This is one of the very best races I've run, hands down. It is a tiny run compared to many (maxes out at 3,500) and unlike many races allows LEGAL bib transfers for a mere $25.

This race is seamless from start to finish. The bib transfer took all of 5 minutes. After I picked up my shirt and bib I tasted some Amy's gluten free pizza, looked at running duds, talking to the Krave jerky people, had a bottle of water and listened to the race director and then Meb!

Race day was also flawless. Initially I was worried because I couldn't score a hotel room at the last minute, so I drove up that morning. No need to be worried, as transportation from Sonoma to Napa was well-organized and easy to access. I hopped on a bus and was at the starting line winery, which had coffee, porta potties, water, stretching area, and the usual.

The course started with a hill near the front, which I kinda hated, but it was the only big-ish hill. Everything was beautiful! Most of the course was on smaller roads, shaded by trees. We ran through vineyards and past gardens and pretty homes. Even though the race was small, there were plenty of people out to cheer on the runners at various points on the course. All aid stations were well-stocked, including the wine "aid" station (which had itty bitty sample cups of red and white wine from one of the sponsors) and the "unofficial Guiness aid station" (which included a number of old pub signs, for selfie purposes).

As the wound its way in towards downtown Sonoma, there were more spectators. Eventually the run hits the park in downtown Sonoma, where the finish line awaits. Finish line food and hydration were plentiful, and the chutes had lots of volunteers. After a banana and some other snacks, and a bottle of water and electrolytes, it was time for the after party!

The after party had live music and wine tastings from a dozen or more wineries. Each finisher received a tasting glass, and we went from line to line, tasting everything. Winners and age group awards are announced from the stage, and many runners were joined by families and kids (who didn't drink wine, though their parents could buy a tasting wristband and glass). The busses back to Napa--where some host hotels were--ran regularly from the square back to Napa through the party and for a short time afterwards.

The "worst" part of this race is that the medal is, in my opinion, a little boring. I loved the shirts, which were a purple-heathered tech material but did not scream "I AM A RUNNING SHIRT." I've worn mine quite a bit, which is unusual for me for race shirts.

No, wait...the "worst" part of this race is that I entered the lottery and didn't get in for 2015. Whomp, whomp (sad trombone noise).

Photos of the shirt, medal. starting line on my blog: http://www.trainwithbain.com/two-runs-through-wine-country/

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