1. pre-race -- packet pickup is race day -- unless you do the 3 day challenge -- then you will get your packet the 1st day -- parking is very near the starting line. Hotels are very close, but I would not say walking distance although I dont know the area very well -- the day of our race there was rain, thunder and LIGHTENING --- the officials delayed the race for 1 hour and 15 min instead of cancelling -- kudos to them -- we had traveled from arkansas to run in minnesota -- we did start in the rain after the lightening stopped
2. starting line / course --- a little crowed at the start with a narrow chute to start out -- but the course opened up fairly quickly -- the course was along a running trail, sidewalk, and a little on streets -- very flat overall -- plenty of aid/water stations -- the course could be marked a little better -- a couple of places were not marked well and I almost went the wrong way --
3. finish line as the starting line -- chip timing, and they gave out the trophies when most of the runners were finished so all would not have to wait around for a long time --

overall I recommend this race and would recommend the complete challenge -- 5K, 10K, and half marathon