This race is a favorite with Austin runners and it is easy to see why. The course is tough but beautiful - the first couple of miles are essentially flat, followed by about three miles of pretty steep rolling hills, then back to flat again as you come home. Although the hills are tough, they take you on a tour of one of the most upscale neighborhoods of Austin. With Lake Austin on one side and fantastic houses on the other, it is nice to have something to look at to take your mind off the steep hill looming before you. To my knowledge, this is the only race in Austin that runs through this particular neighborhood and that makes it unique.

The other very special aspect of this race is the cause it benefits. If you are considering this race, take a look at the Gazelle Foundation. The RD's background story and the mission of the foundation are amazing. Basically, the Gazelle Foundation works to provide access to clean drinking water for the people of Burundi, which is an extremely poor country in Africa. The RDs claim that that the entry fee for every runner pays for one person in Burundi to have access to clean drinking water for the rest of their life. This year the bibs featured the name of the person who would have access to clean drinking water as a result of your entry. It definitely makes you think.

As to swag, the t-shirt is a nice soft tech blend and a pretty blue color. No real frills on the swag bag - just the shirt and a gift certificate for $ 10 to a local store. But the entry fee is fairly low (around $ 65) and I believe that the RDs try to keep costs low to maximize the amount that goes to the foundation. So it is fine with me. Race organization is spot on and there are always lots of volunteers and well stocked water stops. Definitely a fun way to spend a Sunday morning in Austin.

MM#9644.