Minocqua is a town in northwestern Oneida County, Wisconsin. The population of 4,385, held their 11th annual "Only Fools run at Midnight" 5K on April 1 at 11 PM and 530 soles braved the brisk night coldness.

First, there were plenty of parking at Lakeland Union High School and prerace packet pickup, gathering, and prerace instruction was held inside the H.S. Commons.

Second, I preregistered but was told they ran out of t-shirts in my size. I asked what was the purpose of preregistering then and my reply received was "not enough shirts your size was ordered". I asked what was the purpose of preregistering then since I registered on February 26? My question was met with silence.

Third, there is no expo as we come to expect. No extra "swag". Just a bib and race shirt. A 100% cotton long sleeve t-shirt and not the sweat wicking tech shirt advertised on the website.

This 5K was ran on surface streets winding through the neighborhood around the lake. This night run had its share of costume runners, young and old, and one Forrest Gump look alike. This 5K could be thought of any other 5K ran at night with street lights here and there providing illumination but what made this 5K extra special were the volunteers that parked their vehicles on the side of the street with their lights on which provided enough light to see the road without difficulty. Other volunteers were positioned at the turning points and directed us in the right direction. Even a few stationed themselves along the course providing encouraging words. MY HAT COMES OFF TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS!

This course starts at Lakeland Union High School, runs the neighborhood bordering the Minocqua Lake, across a wooden bridge, through the streets of Minocqua and end up back at the HS.

One thing though, the Garmin registered 3.45 and others had similar.

If you are looking for a night run without nice swag or tech shirt, then this race is for you.