This race hit close to home. I was born and raised in La Crosse. I was excited to run it! The course started at the top of Grandad Bluff and worked it's way through the city to the river into Riverside Park. Throughout the race, we got fantastic views of the city and ended at the picturesque Blue Bridges that cross the river into Minnesota.
Temperatures on race day started in the low 50's - perfect weather. During the race it did get pretty steamy - but tank top and shorts weather really was perfect. All along the race course - for a small town race there were many spectators. Some dead spots, but I especially liked at mile 11 the local hockey rink had huge snowpiles and bagpipers that were throwing us snowballs! Great touch! Made the last 2.1 so much more bearable!
Post race food, in true La Crosse fashion was bratwurst and beer! Bounce houses for the kids and music. Great post race party. Truly, my ONLY complaint is that they ran out of water at the finish. This did not effect me however, I finished before it ran out. But, it was a HOT one that day, so my guess is that because of the heat, all of the runners were drinking just that much more water! If you're ever in this area, give this one a try! Great race!
Medals were fantastic too! Iconic with the two blue bridges!