Pre-Race: Registration online and at the expo. It was a pricier race at around $75-$100 depending when you registered. Received many emails prior to the race. Expo was held at the Union near Camp Randall. Parking in the ramp was a nightmare, so found an on street spot. Expo was nice, merchandise to buy, sponsors, signs to make. Packet pick-up was easy, just show an ID & grab your stuff, could pick up another bib number with their ID. Entrance guaranteed you a tech tee, chance to get free socks. No race day registration or packet pick-up.

Race Day: Saturday August 17, 2013. Sunny, cool, perfect, 60 ish degrees. No humidity. 7:00 am start in corrals. National Anthem sung live about 5-10 minutes before start. Music pumping over speakers. Started on time.

Course: Passing the state Capitol, the University of Wisconsin campus, Lake Menona & Lake Mendota; the race snaked through Madison on paved streets, asphalt and dusty trails. No major cracks or potholes. ( I thought the course was relatively flat, apparently I have legs of steel as others thought this was a hilly course) Chip on back of bib. Spectators were present in populated areas, always cheering. Water & Gatorade stops, each in different color paper cups. No food on the course. Miles were clearly marked with stands holding a clock & flags. Live music or loud music could be heard too. Finish line clearly marked.

Post Race: Medals hung around your neck by volunteers, at the same time a bottle of water & a banana were handed to you. More food available by choice, granola bar, fruit & nut bar, white popcorn, cheese popcorn, cookies, & chocolate milk, too much to carry. Photos on a terrace chair & in front of finishers back drop. Drink ticket provided on bib for a draft beer from a local brewery or a bottle of Gatorade. Finisher's were able to gather at the terrace on Lake Mendota. More food & drink available for purchase.

Overall: This is a great race, no headaches. Only downfall is the price. I would definitely run this again, and I would recommend you add it to your must run list.