The Leprechaun Chase is a 10k that's run both in Des Moines, IA, and in Omaha, NE. I've only done the race in Des Moines, so that's the one I'll be reviewing here.

I ran this race in 2015 (it's second year of existence) and again in 2017, and I'll kind of loop in both reviews here. You'll see why.

First of all, this race is ridiculously cheap. Only about $30 for a 10k?! Yes, please. As an added perk this year, if you signed up on the first day of registration, you got bumped up from a t-shirt to a hoodie. Also a neat feature is that in the months leading up to the race, the organizers have a vote on Facebook to determine the logo that will be put on the shirt each year. I absolutely LOVE that idea.

I think there is a packet pick-up the day before the race, but I've always picked up my packet the morning of. Just know your Bib Number (you'll get it in an email) and you'll get your gear. The race also gives you a few extra coupons and advertising in your bag.

The coolest feature about this race is the way it is run. Like my title mentions (and the race really promotes) this is the Lads vs the Lasses. Yes, it's a competition. All of the women get to start 5 minutes before the men, and then the race is on. Whoever crosses the finish line first gets a beer for their entire gender. So if you want a free beer, you've gotta bank on a super fast person getting the job done. Or maybe you can be the fast person?

Anyway, the race starts and ends at Principle Park in Des Moines. After about a mile and a half you'll do the standard loop around Grey's Lake, which is present in every single race in Des Moines. It's a nice loop, which is why every race utilizes it. If you haven't run that, it's a flat somewhat scenic route along the lake before running along the river back up to the stadium. I don't remember there being any aid stations, but I'm sure there was.

The staggered start is really cool, and I think it's a great idea. The only issue, in my opinion, is for the men. As with any race, you have the back of the pack walkers, which the men catch after about a quarter mile. It wouldn't be bad if the walkers in the race didn't walk 3-5 wide, making it difficult to run past. Other than that, I have no issues with how the race is run!

That all being said, the 2017 race was slightly different. It happened to be the weekend of one of two ice storms we got in Iowa this winter. Roads were fine, but the paved trails around the lake were super slick. Because of this, the race made the call to shorten the race to a 5k, making it an out and back. Ultimately, this was probably a smart call given the conditions.

Plus, as a consolation everybody got a free green beer! So that was alright with me.

This race sells out almost every year in both Iowa and Nebraska, so sign up quick if you're planning to run. And don't forget to wear your green clothes.