My daughter had skull surgery at Iowa City hospitals and we were able to stay in the Ronald House for a week as she recovered. So I was super excited to support the house by doing the race.

The packet pick up was in the Coralville Mall. Not much of an expo. I received a tech shirt that I have since worn in many other halfs and just around town. Love the shirt! The race started (and finished) right next to the Ronald house. We were able to warm up in the basketball arena and use their bathrooms. Ronald was even there!

The course went around by houses, by some parks, through the city and river, by a golf course and through a very nice wooded area. It was rolling hilly but not bad, but there was one LONG uphill section. It was probably one of my favorite races due to the different scenery. Only one section (near the end) was I unsure if i was on the right path.

The cones to cross the 4 lane road back into the Ronald House parking were being taken down right after I crossed, but there was a volunteer there for the few behind me. The course limit was 3 hours, and I finished at 2:57, my PR so far. The finish had such a huge amount of oranges that they gave me a huge bag of cut up oranges and there were juice and water. They had run out of medals however - and had told us that was a possibility. Medals were sent out for those of us who had not received one at the finish.

I would do this race again!

HF#11033