The Minnesota version of the Get Lucky consisted of 3 different length races in 2016. A 7k, a 14k and a 21k. The 7k is held in downtown Minneapolis. The 14k and 21k is held in St. Paul. It is sponsored and run by Team Ortho, and typically, they have a huge turnout. This is why there are two locations. I usually choose the longer runs, because they are less crowded. I enjoy running in St. Paul, as well.

This year, the 14K run and the 21K run began simultaneously. The 14K folks just turned around a little earlier than the 21K runners. They did release the runners in waves, just to keep the turnarounds from getting too hosed up. That was a smart thing. There were some complaints about that last year.

There are two turnarounds in this run. One is early, at about a mile or two into it. The other is a mile or two short of halfway. The first turnaround was a hop, skip, and a jump over a sandy center island in the middle of the road. It could have been catastrophic for anyone who didn't watch their footing, but once you were passed that, then the remainder of the run posed little to no hazards.

Team Ortho always does a great job with water/aid stations. The courses are well marked and well staffed by city officials and volunteers. This course is basically one I've run so many times. It isn't particularly steep as far as hills go, but the grades can be killer, especially near the 12 mile mark where you are pretty much headed up at the end of a long run. That could turn your experience into a negative one pretty darn fast.

Team Ortho also has great sweatshirts and medals for the Get Lucky. They are always "Irish" in themed, with the lucky clovers and the Get Lucky logo. They really are appealing in color and fit. If you collect 4 of the Team Ortho medals, they piece together to form a complete circle, which is kind of cool, too.

The expos are always well staffed and have quite a selection of vendors, as well as the Team Ortho store. I'm a regular volunteer with them and working at the expo gives me "bones" or points towards free race entries! MAJOR BONUS! In fact, this race was a freebie for me! The only downside is having to pay for parking for both the expo and the event itself. Parking in St. Paul isn't cheap, and the parking facilities are notorious for hiking up the fees at these events. It is very frustrating to say the least. If you can find metered parking on the streets, then that is the way to do it.

The race starts at the Union Depot in downtown St. Paul, and ends a few blocks shy right along the Mississippi river. You are allowed access to the heated Union Depot prior to the event. There are indoor bathroom facilities there, as well as ample portapotties outside which are always vacant since everyone tries to use the indoor ones.

The depot also houses the post race party, which consists of some Irish folk dancers, bagpipe players, music, pizza, and a free beer to the runners. Beer isn't my thing, neither is pizza, in fact, so I couldn't tell you much more there. But you can get your post race goodies here as well. Team Ortho now has a partnership with Luna Bars, so those were in good quantity post race. Also, the banana, bottle of water, Pearson's Nut Roll, and a cup of Dole fruit were included as always.

I believe for the most part that the Team Ortho races are well run. They have had hiccups in the past, but they are few and far between. I enjoy the Get Lucky half marathon because it is a smaller attended race, and it's location in St. Paul makes it easily accessible and also makes for a very scenic run.

I'd for certain recommend this event to a friend. I can't speak for the 7K run, but the one is St. Paul is a definite great addition to your race roster.