What a beautiful November running event! I am sure that November 13th, 2016 was a weirdly warm event, but that weather was bananas. Take great weather and beautiful views and you have yourself a good race.

PROS: Like I said, the race is very beautiful. You start and end at the capitol and you run through an arboretum, the city, down the lake, through the University of Wisconsin, and through some very expensive neighborhoods. It was very easy to get your bib during the expo, there were some booths and things that you could purchase for the race. The morning of the race was well organized. There was plenty of parking, toilets, a bag drop and water if needed. At the end of the race you got a sweat medal, a long sleeve tech shirt, and a bag of food from Penara. During the race there was plenty of hydration stations and there was multiple stations that gave out either bananas or GU. From the start to about mile 13 you run through winding roads. Between 13 and 20, there is not much to see. There is a long straight section and then you hit the neighborhoods. Then 20 to the finish is once again scenic and pleasant. Best of all, YOU GET FREE PICTURES!!!!

CONS: The course is very hill intensive. If you train on completely flat ground, then this might be challenging. The expo was nothing special. Just the basic bib pick up and a handful of vendors selling running gear.The starting line is very small and a bit chaotic. Other than that, there was nothing to complain about.

I stayed at an AirBNB which was great and there was plenty of parking and it's super easy to get around Madison. I would do it again and more importantly recommend the race. If you miss out on Twin Cities or Chicago, this is a great option.