I used to live in Milwaukee and was excited to come back to the city for this half. It seems like this race always gets the early June hot/humid weather but the aid stations were plentiful with several misting stations as well as wet towels around mile 8/9. Overall, I really enjoyed the race and would recommend it to others (although I personally wouldn't run it again, but I try not to repeat races unless I absolutely love the race). I really appreciated the women's swag came with a tank top option instead of a t-shirt, and I loved the chocolate milk at the finish line.

Parking was $5 for a reserved spot in a lot closest to the Summerfest gates. It was money well spent to be able to park so close to the start/finish line but if you didn't do that, there were plenty of parking options around the start line for $5-10 day of, with just a little more of a walk. You had to be parked in the lots by 6am (race started at 7am), so I got there at 5:30 myself to avoid any lines. I'm not sure if they enforced the 6am cut-off, but I was disappointed because I was told you had to check you bag immediately before going through the Summerfest gates (where the race starts and where there are bathrooms, among other important things). I was not ready to check my bag so early but I wanted to get through the security gates. There might have been some miscommunication between the security staff because it looked like some people were able to bring their bags through, and could leave the Summefrest grounds to do bag check. Also, my security line questioned whether I could bring in a bottle of water through the gates (because you normally wouldn't be able to since this is a festival grounds), but I was in line for a race, not a festival. In no way does this deter my overall recommendation for the half. Nicely organized, although not many spectators on the course.

This is the second Ragnar I have done and I am not disappointed. This relay race is so organized and I am extremely impressed with the details in events that occur before (start-line), during (s'mores, camping, high school to shower at), and after the race (post race party). The elevation of this course can be a little challenging, especially if the weather is hot, hot, hot, like it usually is in the midwest during August but the scenery is amazing/gorgeous/really cool. Pizza at the post-race party is definitely something to look forward to throughout the race, and other swag includes a nice finisher medal that doubles as a bottle opener, as well as a nice t-shirt.

This is a marathon I would definitely run again (if I lived closer). The spectators were awesome with different parts of the town coming out to cheer. This marathon was a nice mix of quiet scenery running along a river, but also took you through downtown Richmond and some college town areas. The race swag was the best I ever experienced - with a technical long sleeve, reusable bag, AND a great fleece blanket. I can't speak much of the parking as I was out of town and a family friend dropped me off at the start. The expo was a good size and parking for that event was easy. I would definitely recommend this marathon.