Registration: Available through the website and at packet pick up. There were two race options the 7 mile or 5k. Each price increased as race day approached, topping at $45 for the 5k and $55 for the 7 miler. Also the local running store had a promotion if you made a $100 purchase you could get $1 entry. Included with registration was a Nike tech tee, chip timing, and post race beer (including pint glass.) Entry was capped. You could only pick up someone else's stuff if you had a signed waiver from them.

I had bought new shoes a week before they had this deal. I waited until a few days to register, I came to terms with the fact I was able to run the race for free last year.

Packet pick up / Expo: This is the second year for the race. The added 3 days for packet pick up and moved it to the neighboring Marriott hotel. In addition to being able to pick up your packet, Running Wild - the local running store - was set up with discounted shoes, apparel and some energy gels. There was a table set up with race numbers, told volunteers number to receive bib, then got a choice of blue or dark gray shirt. Then you were given a pre-filled clear bag (use for bag check.)

I understand pre-filled swag bags, however it promotes waste. There were upcoming race flyers, a Gatorade towel / shammy, a Nike promotional and 2 Gu packs. Most of my materials hit the trash / recycle bin, and if anyone wants my 2 packs of Gu, it's yours. It would be nice to pick what you want by having stacks of materials you can take if you want.

Pre-Race: Both races are point to point. You were to arrive early and encouraged to park at the nearby UIHC ramp - for free. Shuttles started to leave at 4pm. There were port-o-potties near the race finish, and 3 were available at the start. Once we were allowed off the bus, I think the shuttle drivers were a little confused, we had access to cups of water. They also dropped us near the start, so we still had to walk up a hill to the actual starting mats. There was no shade for waiting.

Race / Course:

Both courses were the same as last year. Hills, minimal shade, start on the road - moved to sidewalks, cement, asphalt, small section of gravel.
There were water and Gatorade stops, however nothing but a table was at the first stop. Both liquids were served in green Gatorade cups, but volunteers shouted what they had.
Miles were marked with yard signs
The course was marked with red tape
port-o-potties at the half way (or 5k start)
Law enforcement volunteers at major road intersections, all other intersections with volunteers
Little to no spectators
no medical tent, but there was an ambulance stationed near mile 5

Post Race: The finish was clearly marked with an arch, clock and timing mats. Once through the chute there was a table where food was, coolers with water and Gatorade. A line was forming for the post race beer, this year you could choose a light or dark beer. When you dropped your beer ticket in the bucket you were handed a pint glass. The beer garden was open for the post race awards and hanging out.

When I finished the only food available was a halved banana. I thought that is weird, then I was informed that many 5k runners and finishers before me got to enjoy cookies and sweet treats.(pet peeve - you an a 5k, don't eat / take all the food!) Also by the time I made it through the beer line, I did not receive the race pint glass, but one of the brewery's everyday logo glass, which was fine as I had the glass from last year. Another change was the beer choices, I was looking forward to my cider, but that had to be purchased. Also the lack of post race food was because they wanted you to purchase a runner's $5 special - brat or burger in the beer garden. The place also had pizza for sale. I rarely run a race with money, nor do I check it in a gear bag. I was also disappointed as there were no cupcakes this year.

Overall: If you registered before the price increases the course and heat / humidity are a great running challenge. However the post race was a disappointment. Ask me next August if I will run it again.