I live in Iowa, and so chose the will-call option ($25) to pick up the packet the day of the race. I was unable to go to the expo. I also paid $5 ahead of time in order to park in one of the three lots close to the start/finish lines. This wasn't a cheap race (by the time I registered, the fee was $85), but a great experience.

This race is on the large side (2100 for the half, probably about as many for the quarter as well as the 5K). Regardless, though traffic slowdowns were inevitable within a mile or so of the race site, it wasn't difficult to park, check my bag (free!) and get to the starting line. I didn't see the promised water station and ended up using a random water fountain. Since the site hosts an annual summer music festival (you know, Summerfest...) there were plenty of bathrooms.

The weather was humid, hot, and breezy. The race organizer added several misting stations, ice chips at one stop, wet, cold towels at another. A flag system was used to inform runners about weather conditions. Rest stops were every 1.5 miles or so. All had Gatorade and water, some had fruit. No gels.

The route itself is generally really nice. The first half goes through city streets and finally a more industrial area (fertilizer plant FTW) to lead runners to the main attraction of the course, the Hoan Bridge. From there the route follows the lakeside, where there are lots of parks. The incline up the bridge was the longest hill of the course, followed a few miles later by a hill leading runners through a residential area. Otherwise, the course is absolutely flat. There were bands and music about every 3/4 mile for the last half of the course. Not too many spectators except at the beginning, middle, and end.

Runners received a bottle of water, a banana, chocolate milk, granola bar, and a big bag of potato chips at the end, as well as a free Blue Moon beer for those of age. The medals are really attractive, IMO. The race ended near one of the outdoor music venues and several of the beer stations. Nothing ran out, from what I could see. You could also purchase food and drink at fair-type (meaning high) prices. I didn't stay for the festival, but a free Summerfest ticket was included with registration.

Somehow my race packet wasn't ready when I went to get it - it might have been given away. It took a little bit of time to sort it out, as well as a staff member, not a volunteer (whom I wouldn't expect to be able to solve the problem).

Overall, this was very well-organized and very enjoyable. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.