This was my second year participating in the GSWCF Thin Mint Sprint & Tagalong Trot. My daughter is a Girl Scout, so this is a cool event that she and I can do together.

Packet pickup was great. There were multiple locations throughout the Bay Area to pickup your packet, so I was able to pickup at a location close to my home. Pickup included your bib number and tee (which was purple this year). I do wish that they would switch over to dri-fit or tri-blend or some sort of absorbent material for their shirts as it is really hard to run in cotton. BUT I understand that these shirts are more expensive, so it is what it is.

Parking in Safety Harbor is always tricky. There is not a lot of it and you are driving all over trying to find somewhere to park that's not SO far and that you won't get towed from. We were lucky enough to snag a spot in the mud this year that no one seemed to want (thank God for a 4x4). Lots of "no parking" rules in Safety Harbor and never enough spots for racers unless you drive in 1-2 hours early.

They had just enough potties and there is also a city-run restroom.

The start line was in a great spot- right on the water.

Both the 5K and the 1-mile courses are beautiful and mostly flat. You do go up a little hill right out of the gate as you wrap around the spa to get on your way, so be ready for that. For the 5K you run alongside some gorgeous homes right on the water. There are some shaded areas, but for the most part it is nice and hot out there. Be sure to apply sunscreen and wear a hat or visor. The humidity was so thick this year and there were points where I truly could not catch my breath and found myself wondering "why is this so HARD? I run 5Ks all of the time!" It's hot y'all. HOT.

The aid stations were plentiful stocked up with drinks and plenty of volunteers.

The photographers were only at the finish line I believe. If they were on the course, I didn't see them at all. I got a photo with my husband at the end and I didn't see it on the photographer's website, so that was a bummer.

Upon crossing the finish line, runners received their medal and the finish line festival/race expo area was small with some light snacks: fruit, Girl Scout cookies (of course!), water, and some other light refreshments.

They did make some upgrades from last year:

- The race was chip timed this year, which was nice as last year it was a self-report system.
- They offered a Samoa Challenge (run the 5K & the 1-mile course)
- What I found interesting about this was that you received the same medal for running both races this year. Last year there were 2 different medals for the 1-miler and the 5K. So you would have two of the same medal.
- Each registered Girl Scout that ran this race got a patch this year. That sure made my daughter's little heart happy.

This is a great race that benefits a great cause that I am always happy to support. I look forward to being out there next year with the Girl Scouts.