There were only 112 race participants for the Belle Plaine Scenic Byway Half Marathon. This race also has a 5K option with more runners however. The small race field was fantastic!

I live very close to this race, it was a beautiful Saturday, I was available and trained so it was a quick spur of the moment half marathon! Belle Plaine puts the race on to raise money for the city. Packet pick up was easy in and easy out and there was also an option of packet pick up the morning of the race.

Because this race is known for it's very difficult hilly route, I chose to pick up my packet that evening so that I could drive the race route. I am very glad that I did..it psyched me out a bit, but also gave me an edge because I knew where the hills were and could anticipate the next big energy push that I needed.

This course is absolutely beautiful! We crossed the MN river twice and the fall colors couldn't be beat! Quiet county roads with winding hills and valleys, corn fields, blue skies and fun along the way. I love the water/aid stations. Each aid station was competing against each other to win a prize at the end. My favorites were the people in gorilla suits you could throw water balloons at and the WWE high school wrestlers that were dressed with alter-egos at Mile 11! Great ideas!

The route was absolutely crazy hilly. If you want a challenge, this one is for you. I managed to pull out a PR for me, which made my experience that much better. The finish line was small, but with 112 racers it doesn't need to be much bigger! There was plenty of post race food and also food for purchase. Each racer was able to take as much water as they needed and also were able to have a beer/soda at the end as well. Bounce houses for the kids were a great touch as well - mine are 3 and 5 and the races can get a bit boring. They loved them!

My only suggestion would be to have more signs pointing the runners in the direction of the starting line - we were all fumbling away asking volunteers where to go. Parking was easy. I parked two blocks from the park where the race was held. Fantastic volunteers!

The medal is AMAZING. It's huge and the race motto is "worth the hurt" After the ENOURMOUS mile 12 hill - the medal was well deserved! The race tshirts were unisex, so I most likely won't be wearing mine all that often just because of the fit. They could look into ladies fit! After all, free PR right?

I will definitely be doing this race again and it you're ever in the area - give it a try. It's worth the challenge and the hurt! :)

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