This was a small local race with just over 100 10k runners so it was not one with all the bells and whistles. However, it was very well run.
The registration process was simple and I liked that I was able to mail in my registration and avoid the active.com charge. I would have liked an email confirming my registration, but I was ok included on an email about a week before the event so that was sufficient. There was not an overabundance of communication but I also never felt like there were questions I couldn't get answers to.
Packet pick-up was at the local Dick's Sporting Goods and the wait was not bad. The goody bag was very good if you are from the area and use coupons. The shirts were short sleeve cotton, but they fit well and I like mine so, in my opinion, that is far bettert than a poorly fitting tech shirt I will never wear.
Race morning was cold and soggy, so I imagine the turnout was less than registration. There were ample Port-O-Lets and lines never really built up. The kids race went first, followed by the 5k, then the 10k. I was confused since our starting line was significantly before we crossed any timing mats, but I was not going for time so I wasn't really concerned.
The course was through a lot of very nice neighborhoods surrounding a lake or two and there were plenty of hills to keep things interesting.
There were a lot of signs and volunteers along the course to make sure you stayed on the route and they were all so cheerful and encouraging despite the weather.
There were two aid stations along the course, one had water and the other head water and Gatorade. At the station with both, the water and Gatorade were in identical cups but were being handed out on opposite sides of the road and the tables were labeled. With it being a small race they were even able to tell us the Gatorade flavor as we ran up.
The finish line was empty when we got there, but mostly because there were few spectators to start with and awards had started.
There were bottles of water, bananas, cookies, granola bars, and Rita's Italian Ice at the finish line.
My favorite thing the race did was actually after the race was over. All pparticipants received an email with their time, placing, etc. I really appreciated this and hope it's something that is becoming more common.
Overall this was a great local race! It is probably not one I would travel great distances to run, but it was more than worth the hour drive we made to get there.