I will say that this race has earned it’s spot as one of my new favorite races. It is the perfect race to compete in if you are looking to do something that is outside of the Chicagoland area and isn’t to far to drive to .

Madison is an awesome town lots to do and great little stores and places to eat, it’s a lively city because it is a college town, even in the summer.

The drive was super easy ( only about 3 hours from Chicago)

EXPO: only downside to the expo is it is only offered the day before the race, for us traveling that wasn’t a huge deal, but for locals it might be. The expo was super small in and out in a flash, very well organized! There we a few vendors but nothing that isn’t at every other pre race expo. If you get there right when the expo opens you’ll be able to park in the garage but it’s tiny so it fills up fast. Only $1 for every half hour, so you shouldn’t be spending more than $1, otherwise street parking is almost impossible to find.

Lodging: there is TONS of lodging in and around the area, we stayed Friday night before the race at the Sheraton about 3 miles south of down town, super easy to get to if your driving. We opted to take a cab / hotel shuttle to and from the race to avoid traffic and going in mindless circles trying to find parking, which I suggest you do as well if you are staying outside downtown.

Gear Check: gear check was super organized and they let you check your own backpack not one of those little plastic bags. BIG WIN!

Corrals: corrals were set up nicely and very organized.

Swag: shirts were pretty standard, but the medals were AWESOME! Minus the bottle opener ( not a fan of these on medals).

Elevation: the elevation map was a little deceiving. There are some big rolling hills, enough to make you breathe a little harder and sweat a little more but they are spaced out enough that you aren’t gasping for air after hitting a string of them. One thing that the map did not show is the DRASTIC uphill through the city and the campus the last mile. Those caught me way off guard, but fight through them and you’ll be rewarded with a very steep downhill right into the finish line!

The course: the course was awesome, one of my favorite by far, and it offered ample amounts of shade. Luckily today was cool and crisp in the morning so heat wasn’t a major factor.

Aid: water stations were abundant and well stocked and volunteered

Support: there was a good amount for support on the road, a few section that can get a bit lonely, mainly when you runt through the arboretum. But you never felt lost or lonely for long periods of time. The view of the city, lake, forest, neighborhoods were amazing, a great variety!

Finish: the finish area was awesome it brought you right to the after party which was beautiful on the lake with live music beer and food! A fun time to be had

This race is great because it is on a Saturday so when you are done you can enjoy the HUGE farmers market that is offered every Saturday of the summer! You don’t want to miss that!

Overall this was a great race, one of my new favorites and I can’t wait to run it again !!