2020 has been a tough year for race directors, but first time race organizers Run.Windsor did an excellent job launching this race during a global pandemic.

Because of restrictions from COVID-19, there wasn't a traditional expo but the race directors did have an in-person packet pick-up at a local affiliated gym. There, runners received a mug, fliers for sponsor businesses, and a neck gaiter. Shirts were available for an additional cost.

To keep socially distanced, racers chose their preferred start time in a 25-person wave. I started my race in the fourth wave. There were 300 runners split between the half marathon and the heavy 10k (~7 mile race) and the wave starts meant that most runners were able to keep distance on the course itself.

This race was launched in my hometown, so I was very familiar with the course ahead of time. We started at a park and ran on a paved bike trail until around mile 2 when we were running on the shoulder of a pretty steep hill (400+ elevation gain in about a mile). You're quickly moved off the road to a sidewalk for a few more miles until you reach a small trail system around mile 6. The next mile or so was on a dirt trail with a lot of rolling hills. The path is not technical, though, so road runners shouldn't feel intimidated. After the trail loop, you circle back to the sidewalks to get back to a county road where you get to reap the reward of climbing a hill earlier in the race. Mile 10 is a fast downhill on the shoulder of the road before you are spit back onto the Poudre River Trail System for the last 5k.

The race offered aid stations every 2-3 miles or so, but I didn't take advantage of them. With COVID-19 in mind, I chose to wear a hydration pack and carry my own fuel. I believe the aid stations offered water, some electrolyte option, and honey stingers. There were a few people spectating the race, which was a nice surprise, but for most of the race there isn't a big spectator presence.

The race gave free race photos which is a really nice touch for such a small race. The finish line was also celebratory with a DJ calling out runners' names as they finished, a few vendor tents, and free canned beer from a local brewery. Finishers received a beautifully designed medal to mark their achievement.

For runners in Northern Colorado, this race is a great option if you want a challenging and well-organized race in fall. It's everything good about a small town race with a few special touches. I'm excited to see how this race expands once we are no longer in the middle of a pandemic. Massive kudos to the race directors for being able to put on a safe, in-person race during such challenging times.