I've ran this race for several years and it is consistently enjoyable! This is a smaller race and they cap the racers to around 3,000. Most years this race sells in September and the event is in November. When you arrive at the event, parking is easy to find. Usually everyone parks in fields or street parking close to the event.

The race goes through the town of Lake Mills, where a lot of the town comes out to cheer the runners on. It then winds around the Aztalan park and the lake. The last portion takes you on the Glacial Drumlin Trail, which is crushed gravel. The coarse has about 5 aid stations, which is adequate since it is usually a colder race. There is also an "unofficial" beer stop at mile 5, which I look forward to every year.

This is not a race to try an PR, because of the hills and the trail for most of the race. However, if you want a fun group run then this is the race for you. The post race party is top notch. Even with the low price of the race, you still receive a full lasagna dinner and 2 Tyranena beers! Most of the time, you find people not wanting their beer tickets, and get a few extra. The post-race is in a huge tent with tables and chairs set up. It can get a little full in the tent, but it's a fun way to meet new people and keep warm.

The swag is usually pretty good as well. The t-shirts are always really nice. All half marathoners get a medal which is nothing too special, but still a medal. This year RunningintheUSA.com took pictures at the 7 mile mark, otherwise there aren't any other pictures. Personally, this is fine with me, because of the low cost of the race.

Pros: low cost, fun post-party, great beer, beautiful course
Cons: few aid stations, low quality medal

I would recommend this race to everyone. In fact, I'm getting a big group together to run it next year! Come join me!