After 20 years, the race changed the start finish line to downtown St Cloud! From what I heard from everyone, this was somethign that they have been working towards for a few years now, and this year, for the 20th anniversary of the race, they moved downtown!

Lodging: the race website lists several hotel options and there are also several other hotels in the area. I opted to stay at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn, which was right across the parking lot from the expo, as well as the start/finish line! Added bonus - they automatically gave all runners a 1pm check out so you had plenty of time to enjoy the finish line party and come back to shower before you needed to check out!

Packet Pickup/Expo - held at the River’s Edge Convention Center in Downtown St. Cloud. Since I was staying at the hotel next door, I didn't have to worry about parking, but there is a parking ramp attached to the convention center that was fairly inexpensive and convenient. Packet pickup was quick and easy, as well as very organized! Side note: if you are of legal drinking age, you do need to have your ID checked and get a wristband if you plan on cashing in on your free beer at the post race party.

The expo itself has everything you might need, or may have forgot at home (I was glad to see Scheels there so I could pick up another bib belt since i left mine at home!) There are also some unique vendors there! Want to try some new salsas or hot sauces made locally? They have them there! There were also several other races represented at the expo so it was fun to see some other race options in the area and throughout MN.

Race day - Since I was staying close, it was nice to sleep in a bit longer and then take a leisurely walk over to the race. The Convention Center is open early for runner to hang out, stretch and gather before the race. Scheels was still there and set up for any of those last minutes items you realized you might need.

The race starts just outside the convention center and travels through several residential areas and crossing over the Mississippi river a few times. There are well staffed aid stations every few miles and several cheer stations along the way. At mile 8, you hit the Beer Station, sponsored by one of the local breweries! Yup, an actual beer stop on the course with several different options of their brews!

About a half mile or so beyond the beer stop, you head onto one of the local paved trails which runs along the Mississippi River before heading back in and going through the campus of St Cloud State University. Once you get through campus, it's a short run through downtown to the finish line and post race party!

I didn't stick around for much of the party, since I had to hit the road to head to my next adventure, but I was sure to grab some post race food before heading to my hotel to enjoy that later check out and a shower!

All in all, was a fun race that I was glad I had the opportunity to run!

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