This is the 2nd year for this race & I have been fortunate (& close enough) to be able to participate both times. The race route starts at the YMCA on the square in Washington & runners go out 6.5 miles on the Kewash Trail, then turn around & return to cross the finish line on the square. The Kewash Trail is flat, shaded, & fast! I got confused around the finish line as directions to it were not clearly marked (& volunteers were sparse). Plenty of refreshments at the end of the race. Free showers to all participants at the YMCA. $50.00 entry fee ($60.00 same day) might be a little steep compared to other other, similar races.

This was nice little race -- Very competitive with a lot of runners from the Quad Cities. They offered at "no shirt" option & age groups were divided into multiples of 5 years (instead of 10 like a lot of smaller races) Awards to the top 3 in each age group. Plenty of water, popsicles, & cookies after the race. Carnival rides & food tents also available as part of the Blue Grass Days Celebration!

The temperature was cold at the beginning & cold at the end but PERFECT for running! Lots of GREAT food at the Expo & at the Finish Line! And if you didn't get enough to eat at the Finish Line, there were plenty more options at the nearby Farmer's Market!

This is the 4th year that I've run this race & I keep coming back because I enjoy the scenery & the challenge of the hills (and if anyone's ever been on Prairie du Chien Road, they know what I'm talking about). I also like the fact that it is a point-to-point race. There is always plenty of parking at the finish line which is College Green Park & one never has to wait long to board a bus to the starting line which is on top of the Coralville Dam. I think that the participation grows a little every year with this year's total right around 300. The post-race party is excellent for a race this size & the awards the last 2 years have been real nice "marble-like" engraved paperweights!