As a runner who is always looking for new races, I decided to give this one a try. It was the first time it was being run here, so I figured it might be a nice change, plus it was inexpensive.

Packet Pickup: was the day before the race, at one of the local sporting goods stores and was pretty seamless. The crew that was working were very organized, meaning we were able to get packets for your entire crew in about 10 minutes!

Race Day: Go figure, it was the coldest day that we had seen in Green Bay, since last winter! Time to break out the Toasty tights and extra layers! I guess since we were running for hot cider, it is only fitting that it was cold outside!

This was a small(ish) race (780 running the half marathon and about 1200 doing the 5k) but I am glad we got downtown early to park. With 2 parking ramps within a few blocks of the start line, there was plenty of parking, but traffic did get backed up with people trying to get into these ramps!

The first huge disappointment with this race for me was that they have the 5k and half marathon starting at the same time. This made for a very congested start. Also, there were many people walking the 5k that were starting right along side of those running the half marathon. For those of use running, it made it very difficult to hit, and maintain, any sort of regular pace, as we were constantly running around those walking.

After about 2 miles, the half and 5k courses finally split. The 5k'ers headed back to the finish line area, while the half marathoners turned to head out onto the trail. I love running on this trail as it is a nice (relatively flat) trail that winds right along the river. We headed south for about 5 miles and then turned around and headed back along the same trail. One thing I do line about an out and back course is that you have the opportunity to actually see the lead runners. I give these guys credit. It was cold (32 degrees) and they were still running in shorts and tanks.... no thanks!

Unfortunately, the out and back course along the trail also meant limited places for spectator support. There are a few parks along the trail, which were the only places that we had any cheering etc.

Post Race: Upon crossing the finish line, runners were rewarded with a race medal, coffee mug (for cider which was waiting!), a caramel apple and water. That's a lot of stuff to start handing to people as soon as they finish running! I had several people tell me that they heard several instances of breaking glass... mugs were being dropped on the pavement and didn't survive. Thankfully, they had extra mugs available, so most people were able to get their mugs replaced.

Overall, I was less than thrilled with the swag from this race. The 3/4 zip pullover was cute, but generic. No mention of the day or city. The race medal and mug was more of the same. No date, not city. Part of getting race swag for me is to be able to create that memory of WHERE and WHEN the race was. Remember that caramel apple I mentioned? Yeah, neither do I. I'll be honest, I was hoping for a GOOD caramel apple! We have several places in town that make caramel apples but instead we received the same caramel apples that I could go to wal-mart and but for a few bucks. Now, the hot cider that I was able to fill the mug with was good - it really hit the spot after running in the cold for over 2.5 hours.

Will I run this one again? Probably not. I don't think that I ask for a lot in terms of race swag, but not even putting the location or date on it is a real downer for me.

While over all, it was a good day to run for me (finished within my goal), the race itself left me a little underwhelmed.

You can read my full recap of the race here: http://crazyhamster.run/2017/10/a-cold-day-for-hot-cider.html