I love this run. It was the first half marathon I ever ran back in 2012. It's challenging, and the time of year that it occurs always makes for an interesting run.

It is a one looper out in farm country so there is typically quite a bit of wind. It never fails that in early May that wind is either out of the north or east, meaning head winds for the last half. If you can mentally get over that, this one could mean a PR for you!

The folks at Run New Prague are lovely. It is a small town, but they aren't strangers to road racing. This is the 31st year of the event. They pretty much have it down to a science.

In recent years, the event has morphed from just a half marathon to a 5K, 10K, and kids run as well. It is a great family event. There is a local radio MC-ing the event, and local bakeries provide pastries to the runners at the finish line.

The shirts are good quality, usually alternating between a tech tee or a cotton tee. This year it was a cotton long sleeved tee shirt in NEON green! My favorite! It is super soft, and features the Run New Prague logo.

The course itself has volunteers at water stations placed every 2 miles on the half marathon course. When everything has greened up in early May, and the weather is just right, it is a lovely run. But, if Minnesota has a late spring, it can be just the opposite. This year was the former. There aren't a lot of fans on the course, but they are splattered about, mainly at road intersections. The New Prague police force is present and on the course, as well. They are very friendly and do a super job keeping the runners safe from traffic. The race is run on a country roadway, so you have to pay attention. There are typically tractors and big equipment being moved in one capacity or another.

There is a packet pick up the day before near the start line of the race at Memorial Park in New Prague. This year was special in that there were two vendors present. One was HoodaHatz, and the other was Charmed Running. It was a nice touch for a such a small event. Getting into and out of the park to pick up packets was smooth and easy.

Race day parking isn't an issue. Many runners are locals. The rest can park along main street or any of the neighborhood side streets. There is also parking available nearby in a large shopping area and within a half mile walk of the festivities.

There is race day registration available and a bag check area for the runners as well.

Afterwards, the race features the kids run, food, beverages, and the radio station MC. Also at the race this year was Charmed Running selling running charms near the registration tent.

The race is chip timed. In fact, this is the third year that it has been chip timed. It starts promptly, too. The half marathon has the smallest contention. Many opt for the 5K or the 10K.

The race itself works well for those training or running the Fargo Marathon or Grandma's Marathon. And it isn't a slow run. It does draw elite athletes from time to time. These runners are serious. That makes for a great run, too. There are pacers running the half marathon as well!

Please check out my full race recap at www.neonismycolor.com/rnp2016