I chose to run this race because I wanted to attempt one more half marathon before the 2015 turned into 2016. I found this one from running a previous race put on by the same event organization; the date and time were convenient for me so I signed up for it. Also, the price was reasonable considering how late I signed up for it. The course was unspectacular and not very inspiring. I PBed my half time but I consider it a half victory (no pun intended) since the course was essentially flat and did not provide much of a challenge, even for this guy who was battling a nasty cold. The post race party had plenty of goodies to eat including fresh fruit, water, gatorade, hot chocolate, candy, pretzels and bagels. And they had the race results ready in a reasonable amount of time.

T-Shirts/Swag: Not too shabby. A nice long-sleeved shirt, various coupons for other races and a few of the business sponsors and a free movie ticket to Marcus Cinemas

Aid Stations: Plenty for the design of this course (since you loop and come back the same way you head out). Started out with water at the first couple, then became water and Gatorade the rest of the way, until the last station, which was just water again.

Course Scenery: Not very engaging since it is winter all foliage was gone. I did enjoy seeing a couple of barns that had horses out and about. I imagine this course if prettier during a spring/summer run.

Expo Quality: I am giving this 3 stars even though it really wasn't an expo. The packet pickup was at Fleet Feet Sports in Brookfield. I am fine with this and like it; you get your packet but are surrounded by great runners merchandise and no one (at least while I was there and looking around) was pushing for a sale.

Elevation: There really is none. A small decline at the start of the race turns into a small incline at the end of the race. Otherwise this trail is flat flat flat. Apparently there is a small grade going up on the way out that goes down on the way back but I sure as hell couldn't tell that.

Parking Access: No problem at all with parking. The lot was full when I arrived (small lot) but there was plenty of safe street parking around the starting line.

Race Management: I don't know what it is but I just feel like these guys are still trying to learn how to put on a good race and environment around it. And they're not rookies are new to the game either. E-mails and info are sporadic, at least for me, and it just feels a little disorganized. Maybe I am just being too harsh, I don't know.

Would I run this race again? Maybe, but only because I was sick this time and I would like to see how well I could do when healthy. But I would also look to see if there were other options for a different race around this time frame. So why would I recommend it? Because it would make for a great starter half for someone. Not too stressful and wouldn't kill your spirit if it was your first try.