The Night Run in Tempe was a favorite of my running group from last year. I decided to sign up for the 8K, as my 11 year old son was able to race for free (which was very exciting). I also signed my 2 young ones up for the 100 yard dash. It was very unclear from the website if the 100 yard dashers would be getting a medal.

I contacted the race directors in order to hash out the details. I was assured my son could run the 8K with me, and that he would receive a medal (but would not be timed). I was also assured that both girls would indeed receive a medal for the 100 yard dash.

At packet pickup, some confusion began. My son was given a bib for the 5K race instead of the 8K, but unfortunately I did not notice it until I was already home. The packet pick up was located rather far from the venue, but race day pickup was also an option.

When we arrived at the venue, we followed the directions on where to park. The parking garage was quite a distance from the actual race expo, and the start line was even farther. For me, this was not an issue as I don't mind walking, but the younger children were complaining by the end of the night.

The 100 yard dash was not very organized. There was no start line or finish line, and no one was there coordinating until just moments before the race was to start. The first 2 groups of children ran, and were stopped by VOWLunteers, as there was no finish line indicated. The last group, however, was not stopped, and the children continued to run far past the "finish". Then, all the children and parents began to wander away...as there were no medals.

I had to ask a VOWLunteer if medals were to be provided, as my girls were feeling very sad about not getting a medal. She looked confused and said she did not know but would go find out. We waited there for another 5 minutes or so, and then the loud speaker directed all the children to return to the "start line" to pick up their medals. Ultimately, the girls were happy to get them.

Luckily, my son was old enough to run alone in the 5K run, as I was told on site that he was unable to run the 8K for free (as was discussed previously on the phone). He was excited to be able to run, and actually preferred the shorter distance.

The 8K route was made up of the 5K route, with an additional loop added to the end that had racers run past the finish line once before crossing it. This was very confusing for many of the runners who missed the verbal directions before the race started, though there were markers and volunteers directing on the course. I personally do not like to race loops, especially when they take me right past the finish line!

When I finished, I was able to locate my family and we stayed to cheer on the rest of the racers. After some time, they ran out of medals. Many of those final finishers did not receive a finisher's medal on site, but were told that they would be mailed out later on.

Another major issue that I'm sure will be addressed for next year was the bathroom situation. There were roughly 15 porta potties, and WAY too many people for that number. The line to use the bathroom was longer than a Disneyland line in mid-summer.

Overall, I enjoyed the race and enjoyed seeing photos of my children racing as well. I am hoping that many of these issues will be addressed for next year, as this was the first year the race was held at Tempe Town Lake. I will definitely race again next year, with the hopes that these things will be addressed.