Registration: Available online until a few days prior to the race for $20. Same day registration for $25. Included with registration was a t-shirt or a “meat bag,” running coupons, race bib, and a timing chip. The meat bag included pfefferwurst, noodles, cheese spread and an ice scraper. Also a coupon to Millstream Brewery for beer or soda.

I really like the no shirt option, makes the race stand out from others.

Packet pick up/Pre-race: Plenty of parking in lots near by. Only one, indoor restroom for each gender (long lines). Visitor center open, a couple blocks away. Packet pick up from 8:30-9:30 in indoor warehouse. Bib number look up was posted. Could wait inside. There were signs posted around town to direct you to the warehouse, could have missed the entrance if you weren't paying attention.

Race/ course:
~Chip time with gun start.
~Out and back.
~One hilly section. Mostly flat.
~All paved, no potholes or cracks to worry about.
~No water stops or aid stations.
~mile markers.
~ a few spectators, mostly runners cheering others at the end.
~Volunteers patrolling major intersections. Not many intersections
~no points of interest, or nothing scenic to look at, just rural Iowa
~Finish marked with a clock and timing mats. Chips removed from shoes.

Post Race: Gathering in warehouse where packet pick up was held. Cookies, bars, bagels, bananas, clementines, bottled water and hot chocolate, plenty for all. Awards (medals & gift certificates) given to overall winners and AG winners. Times were posted. Drawing held for random prizes, but had to make sure to put your name in bowl for this drawing. Lots of prizes, lots of sponsors.

Overall: Relatively flat, easy to navigate course. Not crowded. Great race to keep the legs moving in the winter.

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