This review is going to sound critical, but I will preface this by saying these three things:

1. I think that this is a temporary adjustment to the event while Hennepin Ave is going through construction.
2. This was the best option that they had to keep the race a downtown race.
3. There were no really big issues, these are just my opinions based off of my experience of the race in previous years.

Race Bib Pick-Up:
Best Part - there were a bunch of different places and times that you could pick up your race bib. That made it really easy for anyone that has a full schedule.
Worst Part - the individuals that were at the bib pick-up were extremely rude. Throughout the entire process they were very short and rude. No “how are you,” “excited for the race,” “do you have any questions,” “good luck” were said. They asked for my ID and gave me the bib. That’s it.

Pre-Race Atmosphere:
Best Part - the whole thing. The MC was great, the volunteers were super nice, and the wave start was a great idea.

Torchlight Course:
Best Part - running through downtown Minneapolis and the along side of the river was great.
Worst Part - the finish was poorly set up. I think this is due to the construction on the regular course.

Post Race Party
Worst Part - very poorly set up. The field was huge but everything was stacked on top of each other without clear directions of where to go. Because of the set up, the lines were super long for food and beer.

Overall, this was a fine race, but when they go back to the original course after the construction, it was once again be a great race.