Prior to the race, communication is primarily via email, although all forms of social media are used (Twitter and Facebook) as well as a decent website. Packet pickup is held in an office building on the Thursday and Friday prior to the race during lunchtime and early evening - I picked up my packet on Thursday evening and was greeted with no line, a very spirited (in a great way) volunteer (complete with a high-five for being one of 19 "Brewmeisters" - people who have run all three beer series races for all six years of it's existence). Early packet pickup is better, since the race includes a shirt, poster, and a shaker pint. Additionally, Brew Hog runners (those that have run all three Beer Series races that year) get an extra item- this year it was a very nice glass beer mug.

Race morning is semi-organized, no corrals, but plenty of last-minute announcements over a speaker (most of which have already been communicated to runners via email). The race began on time, immediately following some quick acknowledgements and the National Anthem.

The race has both 7k and 14k distances, with the split around a half mile into the race. The 14k (what I ran) circles the Cincinnati CBD - the first part is mostly around parking lots, the second part is in the historic Over The Rhine neighborhood, and the last part is in Queensgate (industrial). The course is mostly uphill for the first 2 miles, and has a substantial uphill near mile 4 (and a substantial downhill at around 4.5). Otherwise, it is somewhat rolling.

Aid stations are provided at miles 2, 4, 5, and 7 (give or take, I may have missed one). All aid stations provide water and Gatorade by very good volunteers that call out what they have and are well staffed, so there's usually a ton of people cheering. There is on-course entertainment throughout, which ranges from DJs, one-man bands, a few violinists, and even a bagpipe player. Additionally, a few cheer teams are out on the course cheering on runners. The 7k and 14k routes come back together about 2 miles before the finish line. For the most part this isn't a problem, and the last mile (or so) they keep the two distances split, which creates a nice express lane for 14k runners to pass the 7k walkers.

One of the fun things this race does is a running costume contest with groups in 3 or 6. Many times these are reasonably good runners (and sometimes they're **very** good runners) and it provides some entertainment. Additionally, since this is an odd-distance run, some people are seriously racing, some aren't seriously racing it but are serious runners (so they're great to be around because they respect others that are seriously racing it!). There is some crowd support, although most of it is happenstance - people that are living in working along the course cheering people on.

The race is chip timed, results are posted immediately.

There is a very nice after-party that includes a cheese coney and two cans of beer to wash it down with. The after-party includes a band ("Just Add Beer") that plays mostly rock music (Black Keys, Dave Matthews Band, Bearnaked Ladies, The Ramones, Journey, Simple Minds (Don't You Forget About Me - from the end of The Breakfast Club)). The after-party is also near the Cincinnati Oktoberfest where more beer and food is available for purchase (and the lines are short because it's like 9:30 AM!). Also at the after-party was a free photo booth, with printed pics (and they were also posted to Facebook and download-able from there).

Overall, this is a fun race that I've done 6 times and likely will do a 7th.

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