This was my first year running Hood to Coast; I was a member of Team Knockaround (a sponsor for the race)! We had an amazing time. I was Runner 9 and enjoyed all of my legs, although my leg at 2 am was so dusty I couldn't really see anything. But I could smell the forest and feel the energy and that is all I needed. The energy is amazing and my teammates were the best I could ask for! I thought the race management company did a great job at communicating all of the basic information and anything I couldn't find on the website, my team, or other Facebook groups easily helped me to prepare in terms of what to pack and expect. The exchange stations and volunteers were awesome and I honestly feel like the drivers of the vans have the hardest job out there but they were also amazing. You can't beat the scenery and the energy of this race. I dare you to at least do it once (warning: you are probably going to want to do it more than once)!

This was the return of the Louisville Triple Crown 15K since COVID and so many people were excited to see it return!
I have to say that the expo is super easy to access and the swag (pullover quarter zip) & medals were very nice.
The course setup itself was great- the water stops were well ran, it is flat as a pancake with only a few turns-it is an out and back so lots of cheering on occurring! The downtown portion is scenic while the majority of River Road is not. But, that did not dampen people's spirits!

This is a nice 15K, which Louisville needs more of and I recommend it, especially for those training for spring half and full marathons!

Free photos were a bonus AND the race has a local charity that benefits from proceeds.

I signed up to run this race due to the unique elevation challenge. I couldn't travel to the race this year but it looked like fun and the swag seemed like a great deal.

Pros: It is virtual, so you can run it anywhere, anytime. I used this race as a training run for a different race, so it worked out well for me in terms of my race calendar.

Cons: It is virtual. :) Honestly, I have completed several virtual races. This one did not have much hype or ways to keep me engaged as others did.

Tip: Plan out your race route in advance so you don't fall short on the elevation gain. Requirements: 1,000′ in elevation gain and 10 kilometers

I didn't receive much communication about the race; I think 2 emails. However, the website was easy to navigate when submitting my race results. As for the swag, I did receive my medal, which was of nice quality but did not receive a shirt (that could be because I was short about 82 ft of elevation gain). I doubt I do the virtual again but would like to go in person and would recommend others try the in-person option as it is highly rated.

This was my first year to run the Pistol Ultra. I love everything about the race, especially the race management/support you receive during the race. The volunteers are great and the aid stations are well stocked any time of day.
This year was different as they had to move the start/finish line due to construction but it was still a great race. You can see my reviews of the 50K and 50 miler here as well. I hope to get back soon for the 100 miler.

I ran this race in 2019, however, it was the half marathon distance. I decided to go the 10K route this year at the last minute due to a recent illness and other life circumstances. I was not disappointed. The route is 6.2 on the dot but still contains those rolling hills at the beginning and the end that I remember in the half marathon route. It was a chilly start to the morning, but made for good running weather once you started. Luckily you can stay warm in the mall before you take just steps outside to the start line.
Word of warning! The 10K and 5K start 45 minutes after the Half. All roads in to the mall area are closed. My friend almost did not make it to the start line. Luckily, I had parked in the Florence Plaza across Mall Road and walked over. I do like the convenience of being able to park in the mall lot, but since it was closed off before 7 am, I had a nice little .50 mile warm-up to get to the mall parking lot/start line area.

The race shirt is nice this year-long sleeved! The race management company was kind enough to send out communications that the medals had not yet arrived due to supply issues, however, they would let us know when they were in. They were also kind enough to hand out medals from another year if we wanted to take one of those home.

The finish line area had the same things we know and love at this race, including the ever-popular complimentary Skyline Chili Dog! There was also plenty of bagels, bananas, chocolate milk and such for everyone.

The race felt smaller this year, no doubt due to COVID restrictions. But the atmosphere was still amazing- there were so many people on the course who were veterans or running for veterans! Many wore bibs or shirts with veterans' names on them. I had a list of veterans' names in my pocket. This run was for them. I also enjoyed running the 10K because I was able to watch many of the half marathon runners come in after I finished- very inspirational to see so many carry the American flag across the finish line. I definitely recommend either the half or 10K distance after today.