Charlevoix and the entire surrounding area is absolutely beautiful. The race itself is a fairly small, yet well-done event. I estimate this year it had around 800-1,000 participants combined between all distances (5k, 10k, half, full), maybe less. Packet pickup was a complete breeze, walked up directly to the staff, no waiting in line. Swag was the bib and a nice tech shirt. Parking was also ultra easy, both on packet pickup and on race day, with all sorts of easy options on the street blocks around the event. The weather was perfect for racing, with temps in the high 40s, low 50s at the start and maybe just a few degrees warmer a couple of hours later, with sunny skies and relatively low humidity. Out and back, rolling hills course. None of the hills have an extreme grade or incline, but there are a couple which are long and sustained. Plenty of trees and shade with some sections fully exposed to the sun. There is a long segment, maybe around a mile long, that runs on a wooden deck path. Tons of hydration/aid stations, and very few pockets of expectators here and there along the way. Post-race is a small event also, with an easily accessible tent full of all sorts of snacks, fruit, protein bars, and water. Plenty of open, roomy areas to stretch and relax afterwards. Huge, nicely designed finishers' medal. Overall, a well-produced event. If you are looking for a low-stress, low-key, getaway race to connect with nature and explore the northern Michigan area, this is the one for you.

Positives:
Scenery - Enjoyed the views in the majority of this point-to-point course, in particular the segments that are adjacent to the beach and crossing various marshes. Felt the connection with nature during those blocks and it made me happy and thankful to be out there.
Swag - The zip-up hoodie we received for running the half is as good as advertised; it is a neat, clean looking design that can double up as winter running gear, for warm-ups, or just to kick-back and hang out. I’m sure that I’ll get tons of use out of it in the future. The medal and ribbon design are distinctive and look great as well.
Communication - We received several emails in the weeks leading up to the race with general information and details about the race.
Food - There was plenty of post-race food to be had and easily accessible in open tents adjacent to the finish line. There was plenty of fruit and an assortment of nuts and snacks, ice cream, beer, and pizza. I had a slice of pizza and the ice cream and they were both excellent.
Adjustment/Response to issues - While there was a major issue with the availability of parking at the designated locations, the organizers responded accordingly by extending the availability of shuttle buses to the start area and delaying the start time of the race by approximately 45 minutes.

Areas Which Need Improvement:
Logistics/planning - I am not sure whether the race organizers were simply not expecting for there to be as many participants as there were, but the race morning logistics for parking definitely did not go as planned. The directions from organizers were for half marathon runners to either park or be dropped off at the local junior high school. However, when we arrived in town, the line of cars to access that parking lot stretched approximately 1.5 miles and was moving extremely slow. So much so that it took us more than a half hour just to get to the parking lot, past the time in which the last shuttle was supposed to leave for the start line. The first thing we noticed was that the line of runners waiting to load shuttle buses was extremely long; there were a few hundred in the queue. A policeman then informed us that the parking lot was full, and that we would now have to park at the high school lot which was some distance away. He was also the one who informed us that the race start had been pushed back to the parking issue as well as the departure of the last shuttle bus. So we then drove to the high school, parked there, and followed other runners who knew of a shortcut path back to the shuttle bus location at the junior high. Something clearly has to change going forward with those race day parking logistics, because they definitely did not work well this year.
Distance from last mile marker to finish line. There were 3 of us in our group, and for the first 12 miles, our watches were all marking us at about 0.1 off against each mile marked on the course, and that is fine–no one expects the watches to be a perfect match with the mile markers. But, if at the race marker/sign for mile 12, your watch still marks the same difference of 0.1 and says you are at 12.1, it would be logical to expect for the finish line for a half marathon to be at your watch's 13.2 or so. But no, the finish line was nowhere in sight at 13.2 and it wasn’t until nearly a quarter of a mile later when we finally crossed the line at 13.42.
Checked gear bags at finish line - After we crossed the finish line, one of the first things I went to do was to grab my checked gear to change my shirt and grab my jacket. I was informed at the information tent that the checked gear bags had not arrived yet and therefore were not available. It is a bit puzzling to me how a set of gear bags cannot be transported from one point to another just a few miles away and not be available more than 2 hours later. Since I still had to grab food and refreshments, etc. I was okay with waiting a bit longer for the checked gear to arrive, but there was a participant who had run the 5k and had already been waiting for more than an hour for her checked gear to arrive and was understandably very frustrated with that delay.
Course elevation description - The race website describes the half marathon as “The entire course sits just above sea level with no significant hills.” Personally, I don’t feel that is an accurate description, and neither does my Garmin/Strava stats and graphs. Are there a TON of hills? No. But there are some for sure and there are 3 of them that are long and significant and clearly stick out on the graphs. A better, more accurate description would be: “A mostly flat course with some (or three) long hills at miles 5, 8, and 12.” I would rather be provided an accurate course description so that I can prepare and plan accordingly than deal with something that is more of a surprise on race day.
Hydration stations: While the volunteers were friendly and helpful, there were at least two hydration stations where things were not going smooth---runners had to wait in line while water cups were being filled because there weren't any ready to be handed out at that moment.
Race results not posted online in a timely manner: As of this moment, 48 hours after the race, the results have not been posted online. I am not concerned about mine in particular because I wasn't attempting a particular personal time at this race, but nevertheless want to see the results because I was pacing another runner in our group and I'm also quite curious to find out how many runners participated in each distance in the event etc to see if it matches my estimates based on the runner crowds we saw on race day.

Overall, even though I enjoyed the course scenery and really like the swag, I am not sure I would sign up for this race again unless I hear that the logistics issues with the parking have been resolved in the future.

Ran this fun (untimed) 5k this past weekend along with fellow BibRave Pro Cynthia. It was part of a series of 5k events held in several cities around the country with the central theme being the DC Superheroes of Wonderwoman, Superman, and Batman. As a participant, you get to choose the swag you get from one of those 3 superheroes you'd prefer. The swag is a technical short-sleeve shirt, a medal, and a set of wristbands.

The race was held inside the park at Six Flags Over Texas in San Antonio. Packet pickup was also there on race morning (Sunday), so we arrived about 45 minutes prior to start time. It was super easy to park, and the tents with the bibs and packets were directly adjacent to the parking lot and easy to find. There was no line when we got there, so we got our packets immediately and headed back to the car to stay warm for a bit. We were dealing with unseasonably lower temps for us in the low 30s, still had some time before the start, and the start line was just a few steps away.

Once we got to the start line and did our pre-run warmups, organizers called any participants who had dressed up with superhero costumes to go up on the stage for a costume contest. I estimate that approximately 60-70% of participants were wearing a superhero costume and many of them went up on the stage for the contest. It was both fun and interesting to see all the different variations of superhero costumes.

Almost immediately after the contest ended, we lined up at the start line and started the 5k. After circling the parking lot, the course entered the park and went around it following its outer boundaries. It was all pretty neat and entertaining to me; I had never been inside of it before. At some point after mile 2, the course went left and started going up on a pretty steep hill incline that went on for a bit. It was then when I got confused by the course markings (orange cones and an arrow on the ground pointing left), where I followed the arrow and turned around. I suspected something was wrong a few minutes later when I reached the finish line much earlier than I expected at about the 2.5 mile point. I learned afterwards that at the point where I followed that arrow, I was supposed to keep going straight and up the next hill for about another 1/4 mile and then turnaround. At the finish line, there were plenty of cheering volunteers handing out the medals and congratulating all the finishers, several neat banners and props with the superheroes theme for fun photo opps, and post-race refreshments were bananas, granola bars, other assorted snacks, and water.

With the exception of getting confused and not following the complete course correctly, I enjoyed this event and got a kick out of watching all the people who dressed up in costumes. Now I kind of wish I had done that as well!

After having run this race in-person back in 2019 and virtually in 2020-2021 due to COVID pandemic measures, it was a great to be able to return to Missoula this year to participate in the weekend events for the marathon. Not only was I looking forward to experience once again the scenery, course, hospitality, and overall atmosphere that the entire weekend offers, but this time I was also bringing my wife and son with me to share in the adventure. We drove to Missoula from our home in Texas and made this event a big part of our summer vacation trip.

Beer Run/Packet Pick-Up/Expo
Soon after checking into the AirBnB we rented for the weekend, we headed to Caras Park in downtown Missoula to participate in the first of the Big 3 marathon weekend events, the Beer Run. It is a 3.1 mile social/fun run around Missoula, with a course that crosses the Clark Fork River and then tours runners through a nice route along the University of Montana campus.

I took turns with my wife pushing my son's stroller as we jogged/walked the course before finishing and returning to Caras Park, where we joined the party and live entertainment, which included free beer for all finishers over 21, compliments of Big Sky Brewing Company. After enjoying a beer, we moved to the section of Caras Park that has a large, covered pavilion area for the Packet Pick-Up and Expo. There were tables there organized by last name of participants and well-staffed with volunteers who helped us get our race bibs easily and quickly. We then went to the adjacent set of tables and picked up our participant shirts for both the 5K on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday. I loved their design and know that I'll be using them plenty in the future; they are both welcome additions to my collection.

There was plenty of race personnel on hand at the Expo; very friendly and helpful to answer any questions we had, such as specifics on the logistics for race morning, etc. I was also able to check out some of the merchandise being sold by vendors and liked most of it; had a hard time not buying everything in sight!

Tony Banovich 5k on Saturday morning
On Saturday morning we arrived at Caras Park at around 7:30am for the 8:00am Tony Banovich 5k. We easily found an available spot at the Caras Park parking lot and easily walk less than 5 minutes to the staring area. Just as we did Friday evening during the Beer Run, my wife and I took turns pushing our toddler in his stroller through the enjoyable course which runs along a nearby neighborhood, the University of Montana campus, and the trails along the Clark Fork River. It was an absolutely gorgeous and sunny morning to be outdoors and taking in the Missoula surroundings. There were many people like us who were making this a fun activity for the entire family to participate.

Farmer's market and afternoon BibRave Pros meetup
After finishing the 5k, we headed back to the Farmer's Market adjacent to Caras Park to eat breakfast and check out all that the local vendors had to offer. There was a great variety of food choices available and it was tough to decide. Everything we had was delicious and at reasonable prices. Our son also had a blast at the giant Castle playground there for over an hour, once again proving how this is truly a family-friendly event in so many ways.

Race Morning/Course/Support
The half marathon course is point-to-point, starting at an area with no parking available for participants or spectators, so the race provides buses that shuttle runners to the start. Bus loading times were from 4:15 a.m. to 5:15 a.m. at the Adams Center in the University of Montana campus. I was able to ride there with our AirBnB host who was also running the half marathon and was driving there with her friend. We boarded our bus at the Adams Center, at approximately 4:50 a.m. and arrived at the start shortly after 5:00 a.m.

Once at the starting area, I had plenty of time to go through my warmup routine, change to my race gear, and drop my gear bag at the trucks that collect them and take them back to the finish line.

The starting area was quite spacious to stretch and warm-up and had plenty of port-a-potties where I didn't notice very long lines on them at any one point.

The weather was perfect for racing at our 6:00 a.m. start, with temps in the low 50s with very little wind. It was all quite memorable with fireworks and a cannon blast, and we were off racing immediately after that. The course is mostly fairly flat or downhill, with the exception of a few gentle inclines over the last 5 miles or so. It is very runner-friendly and conducive to some fast times. Without making it my goal or stressing about it, I was able to beat my mark from my first time there 3 years ago by about a minute and a half: (2019-1:58:10 versus today-1:56:37). I was able to accomplish that by starting out nice and easy, not even checking my watch for pace and simply relying on perceived effort. Following that I was able to get into a good rhythm and zone by the middle miles and finish strong over the last 3-4. I truly had an enjoyable race from beginning to end. I felt that the support on course was outstanding with plenty of helpful and cheerful volunteers at the aid stations. Even though I was carrying my own hydration and nutrition, it appeared to me that the support tables were all well-stocked with both water and electrolyte drink (Powerade) as well as energy gels in some of the later miles of the race.

Finish Line/Medal/Food
The finish line had plenty of volunteers handing out medals. There were large metal tubs on one of the sides full of ice and soda, water, and Powerade. After picking up my gear bag nearby, I headed to the adjacent Caras Park to stretch, take in my Hüma recovery smoothie, and enjoy the post-race festivities. There was plenty of room to find a spot, be comfortable, and relax. Before heading out, I went by an area where race photographers were taking pictures of finishers with their medals against a banner backdrop. This and all the other pictures taken by race photographers are included free with race registration, something which is an OUTSTANDING benefit that not many races do.

Conclusion
I feel this is a unique, high-quality race that is definitely worthy of its reputation. It is extremely well organized with easy-to-follow processes and systems that efficiently accommodate thousands of participants, but still has a small-town, friendly atmosphere and feeling to it from beginning to end. The town and surrounding areas are FULL of natural beauty just about everywhere you look, so it makes the trip there that much more enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who hasn't had an opportunity to experience it yet.

I had an overall positive experience at the Big Tex Run 5k.

The start and finish lines for this race were located on Randol Mill Rd, directly in front of the Texas Live! Facility in Arlington, Texas. This area is perfect for this type of event, as there is plenty of room to warm-up, stretch, and wait for start time. It was also good for parking, as there is a large lot directly adjacent to it that is quite convenient to use, except if you were needing to leave prior to 10:30 a.m. If you needed to leave before that time, it was better to park in the other lots in the area about 3-4 blocks away walking distance. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to drive out since the streets surrounding the parking lot were closed off for runner safety until that time.

The race started on time as scheduled at 8:30 a.m. I found the course to be comfortable and easy to run on, with wide, ample streets which allowed me to find a straight line quite quickly among the approximate 200 other runners. The course views are also great as the route goes around the Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium as well as the Texas Rangers Globe Life Field. The course markings were also easy to follow and there were some volunteers posted on the few turns it had on it. All of that helped me get into a good rhythm and cadence from early on and all the way to the finish.

After crossing the finish line, I had to leave for my hotel right away because of a work commitment, so I wasn’t able to stay for the post-race party. However, my cousin who ran the 10k shared that they did enjoy the live music and free beer that was provided there and had a good time.

We did experience a few issues that were likely caused by a shortage of volunteers during the event:
- No signs or staff directing participants to the exact spot for packet pickup, as the location indicated on the race website was not correct
- Only one person at a table off to the side from the finish line attending to the handout of medals

That being said, I feel that this is an event with a lot of potential because of the attractiveness and comfort of the facility where it is held as well as because of the course around it. Hopefully the volunteer situation can be resolved next year, and if so, this can definitely be an even better race in the future.