Race organizers offered several packet pick up options. I had to drive to City Center to pick up my packet, which wasn’t so bad as I was heading in that direction anyway (I’m really glad I did not wait until race day). Pick up at Lifetime Fitness was fast and easy, but navigating the traffic and parking at City Center was bordering on nightmarish. Also, when I picked up my packet they didn’t have enough of the bonus shirts in the size I requested so the volunteer took my bib number and said a shirt would be mailed to me.

Race day traffic was horrible! This area gets really congested on a regular day, and with the race blocking off streets, traffic was ridiculous. Luckily I was not driving myself so I was dropped off near the race start. And it’s a good thing too because I arrived during the national anthem. I didn’t have time to warm up save for a few high knees and butt kicks.

I did this race last year so I knew what to expect of the course. The course goes through mixed commercial and residential area. It’s not scenic, but it’s flat and fast. I started at the back of the pack, and it was a bit congested for the first mile or two. I had a hard time getting around people because we only had one lane. Eventually I was able to break free and get into a good rhythm. And, I was able to finish before it got too dark.

After the race I stuck around for the after party. And for the third year, it was better organized. My suggestion would be to have visible volunteers guiding you to the different lines. The post race bubbly was fine, and the food offered—Greek yogurt, veggie wrap, and watermelon—was pretty good. The food line was long, but moved quickly. The wine line was a different story. I grabbed both drinks at the same time because the line was so long and slow moving and I did not want to get stuck in it again. Turns out I didn’t have to stand in line because there were two bubbly stations, but the second one wasn’t as visible.

Overall, I had a great race (PR!) and a fun time. Even so, I’m not sure I would do this race a third time.

I've only run a few of 5k & 10k trail runs, but since I started running half road races, I knew I wanted to try a longer trail run. When I got the chance to race a half in the Texas hill country for free (my entry was comped by Trail Toes), I jumped on it. My trail runs have been mostly flat and not very technical, so this would prove to be quite an experience.

Backcountry at Government Canyon was a great first trail half because it had a good mix of technical trail and flat dirt trail. It was hilly through the first two aid stations, then changed to flatter terrain to the end. The scenery was amazing throughout, which made the miles go by quickly. At one point I was running by myself for about two miles and I felt a little lost, but the trail was clearly marked.

The start was staggered, individual to prevent crowding on the at times narrow trail. There were four races going on at the same time: 5k, 10k, half, and 25k. The post-race food was simple, but sufficient and appreciated. The shirt was a nice technical tee, and the finisher's medal was nice too. Packet pickup was smooth, and communication from the race director was spot on.

Overall I had a great time, and I will definitely be back next year for another run, perhaps the 25k.

I am a big fan of the Texas 10 series. Why? Because it is the most well organized series, and the Katy event was no exception. From packet pickup (available on race day) to post-race food, this event went on without a hitch. The course was flat and uneventful. There's not much to look at running around a giant square twice, but this course allowed me to best my 10-mile time by 2.5 minutes. The best part of this race, and the series, is if you get in early enough, you can get in for $10! That includes swag--a tech t-shirt and choice of cap or visor. The post-race food is the best I've come across so far: bananas, bars and breakfast tacos. And the Katy finisher's medal is by far the largest and coolest medal I've ever earned. Other pluses: free race photo (1), water station at every mile, cash giveaway at the end.