This race is definitely a hometown favorite! I usually sit all the way in the back because before the end of the first mile is a gigantic uphill climb that just gasses me. But you have to conserve for it. But the nice thing is once you get to the top of the hill, there is a flat part and you can see the other runners at the turnaround. I gave tons of high fives to my family and friends who were ahead of me. (Whatever, I run my own race!) Then the best part after the turnaround is seeing the 2-mile mark and heading back down that hill and into the gorgeous park! Verona Park is super scenic and a great way to finish the race. Right at the end of the race was water, bananas, bagels and cheering fans! Everyone stayed until the last runner passed the finish line! No I wasn't last. Lot of injuries for the 2017 race and one heart attack. Kudos to the Verona Rescue squad bringing the man back to life and helping everyone immediately on the course. Definitely making this an annual race. I love the hill challenge in this!

I also need to mention my husband and daughter ran this race too! My daughter ran with her best friend and my husband for the one-mile fun run. It was their first race and they had a great time! It was very cute and a nice warm up for my husband! He ran the 5K as well - although much faster than me.

All-in-all a great family race and a beautiful day! We'll be back next year!