Latest reviews by Tia Hedenland
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
There is no Expo. Tshirt/bib pick-up is located at The Running Room in St. Paul. There is also a mail-out option for an additional charge. Shirts are always great quality. This years shirt was longsleeve and maroon in color.
If you are a MN Gopher fan this race is for you! The course is great. Challeging in some spots as there are a few decent hills but overall this course is middle of the pack in terms of difficulty. Finish line is right on the field inside TCF Bank Stadium, which is pretty fantastic!
Always a well run race. The start line was moved to a different spot this year which allowed for easier access to front and was better organized. And well because this is MN and the weather is unpredictable, at race start this year it was a bitter 15degrees. Organizers did a great job communicating with participnts and providing options before the race to wait inside to stay warm.
The atmosphere is super fun, Goldy will race right along with you. And the spectators at the last mile and surrounding the stadium before you enter is truly great. They all root for you to push through to finish! Its such a fun morning!
The medals are always nice quality and unique style as well!
Parking Suggestion: Plenty of options availale right at or near TCF Bank Stadium. But plan for extra time to park as its always congested and the earlier you park the better.
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
If you are looking for a fun race before immersing yourself in all of St. Paul’s St. Patricks Day festivities then this is the race for you!
I chose the free mail-out option for my bib. Bib/finisher jacket arrived quickly. The 1/4 zip jacket was really nice. They offered multiple options to choose from (sweatshirt, jacket etc.) plus additional items to purchase at extra charge as well (hat, pint glasses etc.)
Parking was not ideal. For one, St. Patricks Day in St. Paul is a bit of a disaster in terms if parking anyway but then you fight tons of race participants for remaining parking spots near stadium that arent blocked off for race/parade. You can find parking. But plan for extra time for sure.
No port-a-potty’s at start line. Access ro stadium bathrooms is a major plus!
The course is your typical St. Paul course where most run along Shepard Rd. Its predictable and not a very challenging course. You start and finish at CHS Field which is great. The distances offered match the “theme” if you will for the festivities for St. Paddy’s Day.
As you met up with 7k runners at the turn around it became very packed. Maneuvering through the walkers was a bit difficult.
Overall its a fun race! Participants of all running abilities venture out in fun costumes ready to run before sharing a pint!