A review of the 30k.
The 2018 race was held on Saturday, September 15th. There was a 45k that started at 8:00 and the 15k started with the 30k at 8:30am. It was a cooler morning, but warmed up quickly to a sunny, 90 degrees. *New for 2018 - start times were moved back an hour from previous years.

Registration: You could register online and as race day approached the fee increased. Race day registration was available. This year the soft cotton, short sleeve, unisex t-shirt was optional, as well as a BOCO hat. Included with registration was a bib, (ankle style) timing chip, and multifunctional headwrap.

Packet Pickup / Expo: There was no race expo, but there was a packet pick up held the Friday before at a local brewery. You could also pick your bib up the morning before the race. Someone else could pick up your packet.

Pre-Race: The race is held at Pleasant Creek State Recreation area, there were signs posted in the park to direct runners to the event. There was plenty of parking for everyone, but if you arrived early you got a closer spot. The race start/finish changed locations this year and the bath house was open to use. Timing chips were distributed at this time, they were an ankle bracelet. Last minute registration was open. Runners milled about and announcements were made throughout the morning. The National Anthem was sung live.

Race/Course: The race was a clockwise loop around the lake. each loop was ~15k. I ran 2 loops
-Terrain: Trail - rock, dirt, ruts, grass, sand, single track, open prairie.
-Elevation: not steep, but felt like we were always climbing or descending - lots of ups and downs
-Aid Stations: 3 on each loop, plus the one at the start/finish. Water, Gatorade on course. Paper cups available to drink from, or you could fill your own. Candy and snacks at start/finish aid and halfway point aid station.
-Photographers: nothing official, just pictures from volunteers and other participants, posted to social media for free
-Spectators: there were only certain areas to access the trail, so spectators were mostly friends, family & volunteers
-Course Markings: there were flags closing off other trail entrances, signs on course with arrows. No mile markers. The course is marked with permanent trail markers.
-Volunteers: very friendly and attentive, always a smile when you approached an aid station, and happy to answer a question. They were happy to fill water packs and assist with everything. Only saw volunteers at aid stations.
-Medical: There was an ambulance at the second aid station (I believe)
-Bathroom: bath house at the start and one on course at halfway point
-Scenery: the trail was out in the woods, and near a lake. Many things to see

Finish/ Post Race: The timing mat was strewn out, a timing clock and the remaining people, sitting at the tables, eating their post race food, were cheering you on. A “medal” was handed out along with a bottle of water and a cold rag as your chip was removed from your ankle. The medals were hand made from tree limbs that were cleared from the trail. All medals and awards were hand made.

The post race area was happening! There were grilled hamburgers, and hot dogs, watermelon, candy, chips, and much more. There was water, soda and I imagine there was beer somewhere. I had to get going so didn't stick around long. I also assume there was a an awards ceremony.

Overall: I will always try to do this race if I can. It always happens during the Iowa football season. The race is put on by runners for runners, everything is done right! The race is also part of the no coast trail series.

My race: I debated running the 45k distance this year, but I knew timing would be close, so I stayed with the 30k, which still had me pinched for time to get back to tailgate. I knew it was going to be a hot day, so I had been hydrating to prepare, I also ran with my pack. I ran my first loop in 1:57 and I knew I needed to keep the second loop around 2 hours to keep with my schedule. I was feeling ok up until this point, I just keep moving and walked the uphills. Then during the second loop, it was just hot, I was starting to "cook" so I slowed it down and made sure to stop and drink water and dump water on my head, and grab ice. I knew the course, and just decided I would do my best to get to the finish. Then with about 2 miles to go, I came upon a volunteer with a participant. The volunteer was going to get their car as the runner was throwing up and dry heaving. I asked if I could help, because that's what you do. So it was suggested I stay with the runner while help came in a car. This delayed me for about 15 more minutes or so. Looking back, I am grateful for taking this break, I was hot too. The worst part was waiting in the mosquito filled shade. I hope the runner is ok!.

I made it to the finish line, where they were cheering me in, which was awesome. I never looked up as the surface is grass and I didn't want to fall.

I didn't get the time I wanted, but everyone is safe and will run another day. I grabbed some animal crackers as I wasn't hungry, too hot to eat, and while people wanted to chit chat, I made the adventurous drive back to Iowa City.