the finish.

The trail was open to many bikers, who didn't seemed pleased to have so many people in their space.

-flat
-paved surface, no potholes or cracks
-no mile markers
-course was short
-some photographers on course
-spectators only when we pass the event area
-2 water stops, passed each twice, plastic cups
-no race course marshals

Finish / Post Race: The finish was marked with the timing mat. There was a cooler with water at the finish line. The results were posted as quick as they came in. Then participants had to walk the half mile back to the event area to get post race treats. There were quartered bagels, bananas, granola bars, and apples. At 11 there was a Texas Roadhouse sponsored meal of pulled pork sandwiches and a cookie.

All the events that were going on before the race were still happening. The silent auction closed at 11;30. Up until that time they announced the first place AG winners.

Overall: I am not sure I would run this again, the price is right, but so many confusing things. What time is it? When can I register? Is this a party or a race? However it was the first year for the event in Iowa City and they did raise over $36,000.

This was also my second race of the day, The humidity was really kicking my butt. I sweated a ton, and was developing a headache. Also it was a pain to have to wait around for the silent auction to end. I guess I could have cheered all racers on, but the finish was so far from the activities.Also I was convinced an 8.5k race is almost 5 miles, so I was kind of pacing for that, but the actual race was 4.37 miles. Results

You can check out my blog for more running adventures www.marathang.wordpress.com

Saturday August 29, 2015. Cloudy, humid, 70 ish degrees. 9 am. Stanwood, IA

Small town 5k to honor Bill Bails, or give back to a man who has given to so many others.

Registration: This was available through an online site and by printing a form and sending it through the mail. Registration started at $20 and you could register for $25 on race day. If you registered early you were guaranteed a short sleeve cotton unisex t-shirt. Otherwise a bib with timing chip was all that was included.

Pre Race / Packet Pick up: The race started and finished near a small park and football field. There was plenty of parking, wherever you could find it, in a lot, side of the road, etc. There was a park bathroom for everyone to use. Packet pick up was in a park shelter. A line for pre-registered and a line for day of registrants. Bill greeted everyone as they entered.

Runners milled about until they were called to line up at the start. Announcements were made on a bull horn, and special attention to the markings on the course and the roads were open. No National Anthem.

Race/Course: The course was 2 loops through the streets of Stanwood, IA.

-paved surfaces - lots of warped asphalt, but no major potholes
-mile markers on yard signs - but being a loop race, came across mile 2 sign before mile 1
-photographers near the finish
-some spectators in their driveways
-roads open to traffic
-Volunteers and firefighters were monitoring the course
-one water stop, paper cups as you finished the first loop at the start/finish area
-flat, a few inclines / declines, but nothing to crazy

Post Race/Finish: The area was marked with a timing mat and a gathering of people. It was a tad congested as it was a loop race, with walkers just finishing their first lap and runners completing the race. There was bananas, bottled water and cookies. Results were posted, and you could get a print out to take with you.

Overall: I have mentioned how I like a small town race, this is another reason why. It is great to give back and it was a well organized event with a reasonable price. I hope they continue to make this event happen.

Check out https://marathang.wordpress.com/2015/08/30/bill-bails-5k-review/ for pictures and how I accomplished my 26 mile run the same day

Sunday August 23, 2015. North Chicago, IL. 7:00 am. Cloudy, 60 ish & humid. Rain in the area.

There were 2 races, the 10 nautical mile and 3 nautical mile. Point to point race, the 10NM started at Fort Sheridan and ended at Great Lakes Naval Base. They both started at the same time at different points.

Registration: This was available online or you could send in a form postmarked by August 1st. Participants could register at packet pick up if the race was not sold out. No race day registration. The 10 NM race started at $40 and topped off at $90. Military participants were given a discount. Included with registration was a gender specific, short sleeve tech shirt, a bib, finisher's medal, and shuttle to the start.

Packet Pick Up/ Expo: There were multiple pick up options. There were 2 different running store options days before the race and you could get your stuff on race day at the starting line. Someone else could grab your bag, just need your bib number. No true expo.

*I was in the midst of our crazy running weekend, and I wasn't too excited about waking up super early, so a fellow pro picked up our packets at our hotel. We all crashed together in the race hotel. It had shuttles to the start, packet pickup (yet I have yet to figure out how they knew you were staying at the hotel, if you didn't contact them) a runner's breakfast and late checkout.

Pre-race: As mentioned this is a point to point race. Participants needed to grab a shuttle bus or ride to the start. There was parking at a local college to board the bus, and shuttle ran up until 6:15. The lot filled fast, and parking became limited. Once on the shuttle, it took about 30 minutes to travel to the Fort. Once arrived a the starting area, port-o-potties and gear check were available. Runners were told they could not have go pros and no photography was allowed.

As the race neared, pacers lined up behind the starting line, all the way up to 14:00 min/mile. Then the National Anthem was sung live after a few announcements.

Race/Course: From the fort to the base, connecting via the Green Bay trail.

-all paved surfaces, no major potholes
-miles marked with banners
-photographers on course, mostly near the end
-relatively flat, one big hill "Hero Hill" near the end. Military personal stationed here, yelling encouraging words or pacing you as you ran up. Even yelling military chants to military runners.
-many hydration stations, all in paper cups. Gatorade was in separate colored cups.
-Very enthusiastic volunteers, mostly military personnel
-no food on course
-very few spectators
-lack of port-o-potties on course
-lots of security on the naval base
*I enjoyed the flat course, but it was great to have the hill near the end, to give the leg muscles a change. It was also super cool to have encouraging words and pacers on Hero Hill. There was a Chief behind me and the pacers were encouraging him to keep moving forward as he walked the hill, then they went into a military chant. I also got to run most of the middle section with fellow pro, Tom (with so many pro's it was nice to get to know him more.) Also I don't live in Chicago, but I have done 3 different races, it was very refreshing to not have to run the Lake Front Path or through McCormick.

*On a note about the security on the Naval base, it was fine and I understand it's an active base, I did feel like "Big Brother" was watching.

*It was also cloudy and there was rain nearby, but being a point to point race and the way the rain moved through, I never got rained on. However depending where you were on the course, some did get wet.

*Also I was so confused, I thought the entire time I was running north to south, but when we saw Lake Michigan for the first time, I said "The Lake is on the wrong side" LOL We ran south to north, no wonder... I am someone who likes to know where they are, or what direction I am heading.

Finish / Post Race: The finish was easy to find, with finishers chute, clock and archway. After you crossed the line, runners had medals placed around their neck by active military personnel. Bottle of water and/or Sobe Life water in a bottle was handed out. The food "buffet" was set up under a tent, including a banana, pita chips, granola bars (4 different kinds) popcorn, and cracker jacks. There was a lot of land for the finishers to hang out. Power bar had samples, a local company had lemonade. There was a DJ and merchandise tents. You could exchange your shirt for a different size. Some awards were given out. It was also very easy to watch finishers. I didn't notice any port-o-potties.

Then you had to catch a shuttle back to your car, from a map it looked like you could walk, but in reality, no idea how you would get there. The line to catch the shuttle was long, but moved quickly.

It was a nice finish, with a lot of food. However it was conflicting as no photos were to be taken, yet there was a sign posted about all the social media outlets for the race. Not sure if this was to tell runners to check out the twitter, instagram or facebook pages or post photos to those pages? Also with so many food options, it would have been nice to have a bag, or something to put everything in. Ok so maybe I don't take one of each thing, however try to hold a banana and Cracker Jack box and open your bottle of water.

Overall: This is a nice race, new scenery to run in the Chicago area. I would make sure to register early, to pay an affordable price. Also fun to end at the naval base.

Even though this is exactly what I wrote on my blog, it has pictures, so check it out at https://marathang.wordpress.com/2015/08/27/fort-2-base-10nm-2015/