A review of the 30k.
The 2017 race was held on Saturday, September 16th. There was a 45k that started at 8:30 and the 15k started with the 30k at 9 am. It was a cooler morning, but warmed up quickly to a sunny, 90 degrees.

Registration: You could register online for and as race day approached the fee increased, and the chance of a unisex, soft cotton t-shirt, decreased. Race day registration was available for $50 and shirt was not guaranteed. Included with registration was a bib, (ankle style) timing chip, shirt and multifunctional headwrap. *The shirts are a real nice soft cotton, but the colors this year reminded me of John Deere, green with yellow.

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, up to a half hour before the race started. 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 correct parking lot. There was plenty of parking for everyone. The beach bath house was not open for use of the real bathrooms, so there were some port-o-potties set up on the road. A small walk to the start/finish area through some grass. Timing chips were distributed at this time, they were an ankle bracelet style. Last minute registration was open. Runners milled about until announcements were made with about 5 minutes to go. There was a mention that trail spots had been filled with rock, but since we had no rain, to be careful in those areas. The National Anthem was sung live.

Race/Course: The race was a 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 and Tailwind at start/finish. Paper cups available to drink from, or you could fill your own. M & M’s, bananas, cookies, pretzels, plus Cola and Mt. Dew.
-Photographers: nothing official, just pictures from volunteers and other partcipants
-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, spray painted arrows on grass. No mile markers
-Volunteers: very friendly and attentive, always a smile when you approached an aid station, and happy to answer a question. Only saw volunteers at aid stations.
-Medical: There was an ambulance at the first aid station, about mile 2.
-Bathroom: port-o-potties at the start and one on course
-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 as your chip was removed from your ankle. The medals were 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, popcorn and CAKE! There was water, soda, tailwind and I imagine there was beer somewhere. I had to get going so didn't stick around long.

I wrote this in 2015 "Overall: For the price, race organization, and unique finisher’s medal, this event is top notch. “A race for runners, put on by runners.” This is one of the best trail races I have been a part of. I will try to run this again if my schedule allows." Same can be said for this year!

My race: ohhhh where do I begin... I thought I was signing up for the 15k, but made the mistake and ended up registered for 30k. I was on a tight time schedule as I was going to the Hawkeye game later that day. The weather was hot, the trail was uneven, and mentally maybe I wasn't in it. I finished 18.6 miles in 4:09... 5 minutes slower than my first year. A finish is a finish though... and I did not fall!

For more about my day check out https://marathang.wordpress.com/2017/09/22/pctr-30k-2017/