So note on the Swag, they had issues getting the shipment in for it in time, so they are mailing it to everyone so I can't really give you a good review on that. Hopefully I remember to come back and update.

I have to say, this was a great race. The expo was small but still had some shopping to be done, and getting the bib was easy.

The race itself, starts and ends in the Fargo Dome, which was pretty cool and also helped keep everyone warm before the start, as it was pretty cool that morning. Also, bag drop off was right there, so that was really convenient.

The race itself is quite flat, which I love, and takes you through downtown Fargo, and a lot of the local neighborhoods, and the people come out for it. There was tons of music and people out just cheering, lots of great signs, overall I was really impressed with the amount of spectators.

As I said, you end in the Fargo Dome, and there was plenty of food (yummy donuts) and water to drink. You could get a free beer too, but I didn't. Walked right over to get my stuff, again, so convenient and then hug out for a bit.

I really enjoyed this race, and if you are like me and running in all 50 states I would recommend this one for North Dakota. Downtown Fargo is also a great place to hang out before and after and lots of great food options.

*Due to Covid the course this year will not be the course next year, so please remember that*

The race itself takes place at the Canaan Valley Resort, and if you are traveling I suggest you stay there. It is a lovely resort and has everything you need, and you can walk to the start and finish line, so win win.

The race was very hilly and lots of looping back and forth from the start, you mostly ran on the golf course and so you had to stay on the cart path, I was mostly alone, so this wasn't hard. The views are lovely, all they could do for water was bottled water so that made drinking a tad difficult. again, Covid. You basically kind of ran the same course twice to do the half, so it wasn't amazing, but it wasn't terrible and I Understood why. I was really happy to finally run an in person race.

Overall I felt they did a great job putting this on with all the issues in the world. Bib pick up was at the resort, the shirt I got is super nice. I walked out of my room at the resort to the start line in about 5 minutes. And they had us mask up until take off, and they split the race into 2 days so less people were running each day.

With everything going on, they did a really great job, just please next time, make sure the finish line isn't at the top of a steep hill.

I enjoyed this race, even though it was virtual and I am just not a huge fan of the virtual. The race had a great virtual after party where they had live music and gave away great prizes. Hoping next year I can run this in person

Don't have the swag yet, but it looks quite nice and I will update once I have it

When they say NYC knows how to put on a race, they were not kidding. I had such an amazing day running through the streets of NY. I did run this race for Charity, the V Foundation for Cancer research, and I raised enough to get a hotel for 2 nights, so that saved me a good chunk of money. You can still donate, click here https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/teamv2019/daniellefogerty to do so.

This race is pricey and staying in NYC is not cheap, but if you can do it, do it, cause it is so very worth it.

The Expo was very easy to get to via the Subway. We went on Saturday afternoon, got right in, and got my bib quickly and was off to explore the expo. It is very easy to get around and while fairly crowded I didn't have too many issues getting to booths I wanted to see.

Race morning I took the Midtown bus, the lines to get on the bus are very long, but they move quickly, make sure to have your bib on and visable, and make sure you bring the proper bags (the clear ones they give you) seriously, they tell you this 1000 times follow directions please. I will say my only issue with race day was the bus ride, we sat on the Bridge for a good 30 minutes before we could get to the drop off area. Didn't enjoy that. Once I got the race village you have to go through security, so again CLEAR BAGS and have your bib showing (I did have a sweatshirt on over my race shirt, so I just lifted that up to show my number, and that was fine). I sat around, ate my bagel, drank some water and chatted with people. They then announced it was my corrals time to take off, so I got my color and letter area and got into my corral. Just a warning, they do shoot off a cannon when the runners take off, and it will scare the crap out of you.

Running up the first bridge is just awesome, the views, amazing. Running through Brooklyn is just awesome so many people out cheering you one, there were almost no quiet spots, it was so great. Plenty of water stops (they start at mile 3, no water on the bridge) Queens was amazing as well, still people out cheering you on, funny signs. Then at mile 15 you get so the queensboro bridge....DUN DUN DUNNNNNN it's quiet and it's like a long slow uphill I didn't think it was ever going to end. But finally, you go downhill and you are in Manhattan, and on First Ave, and HOLY PEOPLE BATMAN. So so so many people, cheering, music, screaming, dancing, it is so great. I got to my see my BF at around mile 17.5 and that was amazing. You then cross into the Bronx and again, plenty of people out there, cheering you on. Then you go back into Manhattan and start heading for central park. again, so many people. And that is when you need it most. I saw my BF again around mile 24 and after that I was on my way to the Finish line, which was awesome.

After the race I picked the poncho option so after I get my medal and food I headed with the rest of the poncho zombies to get those. And a shout out to the volunteers who not only hand you the poncho then help you put it on. The volunteers through out the race were amazing but I really loved the poncho people.

If you couldn't tell, I loved this race, seriously if you can, go do it