Registration: This was available online, and closes a few days before the race. Might have been able to register on race day. The price increased as race day approached. Included with my registration was a bib with timing strip, a short sleeve unisex cotton shirt. Race day pickup was super easy and organized.

Expo/ Packet pick-up: There was not a true expo, but could pick up your bib the night before or on race day. On race day there were some other tables and tents set up with area organizations.

Pre-race: The race starts and finishes near the square. Plenty of nearby, free parking. Unsure if there was a gear check, but there was a tag on the bib for it. There were a bank of port-o-potties set up, near the start/finish.

The starting corral was flagged off and there were pacers available to line up according to your pace. Even though all events started at the same time, it wasn't too congested. There were some announcements and a version of the National Anthem.

Race/Course:
-Terrain: The course is run on a variety of surfaces, from cobblestone bricks, pavement and crushed limestone trail
-Elevation: The majority of the race is on an old railbed trail, but there are some small hills in town
-Photographers: on the course, and it's announced they will be free
-Aid Stations: There were plenty of hydration stations on course, each had something different. Just needed to pay attention to what was offered (Gatorade, water or pickle juice) There was one candy table set up along the course as well. The half turn around had a "bar."
-Spectators: There were a few here and there.
-Volunteers: Friendly people on the course, lots of excitement at each aid station. (sidewalk chalk messages, bubbles) There was law enforcement at the major Highway 1 crossing.
-Course markings: Each mile was marked with a sign. There were cones on the roads and they were closed to traffic. Arrows were on signs at the turns.
-Scenery- Starts in town, then trail views of cornfields. Was lucky enough to see farmers putting in tile.

Finish/Post Race: The starting area is the finish chute, so the arch with a timing mat are easy to spot. Once across the line, a volunteer handed you a medal. The food options of granola bars, bottled water, bottled Gatorade, breadsticks, cinnamon rolls, apples, chips. Then there was the post race beer, you could exchange your bib ticket for a Mich Ultra. Easy access for family/friends to watch the finishers. Awards were announced off of a 5th wheel trailer.

My Race: I was using the race as a training run for a marathon. I was going to try to my best and push it. I started out trying to get into a good position, I had the 10:30 pacer in my sight. I caught up with Ryan, the 10:30 pacer around mile 1.5 and vowed to keep with him. I didn't want to start too fast and then have the pacer pass me later. So I did it, I held on with the pacer until just after mile 11. It was nice to have someone to chat with, it was his first gig, so I hope I wasn't too annoying. After snagging a Jolly Rancher, I pushed the pace a little more and ditched the pacer. I knew it was going to be hard as the last mile or so was back in town with the hills.

I came to the finish line in 2:16:18, which was only 2 minutes faster than the pacer, but I was sooo happy. I had a plan and it worked. Probably the fastest race I have run in a long time.

Overall: I really enjoyed this race. I have known about it for years, even came to spectate one year. I am glad I chose to run it. It's organized well, small town feel, and has everything a big race has without the hassle.

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