I have run the UBHM previously, but this was my first year running on the new course. Thanks to COVID, there were changes to the racecourse and swag in 2021.

Changes I did not prefer: A UBHM buff in our swag bag instead of the customary t-shirt we've all grown to love and a new course (thanks COVID). The course normally runs through many parts of downtown Louisville as well as beautiful, hilly Cherokee Park. This year the course took us out of downtown Louisville over the Big 4 Bridge into Southern Indiana and back.
Warning: the last 3 miles of this race were fairly challenging - you were taken along a narrow, bumpy paved trail, as well as several 90 degree turns on the waterfront. I was guiding a blind runner, which made these last 3 miles even more challenging!

Things I loved about this race: The packet pick-up (free parking and free bourbon samples), easy access to the start line on Main Street the morning of, the water/aid stations were amazing and the finish line after party was wonderful --with pizza, burgoo, beer, bourbon and live music. Bonus: this race provides amazing race photos for free!

This race is a fall favorite in Louisville! Many of my friends came into town to race and see the city. I love this part the most about this race-it's just a very relaxing and fun, festive atmosphere.

Even though this race turned virtual, it was still a very special experience.

The race management company had great communication! They kept us up to date on all changes and updates to the race via email and social media. I never had to wonder "what is next"?

I decided to run the virtual half marathon in Louisville on a scenic but not-so-shady route on June 12, 2021. It was the first really hot weekend we have had here this summer. This didn't help my pace, but with the help of friends I still finished in a good pace despite the heat.

Probably the most special part of this race was the Runner's Box that all finisher's received. This allowed a little part of Missoula to come to me! The Runner's Box included a finisher's shirt, sticker and beautiful medal. Also, some items specific to the Missoula area were included like huckleberry taffy, local coffee and an arm band to remember the late race director, Tony Banovich. With all of these special touches, it makes me excited to race this in person in the future!

I was fortunate to hear about this event when I started following Native Women Running on social media. The event was created to show support/solidarity for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, 2-Spirits, and their families. Bringing awareness to the fact that the CDC has reported for Native American women; murder is the third leading cause of death was enough of a reason for me to sign up for the race.
Although it was a virtual event, here are some of the things I loved about this race:
- I feel I learned so much and was able to help share statistics about MMIW as well as share stories from their families.
-I was followed and supported on social media by race organizers.
-Prior to the virtual race, I received a soft, red event t-shirt in the mail as part of my registration. Red is the color used to represent the MMIW mission.
-You could sign up with a team to support one another in the event efforts. I signed up with several BibRave Pros to run this event.

On the morning of the race, I decided to run 10 miles to highlight the fact that native women are murdered at 10 times the national rate. I was able to also share a video before my run along with some others on my team to help spread awareness and support the virtual event.

I highly recommend this event. This year the event raised over $3000 that will go to MMIW USA -- the mission of MMIW USA is to bring home our missing women, girls, two-spirits, and relatives, as well as help the families of murdered relatives cope and support them through their grieving process. They provide guidance and hands-on support. I highly recommend supporting this event!