Finally getting Minnesota off my 50 state list! I always joke I see more of the Minneapolis airport than of the city itself, so it was fun to actually enjoy the city a bit this time around.

Packet Pick Up: picked up my bib after getting in, so I had my luggage with me. Pick up was at Summit Brewery July 2-3 and then race day at the finish. Quick and easy, in and out sort of thing. Get your bib and shirt and that’s it, which I actually appreciated because some of the expos have so much crap at them.

Race Location: starts at the Mill Ruins Park, right along the Mississippi start

Weather: be prepared for some heat and humidity. My shoes were squeaking at the end and I’m pretty sure I was soaked 3 miles in, but I’m told this is the norm out here.

Start time: 630 for the half, 650 for the 5K

The course: mainly a scenic/residential type of race. Some hills early on, but it definitely flattened out after 4-5 miles. You see a lot of the Mississippi River and on the way back get a good view of downtown Minneapolis. Plenty of shade, especially on the way back, which was appreciated because it did get hot out. Course is paved path/road. Occasional traffic crossings, but police at every intersection, which was appreciated. There were also bike medics on course, which I thought was good.

Aid stations: every 1-2 miles, though I wish they were a little more consistent at every mile with how hot it gets. Aid stations also had the race conditions (EAS based, green to black flag stages)w, which was good.

Communication: A+ from race organizers, especially when looking at the day or 2 before race day. Made sure to let us know race conditions before hand and if there were going to be changes.

Post Race: talk about BBQ and enjoying the day. Plenty of games (corn hole, donut eating contests), food, drinks and runner cool down. Definitely something to enjoy.

Great race to go to in MSP, would go back for it.