This race is relatively new--this year was the 4th annual, and I've done it for the last 3 years. I love having this early season race on my calendar--it helps keep me accountable for training during the winter!

The route starts in downtown, basically in front of the Century Link Center / Omaha Hilton. That turned out to be REALLY handy this year, as many runners hung out in the Hilton lobby during the pre-race drizzle. The race route loops through downtown and finishes on a beautiful river walk on the Missouri River.

The most notable change this year was that they stepped up the swag and the post-race treats a notch! I don't know whether they had fortuitously planned to have Brooks coffee mugs and Starbucks coffee at the end all the way along (for those who filled out a quick iPad survey), or if it was a last-minute scramble because of the chilly, rainy day. Either way, it was very much appreciated!

The one thing I wish they would do at the start (aside from having a louder sound system so everyone can hear the announcements) is to do SOME kind of seeding. It's a small enough race that there are no pacers, and I suspect this race draws newbies that don't have experience with seeding. I consider myself a mid-packer, but every year I seed myself closer to the front to avoid zig zagging around walkers, etc.

Overall a great race, with a great name. After all, it's why I run!
#InvestInYourself

P.S. There needs to be a "n/a" category for the expo, because there isn't one for this race.