The Hot Dash didn't disappoint this year! Overall, I would give this race a 5!

SWAG:
In my opinion, races that have great race swag attract the most racers. Hot Dash sold out this year, I feel in part, due to the great 1/4 zip long-sleeve technical shirt and finisher medal for ALL participants.
The medal was a cute gold pot holder with an orange and blue ribbon. It's always nice to have a medal at the end to make you feel like you accomplished something, especially after running 10 miles.

AID STATIONS/SCENERY:

Because this was "just" a 10 mile, I didn't utilize the aid stations, but they were adequately staffed and stocked with electrolytes and water. All of the volunteers were smiley and helpful in the 28 degree temps. It was chilly this year - great racing weather. Very cold after the race when you're all sweaty. :)

The course is mostly flat with one hill at mile 7.5. In my opinion - this hill was an easy climb with a great downhill at the top. It crosses the river, although unless you look to your right, you didn't get to enjoy the view too much. I tend to focus forward, so I miss some of the view. Most of the course is fast and flat through residential and industrial neighborhoods, until about the last 7.5 miles. This is the cherry on top when you start to see the Mpls skyline and can cross the stone arch bridge. The last few miles passes you through some of the best parts of Minneapolis. The last 1/4 mile to the finish is on cobblestone - pretty much watch your step.

The spectators on the race were few and far between - if you're looking for crowd support this is not your race. However, it was quite cold and the roads getting to the race were awful due to the overnight snowfall - this could have deterred more cheering sections. There is never a time that you are running alone - so if other runners motivate you to keep going, you are all set!

PARKING:

The parking access for the race is convenient and close to the start, but has somewhat of a hefty price tag at $12. If you get there early ( maybe 2 hours before start ) you can find ample FREE parking. I didn't arrive to the location until about 45 minutes before the start and the wait to get into the parking ramp that I pre-paid for was about 30 minutes. On the plus side, I stayed nice and warm in the car!

RACE MANAGEMENT:

The Lumberjack/MN theme to this race was great. Along the course you will see runners dressed in flannel with beards and axes. There is a costume contest, warming fireplaces, hot dish and Finnegan's beer at the end. I took full advantage of a fireplace to warm up my frozen fingers, and the hot dish was HOT, which is always a plus and mighty tasty! I could have eaten seconds for sure!

The photo opportunity at the end was great as well! Lots of props and volunteers there to take your photo.

The race appears to be well managed and had ample food at the finish. Full water bottles, and the usual race fare.

I had a great time at this race. My only complaint is the bottle-neck of people for the first 1 1/2 miles. The course runs down one side of a two-way street and it can be difficult to pass slower runners. I just made my presence known and everyone was friendly and let me slip through! If you are looking to PR this fast and flat race.... start toward the front of your corral time.

I will definately be running this race again next year!