Latest reviews by Heather

(2018)
"Nice 4th of July Race"
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Pros:
Nice, mostly flat, residential race course
Two water stations on the 5k course
Strong volunteer and police presence for safety
Easy online registration
Low cost
Great shirt & medal design!
Plenty of porta-potties available
Family-friendly and part of the town's 4th of July festival & activities

Cons:
Parking is a few blocks away from the packet pickup and start/finish area, which was confusing for a first-time participant; instructions were not clear about this.
I received the wrong size shirt because they had given them away to runners registering that morning, even though I had pre-registered and should have been guaranteed my size.
Race started 15 minutes late because of high number of day-of registrations (over 100).
The last 100 runners did not receive medals because of high number of day-of registrations; these were later mailed, I'm told. (I was not one affected by this)
No salty snacks or electrolytes at the finish line, even though it was HOT.

This was a nice race, but they weren't prepared for the influx of registrations on race morning. While this isn't their fault, they should have made sure that pre-registered runners received their correct swag items, before providing them to those who registered on race day. Also, better information about parking would have been helpful to those who hadn't run the race before and those who aren't familiar with the area. Provided they can fix these few organizational issues, I would do this race again.

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(2018)
"One of my favorites!"
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The Girls on the Run 5k is one of my favorite races all year, because it is a big party to celebrate the end of the 10-week season for Girls on the Run Twin Cities. They hold two 5ks per year, one in the spring (June) and one in the fall (November).

The spring 2018 race was the first time they've held it at the Mall of America. Parking was plentiful, being located in the East Parking Ramp of the mall, and Metro Transit offered free rides to and from the race, which made accessibility easy.

The race village offered packet pickup, hair decorating, a double dutch jump rope challenge, Caribou coffee, a Dream Team of inspirational women, music, and other fun!

The runners are sent out in waves, based on the Girls on the Run location, but those not affiliated with a particular site or girl can go with the first wave. The course is and out-and-back on a closed road that winds through a professional business park.

Post-race snacks included bagels, chips, salted nut rolls, bottled water, and bananas.

This is an awesome, positive party of a race that shouldn't be missed!

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(2018)
"Nice, small race"
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This is a very small (only 44 runners), local race that is organized by a local Boy Scout troop. All aid stations and volunteers are affiliated with the Boy Scout troop, and all proceeds go back to them. Park is very easy, packet pickup only took a moment (bib only, shirts are distributed at the end), it was chip timed, etc.

The course is an open one, with some places having very little for a shoulder in traffic, so this would not be a good course for those who dislike running roads. Hi-viz clothing would be recommended for safety. The course could be confusing at time, as some intersections are not marked or manned with volunteers; however, if one sticks to the public road that stays nearest to the lake, one won't get lost. Course is hilly during the first half, but levels out into the second half, and finishes on a flat.

Overall, I would say this is a good run. I used this as a supported training run for my half marathon and had a nice time. I personally enjoy small races, so I would consider doing this one again.

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(2018)
"I Love Grandma's Weekend"
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I absolutely love Grandma's weekend. This was my first year doing the half (did the full in 2017). Like last year, I loved every minute of it. The organization is top-notch, spectators are awesome, and other runners are friendly. It's a party!

If you're looking for a race that's not just about the miles, but also about the experience, Grandma's is for you!

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(2018)
"A Trail Distance PR!"
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This was the inaugural event for The Willow, which offers both 10 mile and 20 mile distances. Held at Willow River State Park in Hudson, WI, this race offers beautiful views.

The entrance into the park was the only place that could have gone smoother when it comes to this race. Since the park requires a permit, if you do not already have one, there was a bit of a line getting in. I would recommend bringing cash (as I did) for the park fee, if possible, because it helps the line move faster.

Once entrance is admitting, runners follow the winding road deeper into the park until they arrive at the Nature Center. There was ample parking in the Nature Center lot. I was able to grab my race bib and trucker hat, use the porta-potties, and wander back to my car within a few minutes. There were more than enough bathrooms, so that the line never took more than a few minutes - they have a few porta-potties outside, and flush toilets inside the picnic pavilion.

The start line was very low key, with runners gathering around someone with a bullhorn. They gave a few announcements about the course, and we were off! I chose the 10 mile distance; the 20 mile was two loops of the 10 mile course.

The thing that sticks out most about this race is the HILLS. They were no joke, especially for someone whose entire running career has been based in Minnesota and Wisconsin. These were the steepest hills I think I've ever run (or walked) on. And, they just kept coming.

There were multiple (3, I think) aide stations with a slew of fuel choices - chips, pb&j, electrolytes, soda, etc. I did not stop at any of the aide stations, but they looked to be well-stocked and well-staffed.

The course was well-marked, and there was only one time I was concerned that I was going the wrong way, because of the angle of the intersection. I asked another runner if I was going the right way and she confirmed that I was.

The best part of this course was the WATERFALL! Of course, this is also the reason for some of the hills, but it was probably worth it.

As with every trail race I've been to, the organizers were fantastic, the other runners were friendly, and the logistics were easy. I would highly recommend this race.

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