This year was the 8th annual Ripple Effect 4 miler. They offered both a timed and untimed option, so it was definitely a family and walker friendly event.

The course started near BlueMile in Broad Ripple, wound through some key parts of the city, and then went out on to some of the bigger roads surrounding the Broad Ripple area. Overall, the course scenery was pretty good - I gave it a 4/5 based on the scenery over the first mile or so (in the city), and then being familiar with the scenery in the last couple of miles, which made it feel easier to me.

There was no expo, but packet pick up was easy and went smoothly. We arrived around an hour early due to being unsure of the parking situation - the race site said free parking would be offered right beside the start line at a local high school, but there was also a large festival going on and we were concerned that we wouldn't be able to park. After grabbing our packet (with a tee shirt, a couple informational handouts, and a timing chip), we went back and waited for the race to start in the car.

The race started on time, but with no official timing pad to go over, gun time was the only option. We lined up at the front, and lots of people SHOT past us as if shot straight out of a cannon cartoon style. Given the weather, that was a little strange, but we had no issues with doing run/walk intervals.

The only cons: there were two water stations on the course, both were well staffed but only offered warm water, which was disappointing considering the weather. Another issue was the starting line; essentially, one of the race management individuals counted down 3,2,1 and set everyone loose - not the most organized start!

Overall, I would do this race again. It was very affordable at only $20, and aside from the weather, it wasn't a bad race experience.