The 2018 event took place Friday June 15 at 6 PM. The race started just after a rain storm had passed through, the sun came back out and was around 70 and sunny, humidity started dropping.

Registration: This was available online starting at $35, and increasing to $45 until the 2000 registration was capped. I was participating as part of the Great Grandma's Challenge, as I was running the marathon the next day. Included with the registration was a bib, electronic timing, short sleeve gender specific technical shirt and fitsoks. As part of the challenge, you got a tote and an insulated tumbler/coozie.

Packet pick-up: According the rules on the website, you needed to bring your wavier with you (electronically was fine) or someone could pick up your stuff with a signed wavier. Pick up was located in the back of the expo hall with pickup for the other races. 5k runners needed to pick up their bibs by 5pm. Warnings were posted to be aware of heavy traffic patterns, as the parking situation traffic is a nightmare at this time of day.

Pre-race: There was parking available near the start/finish for $5. Due to the congested area, plan ahead. or park downtown Duluth and walk over. Real toilets were available at the convention center. Runners milled about near the "big red boat" or the William A Irvin, the freighter stationed in the harbor (to which the race is named after.) There was a lot of things going on near the start area, Clif had samples and a brewery was giving beer samples. There were announcements and music over the loud speaker, encouraged to line up according to the pace signs. Then National Anthem was performed live.

Race /Course: A loop around the Canal Park area.
-Terrain: it was all paved, however we were detoured around some rain puddles so that put us on the boardwalk along the lake. Typical potholes in some areas.
-Scenery: Start by the freighter, loop a little bit south to see some industry, but get to run the last mile along the lake shore.
-Course Markings: I was never confused as to which way to go, puddles were marked with volunteers. (Can't remember if miles were marked) closed to traffic
-Spectators: quite a few people cheering everyone on
-Aid Station: one around the 2 mile mark, I didn't stop
-Volunteers: plenty and always felt safe on the course
-Photography: can't recall anyone taking photos - never got an email they were available, but immediately received a finisher certificate and finisher video.
-Elevation: flat, no hills

Finish / post race: The inflatable arch clearly marked the finish along with a clock and timing mat. A volunteer handed you a finisher's medal. Chocolate milk, water, clif bars, and a variety of Old Dutch chips. Not a huge post race as the expo and events are still happening at the DECC.

Overall: It's a nice event to add to the weekend if you are in town. It would be a hard event to do as a stand alone as the logistics are a headache, unless you can get there early to not have to worry about getting your bib or parking on time. The price is a little steep, but you get a finisher's medal.

My Race: With the marathon the next day, I was not racing, but it was a shakeout. My usual 5k goal is sub 30. I was impressed with the new 5k route as I ran it in 2015, I like the portion where we get to run along the lake. I did find it funny all the people that avoided the puddles.... it's just water. I finished with a time near 30:15.