I selected this run because Kansas City is close for several family members and we were going to make it a girls weekend. Registration for this race opened a little later than usualy this year because they changed the location of the run. It is no longer in Overland Park. They moved the event to the downtown area. The old location was more convenient for us, but some of us registered anyway.

The expo was held the day before the run. They had blocked off an entire street block and had tents outside. Getting to the expo was a little tough because of the narrow streets and all of the traffic in the area, even on a weekend. We finally found some parking and made it to the expo. There were not a lot of vendors there but we checked things out.

The next morning we were back for the run. It started in the same area as the expo. I was surprised there were no vendors there before the run. We needed some GU or a banana or something and there was nothing.

Once on the route, I was really surprised by the number of up and downs we had to do. It did not feel like that was represented in the elevation of the race. We were up a hill then down then back up another hill. The route went through some streets and some parks. There had to be a better way to get through the area without all of those hills. We are experienced runners and this route took 30+ minutes off of our time because of the terrain.

I also was not impressed with the shirts. They were a nice material and the design was not bad. But they were women's cut. I know this is a women's run, but please give people a chance to order women's or men's cut. A woman's cut shirt does not fit me well but I had no choice. The shirt is going to the Goodwill because I will not be able to wear it. And the medals the size of my head was a little overkill. I would rather pay less or have more swag than have a giant medal.

I had never been in Oregon before so I decided to do the Eugene half marathon and see Oregon at the same time. My first stop was Portland. What a great city. Then, instead of taking the interstate to Eugene, I took the back roads and enjoyed the Oregon countryside. That was a great part of my adventure and I would recommend that to everyone.

Once in Eugene, it did not disappoint. I had BBQ for lunch, then explored the city. When you go, check out Pre’s Rock. It is moving and the neighborhood is gorgeous. Dinner was at Beppe’s Gianni’s Trattoria. This place is amazing. The pasta is to die for. Get there an hour before they open. They don’t take reservations and it is first come, first served. This is the place to go for your pre-run dinner.

The run was so well organized. My hat’s off to the run organizers. They changed the course this year because of the construction of the new track facility. The run started at the U of Oregon and rambled through town. The run was well marked and there were a lot of water stations. They just need trash bags/boxes at the aid stations. There were too many cups and water on the ground which made it slippery. The route took us through campus and past the track facility twice that is under construction. I am not a U of Oregon fan per se, but this is like the Mecca for runners and it was inspirational to run past. The finish was on the 50 yard line fo the football field. It was amazing running through the tunnel and out onto the field. They made the experience special for the runners.

There is plenty of parking around town and they provide free busses too and from the start/finish area. This was the way to go although being at the football stadium this year, there was plenty of parking there. I’m not sure if that is the case for the original route.

This is a well organized and well run operation. If you get a chance, you should do it at least once.

This was my first time running any distance for the Colfax Marathon weekend and it was a pretty good experience. The t-shirts are always cool. I see people wearing them around town which prompted me to sign up for the run.

Scenery - it was ok. I was on the relay team running down Colfax. There is not much to see there.

Expo - There were a lot of vendors and a lot of swag. It was like a maze and you had to go from start to finish. I went to get my t-shirt from the other side and was not allowed to go backwards. I understand the reason behind that, but I had to walk through the expo, exit, walk around the stadium outside, then come back in and start through the expo a second time to get back to the point I needed to be. That was SUPER annoying.

The other ‘complaint’ was the food at the end of the run. I was on the relay so at the point I handed off the baton, there was limited selection of food. The marathon, final leg of the relay, half marathon, and 10 mile run all ended in City Park. There was sandwiches, fruit, ice cream, and on and on at that point. I did not have access to this area so I could not have any of the goodies at the finish. I got on dry bagel. :-( There needs to be a way to let the team members go through the finish to get some of the treats.

It was an overall pretty good experience and I would do another run, although I am not sure what distance. All I know is that I am going to finish at City Park so I can partake in the goodies.