1. registration and packet pickup-- online and race day registration -- there was some confusion at packet pickup this am -- trying to put the runners numbers in the computer as they picked up their packets and when problems came up the line backed up -- luckily this was a small run so this was not a big problem --
2. Expo -- there was a small expo in the parking lot in connection with the Wa Du Shuda days festival with some runner booths but not many -- may grow if the race gets bigger --
3. Starting line/Parking --- parking is close and there was plenty at this time close --- New Lisbon is a small town -- there are a couple of hotels in town but we stayed at a Hampton Inn in Tomah -- a much larger town about 20 miles away --- no problem getting to the race on time and parking --- starting line was OK and there was chip timing ---
4. Course --- the course was very well marked -- very straight with left turns -- basically a box --- there was one very steep hill about 1/4 mile up then just as steep down the other side --- about 1/2 mile -- this hill was between 7-8 mile --- the rest of the course is severe flat -- the highways were open and there was no shoulder
5. water stops/aid stations --- if there was anything bad here it is -- I have to ding the race management on the aid stations --- the first water station was at 6 miles --- I think a bit far -- but then there were 3 more water stations after that --- No gatorade or other snacks on the course -- no other people out on the course except for the water station folks and the few at a couple of corners -- there were people driving the course to check on us --

Overall this was a good run for a small town and a small run --- all the people we met were very friendly and helpful -- the bulk of the people running seemed to be from out of town. I recommend this run for its flat course and small numbers -- be sure to carry some water if it is a hot day -- you may need more than whats on the course -- but they may increase the water stops also in the years to come

1. pre-race -- packet pickup is race day -- unless you do the 3 day challenge -- then you will get your packet the 1st day -- parking is very near the starting line. Hotels are very close, but I would not say walking distance although I dont know the area very well -- the day of our race there was rain, thunder and LIGHTENING --- the officials delayed the race for 1 hour and 15 min instead of cancelling -- kudos to them -- we had traveled from arkansas to run in minnesota -- we did start in the rain after the lightening stopped
2. starting line / course --- a little crowed at the start with a narrow chute to start out -- but the course opened up fairly quickly -- the course was along a running trail, sidewalk, and a little on streets -- very flat overall -- plenty of aid/water stations -- the course could be marked a little better -- a couple of places were not marked well and I almost went the wrong way --
3. finish line as the starting line -- chip timing, and they gave out the trophies when most of the runners were finished so all would not have to wait around for a long time --

overall I recommend this race and would recommend the complete challenge -- 5K, 10K, and half marathon

1. registration/packet pickup -- online/on-site registration - no race day registration -- packet pick at the outdoor expo -- there is also a farmers market so get some fresh fruit and vegetables -- well organized and easy in and out -- this year there was some construction going on in the area and there should be more parking and easier to get around the area
2. hotels -- we stayed across the river in portland about 3 miles away -- fairfield inn, courtyard, residence inn -- there is also an embassy suites close -- a few other brands in that area -- also close to the portland airport -- still need a car rental --
3. race day / start --- marathon starts at 7am and half at 9am -- did not like that -- would like to see an earlier start for the half but I think I know the reason since both start/finish in the same place -- I've seen this before -- dont like it -- but it is what it is --
4. course -- I starts out with steady inclines -- not really hills but it just continues so I have to upgrade to hilly -- just so some of you runners will not be suprised -- between mile 6 and 8 is probably the worst part of the run with the longest steepest hill -- good water/gatorade stations -- course runs thru town and by the river and thru several parks -- I did see several irate drivers at intersections not wanting to wait on the runners and the volunteers (no police at the interection) doing all they could to keep the runners safe but the drivers just went on thru the intersection --
5. post-race -- good support at the end of the run with water/gatorade/food-- then a beer garden-with food to buy -- also the farmers market --

overall this is well organized and well run, good support -- a good course -- I recomend this run -- it is a gem of a run

Overall this was a good race --
1. prerace/Expo -- packet pickup was at a local hotel -- and there was race day registration and packet pick up --- NO EXPO ---
2. Race day/ start -- easy to find with GPS from the hotel or with map from packet pickup --- plenty of parking --- started on time -- fast downhill start
3. course --- basically flat --- oh sure there were some gentle up hill/down hill areas but nothing I would call a big hills -- the bad thing about the course was that it was very twisty and had many turns several 180 degree twists -- several places to take a wrong turn -- they tried to have people out on the course but missed a few places -- lots of water stations with water/gatorade -- probably the steepest up/down hill is at the start --- the finish is up the hill where you started down hill out of the football stadium parking lot
4. postrace -- there was music / some fruit / water at the finish line --
Overall this was a small well run race put on by a local organization -- they do a good job -- its cheap and if you live close or are traveling in the area it is worth running --- Dont forget to visit the OSU campus and Eskimo Joe's --

1. registration / packet pickup -- registration online and at the site with race day registration -- packet pickup at a running store so if you need some supplies, clothes, shoes, etc -- but no real expo. there is a small race day expo at the site -- some exhitors, food, drinks -- bring money (some free) -- seemed to be plenty of parking this year -- more people will need more parking
2. Hotels -- embassy, fairfield inn, courtyard, residence inn and a few others fairly close but still a car rental unless you know people in the area.
3. course -- the start is a little crowded esp if the run gets bigger -- the first 3 miles goes by the country club -- out and back to the start -- the road gets a little tight in one area -- with runners coming and going -- then you run along the river straight out and back for the rest of the run - no twist or turns -- the water stations have water/gatorade -- the course is flat, --
overall this is a good run -- well organized -- in talking with runners from the area this course is used for other runs and is liked -- airport on one side and river on the other side is your scenery -- on a clear day you might see Mt Hood / Mt St Helens in the distance --