We arrived at Syracuse shortly before 7:00AM for an 8:00Am scheduled start (more on that in a little bit). When we arrived, we went straight to check in to get out shirt, race number, and chip. Nothing else was given such as flyers or other sponsor stuff. Check in seemed real slow and a little disorganized. They became more evident the hour before the race as the line became 20-30 people long and stayed that way right up until 8:00.
As 8:00 approached all runners and walkers made their way to the start in anticipation of an 8:00start. As 8:00 came and went, it was obvious we would be starting a little late as people were still registering. After a little bit, we noticed that there was no longer a line. Then we learned that they still needed to add names in the computer. And do we waited, and waited, and waited.
Anyways, at 8:42 the race finally started. The first 3.3 miles were gently rolling hills. Not huge hills but constantly going up and down with very little flat running. The next 4.7 miles were then mostly flat. The course does run a little around the lake and the second half is fast.

Let's start with some positives:

-I like the course. It is a challenge but can be run fast as well
-Good competition
-The races are odd distances (at least in this area) which makes it unique.
-Start finish line was by the local park which was key due to some of the things that needed to be improved...

What needs to be worked on:

-For this being the 39th annual race, the 42 minute delay was really surprising. Something will need to be done about that to avoid it in the future.
-The 3.3 mile race was the only distance that was chipped times. The 8 mile race ended up finishing before reaching the timing mats even though 8 mile runners were given timing chips. I did ask the timer why the 8 mile was not chipped time and I was informed that their system could not handle two different race distances. This was the first time I have heard of this being a problem. I would say if you are going to have chip timing, get a company that can do both distance. That leads to the next issue...
-Unfortunately, the start was not the only thing delayed. The awards for the 8 mile race were delayed as well. Since the 3.3 mile race was chipped timed, the results were quick. But it took a long time to get the 8 mile results completed. For a race that was scheduled to start at 8:00, we didn't leave until around 11:30. Luckily we didn't have anything else going on in the afternoon.
-Awards for the race were long sleeve tshirts for age group champions, and drawstring bags for 2nd and 3rd in division

After the race, there was also oranges, apples and bananas to eat. There was also bottled water. Registration fee was $20 early and $25 the day of.

Link to this review