After running 62 half marathons, 25 of those in WI, this was the first time I actually ran IN Madison! I've run in the surrounding area but never a half right at the capitol! I've run through the city, but never on the streets surrounding the focal point of the Capitol. I am so glad that I finally had the opportunity to run this one!

Expo and Packet pickup: Since I was also working the expo, I had the opportunity to grab my race packet before they doors open, so I had zero wait. I do know that for those that came right when the expo opened, there was a short wait, but overall, the lines at packet pick up (when there were any) went quickly! Overall it is a small expo with a variety of vendors! If you forgot something at home, I'm pretty sure you could find it here!

Race Morning: Everything is set up on the corner near the Capitol! Ample port a potties along one of the side streets, a few vendors selling hot beverages and light snacks and gear check right near the start finish corrals! They start the wheelchair division just before 7am, the marathon promptly at 7am and the half at 7:10. The 2 courses run together are various points and it was fun to see the lead runners for the marathon come thru when we were at about mile 6. We would then see them again at about mile 8.5!

The course itself is hilly. If you know anything about Madison, it has its share of hills and I think this course hits all of them! Ok, maybe not ALL, but when I look back at my elevation chart from the 13.1 miles, it is pretty much all rolling hills! There are a few killer ones that pretty much all of us were walking up! Yes, one of them is during the last mile!

Finish line/post race: The finish line is the same as the start line! One of the best perks of this race however is the finish line food! Aside from the usual water, chocolate milk and banana's, you also were treated to Vegatarian Chili and GF cornbread, AMAZING mac & cheese and brats. The mac & cheese was some of the best I have had in a long time, so if that is available, you need to try some! (if you don't want it, I'll gladly take yours!).

Since Gear Check was right there by the corrals, my warm sweatshirt was easy to get to!

Overall, great race! One of the most scenic ways to see Madison and the surrounding area!