This was my first time running this race, and I knew I was in for a good time!

Pre-race communication is fantastic, I was fully in the know. Packet pickup is held on Friday at Cardinals Stadium. Note, if you don't have a car and are staying downtown, it's a bit tricky to get to. In addition to picking up your bib and shirt,you also get the Bourbon Bash wristband, your ticket to post race fun! There were free flowing bourbon samples on hand, plus an area where you could pick up last minute items like gels, water bottles, etc. They also offer VIP packet pickup, conveniently located at 4th street live, near all the hotels. It's an intimate experience and well worth the extra price.

The start line is located right by 4th street live, where it finishes. They have a bugler on hand to kick things off. It's a smaller race, just 3,500 people, so there are no corrals, it is a mass start.

The course is overall flat and fast. It goes through the downtown Louisville area, along the waterfront, and then through Cherokee Park which is where the only hilly section is. It's a nice change of scenery with all the foliage to look at. There were plenty of water stations along the way.

As soon as you cross the finish line and collect the cool spinner medal, you enter the Bourbon Bash. More bourbon samples, the incredible Louisville Crashers were putting on an energetic and captivating performance. You could also pick up a cup of warm Kentucky Burgoo (stew), pizza and local beer.

Overall, the race is a ton of fun, and the race management is fantastic. I highly recommend this race as a fun weekend getaway!