The Baltimore 6 miler is an inaugural race put on by Boston Street Running. I can only imagine how hard it is to organize a race but there were some major complaints and issues I had with this race.

Lets start with the good. The medal was pretty sweet and the post race party featured free flowing beer from Diamond Back Brewery. There were lots of finisher awards for all age groups male and female. I tend to think those things go on and on too long - but they did an ok job hustling the awards along.

The course was nice, your ran to the downtown area and then wound around the harbor for about 4 miles. The last two miles were awful. It was through an industrial park and the roads were chewed up and there was thick sand in some spots on the up and downhill's. I just kept thinking I was going to bust my ass. This last section was a switch back as well - which I always hate. We were running in the road for the first two and last two miles but for an early Sunday the roads were relatively clear of traffic and the police support was very good at the intersections. I never felt unsafe.

The expo was just at the Boston Street store - I didn't expect much so I felt like it was appropriate for the race. I did end up buying a hydration vest and some socks - so I spent as much there as I have at most expos anyway! I suspect because this was a race put on by a running store - there was not much diversity in the runners. Although, everyone was very supportive and many people stayed to cheer in the last runner.

Now the bad. The water situation - or lack thereof was a really dangerous situation. We were also told there would be Gatorade at the stops and there were not any that I could see, unless they ran out after the elites. Many stations were out of water - even early on in the race. Some volunteers were snarky with people who grabbed two waters. Some stations ran out of cups and I saw people drinking from or just taking full gallon jugs as they ran. I was so happy I bought that hydration vest the day before. I only wore it to practice for my upcoming 1/2 marathon.

My last gripe is the t-shirt. I think these were sized for children.

Boston Street Running has some major work to do for next year - but they were so welcoming of feedback I am sure they will.