It was a cold, windy morning, but I still got out and ran! I am unsure how packet pick-up process went as my coworkers helped retrieve mine. But they gave more than one day, so that is always nice. Parking was very easy to find, as there are garages and parking lots around each corner since it is a popular downtown area. Portapotties were always in sight before, during, and after the race. Aid stations were frequent and the people's support on the course was great to have. Only disappointment I had was that the course was not very interesting at all. It made the run go by very slowly. Lastly, the medals were nice and matched the long sleeve shirt you received for registering. I would recommend this race to other people!

Another year, another Oktoberfast 5K. Didn't have a ton of fun because my time was poor, but the race and after party were still a great time! Free brats and beer after the race. No congestion on the course, it is a road race, so expect running in neighborhoods. Great competition, flat course, and great community. Not sure how hard it is to find parking since I walk to the race, but there seems to be many parking lots to hold all of the participants and spectators. T-shirts have a nice feel to them, and I enjoy using them as training tops. Great Race!

This was my second time running the Mini in Indianapolis and they just keep raising the bar. I am happy to report that I ran a PR on this fast, flat course.

The entire race is well-managed from start to finish. The course is marked very well, although it is hard to get lost when you're running with 1,000's of other runners. The field of runners is very large, but you are able to move around very easily and you never feel cramped like you can't move anywhere.

There were MULTIPLE aid stations which helped combat any thirst you may feel during the race. I never once encountered a problem with the bathrooms as there are tons of port-o-potties at the start/finish and on the course.

It was not an issue to find parking, but I can see how getting a spot close to the race can turn into an issue if you don't get to the race more than hour before the start.

I loved all of the goodies we got in our registration bag and the T-shirts were well designed. The medals were cool and stuck with the Indy 500 theme, but I wish the "500 Club" medal stuck out much more than it does.

The scenery of the course is not very attractive as you are running through neighborhoods for the majority of the race. Running on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a fun moment especially if you have time to get down and kiss the bricks (Which I highly recommend if you are a race fan!!!). On course entertainment has everything to distract you from the fact you're running a race. There were people offering encouraging words, bands playing music, and even groups trying to get you dancing!

Overall, I would recommend this race to anyone wanting to chase a PR. If you're running to have a good time then that will be accomplished too! A post-race party begins with music blaring, there are volunteers offering post-race snacks, and vendors offering services so that you can recover efficiently!

If you want to read more about my race itself check out my blog post on it here: http://theinvestingrunner.com/indy-mini-marathon/