This was the inaugural running of the River Town Run 5K and Half Marathon in Washington, MO. Packet pick-up was available in South St. Louis County on Friday and in Washington on Saturday and race day morning. This course is filled with hills, so be sure you train properly. The course took you through the town of Washington, into the country past farms, through industrial parks, along the Missouri River and the riverfront area, and then back to the fairgrounds where we started. Even though the roads were open during the race, traffic was very light and I never felt unsafe as the course was clearly marked with signs and volunteers guiding the way and warning vehicles. I don't remember seeing Gatorade or Gu at any of the aid stations, so bring these items if you need them during the race.

The finish was a nice downhill at the fairgrounds and immediately after you received your medal, the food and water were at your finger tips. Food included various types of granola bars, bagels, water, and chocolate milk. Music was also playing as you crossed the finish like and plenty of people were there cheering you on.

I really enjoyed this race, but want to stress that this was a hilly course so be sure to train appropriately. The goodie bag included the shirts (nice white tech shirts), fliers for future races, chapstick, nail files, a frisbee, sunscreen, shoe laces, and many other advertisements for local businesses. I attached a picture of the medal for you to check out, but overall the swag was a bit above what I expected.

If you are coming from out of town for this race, I would recommend either staying in St. Charles and taking Highway 94 to and from the race so that you can see the BEAUTIFUL Missouri Rhineland and hit some of the wineries after the race. Or stay in Washington and travel to St. Charles via 94 after the race. Either way, this trek is totally worth it and filled with wineries and quaint towns.

The only issue I came across was access to restrooms on race morning. When I arrived at 7:30 there was one porta potty for everyone. Race officials stressed that it was not their fault and the parks department were on their way to unlock the restrooms. By 7:40 or so, they were open. Hopefully next year they will be open as soon as race day packet pick up begins.