Overall:
2016 was the 33rd running of the James Joyce Ramble, and it was clear to me that it's a much-loved race! Many runners I spoke with have been running the Ramble for years, and it's managed like a well-oiled machine. As a former English major and a huge literature nerd, the Joyce theme was right up my alley, and I had a blast on race day.

Pre-race:
Plenty of free (and very well-organized) parking on the grounds of the Endicott Estate, where the start/finish line and post-race party are, as well as free street parking nearby. Bib pickup was also well-organized and quick, and there were a few vendors handing out snacks and water. A sizeable line of porta-potties were available, as well as others sprinkled around the grounds.

Race:
The Ramble is also a USATF Masters Championship race, so runners and run clubs from all over the country come to compete. The Masters race started a few minutes before the "regular" runners, and our "starting gun" was actually a gong struck by Uta Pippig! The course is quite hilly in places, and the hills by the school feel like killers. Possibly my favorite unique feature of this race was the presence of actors along the course, dressed in period garb and reading selections from Joyce novels (see attached photo). There was decent spectator support too, with people cheering the runners on from their driveways and windows, and in some cases offering water and high fives.

Swag:
A cotton short-sleeved t-shirt was included with registration, or you could buy a long-sleeved tee for $15. They were also selling shirts from years past for $5. I also heard that winning runners got James Joyce novels along with their prize money, a detail that I loved.

Aid stations:
There were several well-stocked water tables along the course, as well as a few unofficial stations in front of people's houses. One house also had a sprinkler set up for us to run through - it was glorious and perfectly placed (right after the killer hills)!

Course scenery:
The course goes through the lovely historic center of Dedham twice, with a mix of woods, ponds, and suburban neighborhoods in the middle. Very New-Englandy.

Post-race:
Big post-race party on the grounds of the estate, with free beer and flavored seltzer for runners. There were also vendors giving away snacks (bananas, chips, pretzels, etc.) and a Dunkin Donuts truck giving away tiny iced coffees. It was a perfect day to stretch out on the grass with a beer alongside fellow runners.