This is my fourth time running in the Urban Bourbon. Pre-race communication was timely and packet pick-up was easy. The Race Expo was fairly barren, but the race organizers say this is done purposely to focus on the bourbon experience. Still, it would be nice to see a few more local running stores or running-related charities at the expo.

Getting into the race corral was very difficult this year–I ended up at the back of the pack after being unable to get into the corral any other way than through the gates at the very back. That was frustrating and probably added some minutes to my overall time. The course itself was much the same as years past, taking runners around the city to enjoy some of the fall foliage, period architecture, and the rolling hills through Cherokee Park. There ARE several hilly sections on the course, but they are largely manageable if you’ve run any hills during any of your training.

Plenty of food and hydration was available after the race, and the volunteers were very helpful! The medal was pretty standard this year, very similar to the medal two years ago, but still nice. The after-party in 4th Street Live was a blast—loved the bourbon, loved the burgoo, loved the Louisville Crashers! All in all, this is a great local race, and I’m already looking forward to next year!