This was my first time running this race and having to travel to a race (from Milwaukee, WI).

Positives:
- packet pick-up was easy, no lines
- course scenery was beautiful
- course support was fantastic (medics on bikes with almost every pace group)
- clear communication when humidity and temps rose to slow down and drink water
- misting stations were wonderful
- started on time
- medal was awesome and doubles as a bottle opener

Negatives:
- tech shirt was MASSIVE (I got a small and it was twice my size)
- packet pick-up parking was nonexistent
- expo was very minimal, hardly any vendors there
- corrals not clearly marked
- hard to locate gear check
- parking on race day is a nightmare; you have to park several blocks away in a parking structure and pay to park
- post race party was too cramped; it was located at the memorial union and there is simply not enough room for all the runners plus spectators to actually enjoy themselves.
- post race free beer tasted HORRIBLE

All in all, I really enjoyed actually running the race. The course was a little more hilly than I expected it to be, but as this was my first year running it, I was not discouraged by that. The weather was completely perfect; even when it had warmed up, it wasn't unbearably hot. Madison is a beautiful city to be running around on a Saturday morning :)