Any run in downtown Minneapolis can be brutal on many levels. The great thing about Goldy's Run is that it is sponsored by the MNRun Series so you can be pretty certain it is a well run event.

Goldy's Run allows the option to have your bib mailed to you, and then you can pick up your shirt after the race. This was what I did this year since driving to the city on two consecutive days can be rather time consuming. Therefore, I didn't get to attend the expo.

The race shirts are always good quality. The color is always questionable, however. But I do understand that the theme of the race revolves around the Minnesota Golden Gophers, so not only do they attempt to incorporate the school colors of maroon and gold, they sometimes attempt other colors a bit more daring. Last year's tee shirts were more of a putrid green. I'm not sure where that came from.

This year, they were long sleeve, and a dark maroon.

The water stations at this event were rather frequent and well manned. The volunteers were top notch on the actual course. And there was quite a high number of fans considering the time of day and the fact that it is a University area. The course was rather hilly, with short steep inclines as you weave your way through the University area streets and bridges. And I'm pretty sure it has been updated. Last year's route seemed different to me, although I'd have to double check to be sure. And it runs alongside the Mississippi river for a time, so the views are quite pleasant if you take the time to look!

They also updated the start area, which was a great help. Last year, you could only enter through the back (end of the line) and making your way to the front of the line took 10 minutes, at least. They also added more porta potties this year. That is always a plus.

Parking is easily accessible, provided you arrive about 45 minutes before the race. You can park right in the stadium parking lot, where the race starts and ends. There are a few lots just across the street as well. It can get hosed up at times because drivers believe there is only one entrance when you can proceed a bit further down the road and find others with no lines. Some volunteers to direct the traffic would be a nice addition.

The race ends INSIDE Gopher Stadium, which is quite a fantastic site. They also turn on the giant TCF Stadium Cam so you can see yourself as you run to the finish line. This is a nice touch!

Picking up my shirt after the race was a little bit time consuming. It didn't seem like it was well coordinated. Many were trying on their shirts as they were handed to them and holding up the line. A separate area for shirt exchanges might have alleviated the tie up.

The finishers medal is pretty darn cool, though, if you are into the bling!

I didn't have time to hang around for the post run activities, but I'm sure with a family or friends, it would have been a good time. I ran this race alone.

I would highly recommend Goldy's Run to any local or out of stater. Gopher Sports and the St. Jude Medical Foundation have partnered with this event to benefit the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital located on campus. The run has and will continue to generate significant proceeds in donations to help sponsor cardiac research, improve patient outcomes, and save lives. This is a significant plus!

To read my entire race recap, please go here! http://www.neonismycolor.com/goldys-10-mile-run-race-recap/