This race was OK. I was injured while running it, however that wasn't the real reason. Instead, the course the year I ran it left to be desired.

The course in the year I ran started in downtown Minneapolis and then went out towards the river and did an out and back south on the river, then when we got back to the start area, we did another out and back towards the north for the next 6 miles. Overall, this got very taxing. I did not enjoy it as much as other races since.

The aid stations were just fine, one every 1.5 miles or so with water and Powerade. And that kept you going.

Where this race shined was in the swag. The shirt was great -- and if you do the full it is a running jacket! -- and the medal is awesome! A piece of pie with stained glass in the middle of it. It connects with other race medals from the year from this series. That is really the coolest part of the race.

SIDE NOTE: I signed up to do this as my first full marathon in 2014. However, on race day a storm came through with dangerous lightning and hail. So we were stranded at the start line and the race was called off. This left a sour taste in my mouth (although not fully their fault) on this course and race.