Race organizers offered several packet pick up options. I had to drive to City Center to pick up my packet, which wasn’t so bad as I was heading in that direction anyway (I’m really glad I did not wait until race day). Pick up at Lifetime Fitness was fast and easy, but navigating the traffic and parking at City Center was bordering on nightmarish. Also, when I picked up my packet they didn’t have enough of the bonus shirts in the size I requested so the volunteer took my bib number and said a shirt would be mailed to me.

Race day traffic was horrible! This area gets really congested on a regular day, and with the race blocking off streets, traffic was ridiculous. Luckily I was not driving myself so I was dropped off near the race start. And it’s a good thing too because I arrived during the national anthem. I didn’t have time to warm up save for a few high knees and butt kicks.

I did this race last year so I knew what to expect of the course. The course goes through mixed commercial and residential area. It’s not scenic, but it’s flat and fast. I started at the back of the pack, and it was a bit congested for the first mile or two. I had a hard time getting around people because we only had one lane. Eventually I was able to break free and get into a good rhythm. And, I was able to finish before it got too dark.

After the race I stuck around for the after party. And for the third year, it was better organized. My suggestion would be to have visible volunteers guiding you to the different lines. The post race bubbly was fine, and the food offered—Greek yogurt, veggie wrap, and watermelon—was pretty good. The food line was long, but moved quickly. The wine line was a different story. I grabbed both drinks at the same time because the line was so long and slow moving and I did not want to get stuck in it again. Turns out I didn’t have to stand in line because there were two bubbly stations, but the second one wasn’t as visible.

Overall, I had a great race (PR!) and a fun time. Even so, I’m not sure I would do this race a third time.