This was my first year running this race which was recommended to me by many of my friends. I opted for the 4 mile distance and was glad I did as I came down with the flu the Monday prior to race day. But, I figured I could do anything for 30 or so minutes, so the show must go on...

The race started in a retail complex in the Balantyne area of Charlotte and was super easy to get to with lots of parking. I arrived early as I had not done early packet pick up due to feeling awful. Smooth pick up process, 4 mile participants got real nice, soft long sleeve shirts (which I've already worn twice in the 9 days since the race). You could upgrade to a 1/2 zip for $10 (10 miler participants received with their registration) but I passed on that. The shirt was the only Swag, but there was an Expo at the race where you could load up on lots of freebies from local business like Juices, Kind Bars, and the usual pens, Koozies and so on. There were also vendors/sponsors giving out free beers, free massages and a post race Pancake, Sausage and Coffee breakfast. Yum!

The race itself was really nice. Started out on a highway that was closed for race day, but quickly turned into the McMullen Greenway after not even .25 mile. It was beautiful inside the Greenway with paved paths and areas with wooden bridges. Lots of non-racers along the path, but no issues with space. There was a water stop just past Mile 2 as you left the Greenway and you could hear the volunteers cheering on the racers leading up to it, which was really nice. After the Greenway, the last stretch of the race was through a residential neighborhood. I'm not gonna lie, there was a hill about Mile 2.5 that SUCKED and went on forever (even after a turn). Everyone (including me) in my immediate vicinity walked some part of it. But, after a gruesome half mile, the race evened out, ending on a nice downhill back into the retail complex. I managed a somewhat respectable time (38:31) despite my lingering flu and not running a full week before the race.

Really great race and I will for sure next year (and hopefully be healthy for it)!