It had been five years since I last ran Fargo's full marathon. Fargo was an amazing experience back then and this year certainly didn't disappoint! The weather was a beautiful, sunny mid-80's - a bit hot for running 26 miles but perfect for spectating.

Expo: We arrived at the race expo around noon on Friday and it wasn't packed with people, which was awesome (especially since we had the little ones with us). Picking up my race number, bag and other swag was a quick an easy process and everything was sorted out by your race number. They had a station to check the timing chip on the back of your number to make sure it was working correctly.

Between the free chips, Clif MOJO Bars, a toddler t-shirt, Wild Hog Marathon socks, and an Australia's Best Licorice stuffed animal (given to my toddler), we got a lot of great treats from that expo!

Race Swag: The Under Armour race bag is great. Fargo's race bags are definitely my favorite. The shirt was nice but the material felt kind of cheap. Full marathon gets a zip-up long-sleeve shirt and the half gets a long-sleeve. The grey and green colors look great though.

Course: Fargo is a great course for any new marathoners or those chasing the BQ. Very flat, well marked and lined with spectators and music! For all the miles, there was never a time where it was quiet on that course! This year the race started and ended inside the Fargodome, which is great, minus the fact that everyone's watches had a hard time connecting with satellites. Finishing in the Fargodome is so cool!

Aid Stations: Water and gatorade were available every 2 miles. At first I thought it was a bit overkill, but with the hot weather that day I was VERY thankful for all of the hydration opportunities! GU's were available at 2 stations as well. Near the end of the race, spectators were handing out gummy bears and jolly ranchers and I totally took some of that. The Fargo spectators are awesome.

Medal: The full marathon medals are HUGE, solid quality and well-designed! The medals for each race are a little different and I believe the text notes each specific race. Hebrews 12:1 is on the back of the medal, as it has been every year I've been at Fargo, and I think it is awesome that they are standing firm in their faith in God. "Let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us"

Logistics: The crazy traffic on race morning has been a downside of Fargo in the past but it was no problem for me this year. I was dropped off at the Fargodome by a family member and they also have shuttles running all morning and after the race if you don't have a ride. Showers are available at the Fargodome, too.

View Full Race Recap: http://www.livinglifetruth.com/2016/05/race-report-fargo-marathon-2016.html