The 2021 event took place Saturday, July 17at 7:30 AM. It was sunny, temps in upper 70's with high humidity. The 5k and one mile event were run at the same time.

Registration: Available online with a no t-shirt option for less. Or you could register on race day. Cost was around $20, shirts were guaranteed by a certain time and available first come first serve on race day for an additional $12. The were short sleeve, unisex, cotton.

Packet pick-up: Bibs and shirts could be picked up the morning of the race. If you pre-registered they were handed out in a plastic bag with 4 advertisement papers.

Pre-race: There was parking available near the start/finish for free at the nearby rec complex. Port-o-potties were available. The were a few announcements and the National Anthem was sung.

Race /Course: A route through town
-Terrain: Paved and chip n seal
-Scenery: Rural small Iowa town.
-Course Markings: The course had each turn marked with spray paint on the ground. I don't recall mile markers.
-Spectators: A few people were out and about, lots of empty chairs as people were saving spots for a parade later that day
-Aid Station: Water on course, just before the 2 mile mark.
-Volunteers: plenty and always felt safe on the course. Law enforcement at major intersections.
-Photography: No photographers
-Elevation: While there are no mountainous climbs, I think every hill in town was on the course

Finish / post race: There was a giant clock at the finish and lots of people standing around, only because this is where the food and water was located. There were bananas and granola bars, in addition to ice cold bottles of water. A table of random prizes awarded by raffle was nearby. The timing guy provided printouts of your time.

Awards were held after the race. Prizes to overall and age groups.

Overall: The event has been a tradition of this small town celebration for years. It still keeps it small town charm while drawing a speedy crowd. Great price for your basic 5k needs.

My Race: I can't resist the small town festival race and in my area there are so many happening. I have participated in this event many times over the years and it happened to fit in my schedule this year. I had no expectations but to give it a good effort.

The start was a bit crowded, but once I found my place I tried to push as much as I could. I saw some people I know and said hi as I huffed and puffed up the next incline. The pressure was on to not get passed by them.

I had an uneventful 5k, it was tough with the humidity and the hills, but I managed to find the finish line with a time of 28:13, good enough for 173rd place. It was a super speedy field.