This was my first time to run the 2015/2016 New Years Double race. As with all of the races of the Active Joe series it's very simple, family friendly, and fun.
Registration was easy, it's held online through a major race registration company and this race sells out months before race date every year. However, due to awesome race management they have a refund policy as well as a wait list. So even if it's sold out, there's still hope.
Communication: Leading up to the race there are plenty of email sent to remind everyone of the little details such as a physical address for the race, packet pickup details, course maps, and race distance specific details.
Pre-Race: I had volunteered the morning of so I got there well before the other runners and easily found a spot to park at. It seems as if there's plenty of parking as it held at a local park.There wasn't much going on before the race, it was dark, cold, and runners had access to race day packet pickup as well as real park bathrooms. Due to the small starting area runners are sent off in corrals, each corral went off on time and worked seamlessly.
Race: This race loops around the park goes through a tunnel to a local neighborhood trail where you hit the first and only water station at about mile 1.5. The first day (new years eve), the volunteer sent us the wrong way, instead of to the tunnel, we were sent back around the park making the race longer at almost 3.5 miles, and zero aid stations. With the faster runners, and earlier corrals, coming through, this made the sidewalks quite crowded as they began their second loop. On the day race we were sent the proper way and got to use the aid station and all was well.
Post Race: Basic bottle water, bananas, and bagels. It was cold so I didn't stick around long, but the race bling was amazing. For running both days I got the challenge plate to attach my two medals to, it's truly what makes this race unique.
Overall: Do this race, it's a unique opportunity and you're guaranteed to have a fun and well organized race.