I was excited to have RW Hat trick here in Ma this year, as I ran the one in PA last year and loved it. RW Classic featured a 5k and 10k on Saturday, and a half marathon on Sunday. If you run all three races you complete the "Hat Trick" There's also a Celebrity Mile race on Sat. and free kids run. The inaugural race weekend events took place at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA

Swag: All participants received the same blue cotton t-shirt which is ok, but I prefer different races and dates on shirts. My previous RW hat trick we received a nice beanie with Hat trick and date on it, I've also seen hats/visors with the hat trick embroidery on it, which was a nice touch. Otherwise, no other items besides the 5 medals you will receive, but I'm not one for the bling, so would have preferred a hat or socks.

Parking: Both Sat. and Sun. getting there and parking was a breeze. Since the race started/finished at the college, there was plenty of parking and volunteers to direct you.

PreRace: I have to say it was so pleasant with plenty of ports johns and no lines, plenty of vendors with fruit cups, juice, bagels, water, coffee and more. Music was playing, and they were very enthusiastic with Welcoming runners and getting everyone psyched up for the weekend. It was such a nice treat not to have any long lines, crowds, and stress. :)

Start Line: All 3 races were a breeze to enter and no stress getting out of the gate, which was a nice treat. Since its the first year and numbers pretty low, it was a great way to start. All races had plenty of room to run where you never needed to zig zag in and out of people which happens at big races, so I really enjoyed it.

Courses: All 3 races start and finish at the College. The races are fairly flat, with a few hills on the 10k and half. The course was mostly shaded which was nice due to the heat.

Support: Aid stations were amazing, so friendly and had plenty of water, gatorade and GU. I loved the singing aid stations, they were having so much fun. They had volunteers on bikes and on 4 wheelers with Medical staff checking in and cheering us on.

Runners Post Food Line: Great post food :) You had several different Yogurts, greek yogurt, red and green apples, several flavors of Kind bars, think thin bars, 3 flavors of Lara bars, 2 different flavors of dried Chick Peas, 3 flavors of chips , bottled water, and more :)

Post Food vendors: Yasso frozen yogurt truck had 5 flavors to choose from, I had Salted Carmel and Pistachio :), Muscle Milk had several flavors, Maple Water, Fruit Juices, Tazo Choc., and more!!! Also you got a ticket for a Hot dog and free beer. Plenty of food for your salt and sweet tooth.

Sat. I really enjoyed the Celebrity meet and greet and Mile Race with 29 local Celebrities. It was a great family friendly weekend with a free kids race and lots of vendors and free merchandise and information.

I was very impressed with how wonderful the weekend went off, especially being the first year :) I highly recommend this event for the entire family and every level of runner.