This is one of my favorite races every single year. It is a great race and a great concept. This 10k race is different than most races because it is a competition between the Lads and Lasses. The Lasses start the race right at 3 pm on race day, with the Lads 5 minutes behind. As the race unfolds, the competition pits the elite guys against the elite girls. If a guy is able to make up the time and win the race, then all men in the race get a free beer. If the woman is able to hold on to the lead to the end, then all the women get a free beer. It's awesome!

If that is not enough of a motivator for you to run a hard race, this course is surprisingly well supported with people cheering you on. Truly a great job with set up. This is the race where I have set my 10k PR three different times.

The Course -- A looped course at the Mahoney State Park area and the SAC Museum. This course is set up where you head out and go downhill for the first section -- a 100 foot drop from mile 2 to mile 3 -- and then you work your way back up to the finish line in the second half of the race. There is a total of about 200 feet of elevation gain -- not a ton -- but an equal amount of drop to go with it.

The Crowd -- Surprising amount of people around the course and the people at the aid stations are great.

The Aid Stations -- There is one aid station every 2 miles that has both water and sports drink and plenty of volunteers to make sure everyone gets liquid. Well organized and well done.

The Swag -- Great shirts, some of my favorites to wear all the time. If you sign up early enough you can get one of their different one-off shirts each year. This past year it was a zip up hoodie shirt.

The Expo/Party -- It's a 10k ... there is no expo. Now with that out of the way, the after party! This is a happening party. Tons of snacks to help replenish, and lots of drinks. There is also a bar truck that sets up and doles out the beer, keeping it flowing. There is music and there are awards for finishers as well as best costumes. It's great fun.

Overall -- Sign up for this race. Like, I mean do it this year, if you can. It'll sell out and they cap it at 2500 runners. So if you don't get in, you should try the year after that. This is a race to run and run this upcoming year.