Holy Red Carpet Missoula! I was signed up for the Missoula Half in 2016, but due to a hot disaster related to moving out west, I couldn't get out to run it. I was more than thrilled to be able to get out and get involved in race weekend this year. I did the Big 3 challenge (Beer Run on Friday for Free, the 5K on Saturday and the Half on Sunday), which was awesome.

The Expo: outside, but on the smaller side of things. Easy to get your bib and shirt, though if you're not running the 5K, I'd wait until after 9 AM. I ran the 5K and went to the expo for my half marathon gear right after since we couldn't pick up our half marathon stuff Friday (which would have been nice). I had to wait in line for shirts, but after 9 or so, the lines were none existent. The expo had merchandise, running store set up, a few races and Jeff Galloway was also there. Parking was pretty easy and in town.

Race Day Parking: the half and full are point to point, so we were bused to the start. We parked at Univ. of Montana's Adams Center and picked up shuttles there. There were two lines, one for the half and one for the full. A little better signage to help delineate would be good, but there were volunteers directing you to the correct bus. Buses ran from 4:15 to 5:15 AM

Start: 6 AM and there were plenty of port a potties. I made it through twice. UPS had trucks there for bag drop and they were bused to the finish line. The announcers got a little too repetitive though to the point I tuned them out.

The course: Fairly flat, and some down hills early on. Pacers were in 15 minute intervals and for awhile I was with the 2 hr group. I was doing ok, but hit the proverbial wall for the first time in a long time between miles 8 and 11 (tired legs and not feeling well race week). What can you do. Pretty scenic, saw plenty of farmed wild life. Best part of the race was seeing someone playing their baby grand piano on their front lawn. I'd love to see how they got it out there! Plus or minus difficulty for running at an elevation too. People were out with sprinklers on their lawn, though it was fairly cool when I was on course. Because of the heat, later on, the sprinklers were perfect for people coming in later in the day.

Post Race: Plenty of crowd support at the finish with announcers calling in runners as we crossed. Medals were first to be handed out followed by powerade/water. Porta Potties were in the shute area, which was good if you needed it. The post race runners area went around the block and allowed you spread out and take your time getting out. In Caras Park, there was food, post race massages for $25, free pictures that they printed off for you right there. Merchandise was also available and if you did all 3 races this weekend, you got an extra piece of bling (this year happened to be a magnet).

Please go do this race. It's well run, plenty to get the whole family involved and the people are so welcoming. Perfect course to BQ on if you're looking to go that route. Hopefully I'll be back next year!