For the first time in years, the little town of Wakarusa, IN has a 5k race. The Maple Syrup 5k falls on the second day (of 3) of the towns Maple Syrup festival. The festival happens on the last weekend of April every year.
There was no early packet pickup. There was race day registration that started at 6:30AM before the 8:00AM start. Pre registration was $20, race day $25. There was plenty of parking as the race started at Memorial Park which is right behind the local elementary school. If you registered early, you were guaranteed a 50/50 shirt, also all runners received bags full of coupons and other fliers.
The race is small, just under 100 participants in its first year. This made it great for beginners and also families. For the first year, there was no chip timing.
The race began at 8:00 exactly. The course was flat and fast. It does consist of 3 out and back sections. This is not ideal for a course but the race director did what he could with the streets that the town would allow him to use. The course was very well marked with arrows. There were also plenty of volunteers on the course. It was also an exact 3.1 miles.
After the race there was bananas, cookies, and water for participants. For overall winners, awards were 16oz of maple syrup and gift certificate for RoadID (top 3) and age group awards were 3oz bottles of maple syrup.

Pros:
Good awards
Flat/fast course
Well run race
Safe course
Family friendly
Easy to get packet
Restrooms right by the start/finish
Easy parking

Cons
No chip timing
Out and back sections

I spoke with the race director since the race. There will be chip timing in 2017. Also the course will be reevaluated for possible changes.
Mao come to Wakarusa, enjoy the race, catch the parade after the race, get some maple syrup goodies, free pop corn, and enjoy some free entertainment.

To see how my race went, check out my blog post: Running for All the Maple Syrup! – Daddy, Did You Win?
https://daddydidyouwin.wordpress.com/2016/04/25/running-for-all-the-maple-syrup/