Race is held as part of West Branch’s Hoover Days celebration. Race raises money for the West Branch High School Girls Track team and is named in honor of a former coach, Mr. Ferguson.

Pre-race: Could register online, but closed days before race. Registration & packet pick-up open before the race near the finish line in an empty parking lot. Packet pick-up was also available the evening before. Cotton t-shirt for those who registered before the deadline. Average cost $25-$30. Plenty of parking on side streets, the main street of the town was all blocked off for the day’s festivities. This year with registration participants received a bring back shopping bag in addition to a cotton shirt.

Race & course: Start line was a block from the finish line, marked with a spray painted line on the street. Small announcements made, and we’re given the signal to start. Course was through the town, very hilly! Paved streets, chip ‘n’ seal, and asphalt, no major hazards. One water stop at the halfway point with plastic cups. No mile markers (editor’s note, just drove part of the course, miles were painted on the pavement). A few spectators. Intersections had someone monitoring the traffic. however a few busy intersections with no volunteers. Also some volunteers were on their phones as I ran by. Finish was clearly marked and a giant clock with the time was displayed. Volunteer grabbed the bottom of the bib for results.

Post-race: Water, Gatorade, bananas, bagels, & cookies, plenty for everyone. Race medals were awarded to first 3 places in age groups. Raffle prizes after awards, had to be present to win.

Overall: This race is a good challenge as it is very hilly. It isn’t a bucket list race, but a nice hometown race, friendly people. If you have this weekend free, sign up for the challenge.

Personal: I have not been training with a plan and I could tell. I was suckin wind early, someone asked if I was sick, lol. It could have also been because I went out too fast. It was also really humid, and I had ran 2 pre race miles. I did place 2nd in my age group with a 26:08. I thought that it would be tough as the group is the ages of 30-39.

PS the race is so small it really doesn't have a website, so enjoy the link to my blog