Let’s start with the very first step. Registration for the Trailbreaker Marathon 10k, it was quick, simple and easy, especially if you raced with the hosting race company for previous events. The system stores your information so getting registered is just a couple clicks away.

Once registered there were no reminder emails, but for the Trailbreaker there was no need as the information was all laid out on the website. Trailbreaker’s website had every piece of information you would ever need to know. Awards were well explained along with swag for participants. Awards were to be Open, Master and Senior. Age Group awards were 1st, 2nd and 3rd Places in the following age categories – 18-19 years, 20 – 29 years, and every 5 years to the age of 75+. I was very excited to see Trailbreaker’s generous award offering. Swag was either a long sleeve unisex tech shirt of a stainless steel tumbler depending on when you registered. Both items were a decent quality.

The cost for the 10k was moderate at $50 the week of the race. I personally did not mind paying this price as the race benefits the City of Waukesha Park, Recreation, and Forestry Department. All proceeds from this event go to local projects through the Park Foundation of Waukesha a philanthropic organization. The event is 100% volunteer driven.

On race day the locations were well established. Bib pick up was quick and easy. The expo was in a spacious gym, the weather was not terrible so there was no need to spend too much of the prerace time in the gym. There were some local vendors at the expo, but nothing big. As races were starting announcements were made to makes sure all runners made it to the start. Once on the start line, the national anthem was performed and the race director Dave talked about how this race’s profits makes various events possible at the Waukesha Parks. Dave then sounded the horn to start the race after a 5 second count down.

Start lines were marked well for the various distances. All the volunteers were happy to be on the course and had great energy. They did a great job directing you where to go when there were no cones or spray paint arrows. The law enforcement members on course were so friendly and helpful. I am beyond grateful for their presence.

While on course you ran along the Fox River the entire time. There were some sidewalks, city streets and then the Glacial Drumlin Trail. The course was very flat. The largest hills were hills leading up to the various foot bridges we covered, so basically nonexistent. So if you are looking for a fast flat course, this is your race! In addition to being a fast race, the scenery is just perfect with the Fox River, historic downtown Waukesha and other nature scenes.

On course the water stops were scare for the 10k. There was one at the turn around point. I did not take advantage of the water, but the volunteers were so friendly and encouraging. Just the energetic boost you may need at the halfway point of the race.

Coming to the finish the crowds were small, but again energetic. The only issue I encountered was trying to finish strong while dodging the 5k runners. Otherwise the course was safe, spacious, scenic and well-marked.

Upon finishing, the volunteers were excited to give you a medal. A really sweet medal, if I may say, as it looked like a National Parks medal. There was water a Gatorade available at the finish. From there you could move back into the gym to the expo where there were refreshments and tables to eat at while you waited for awards.

Awards was the only downfall of this fun low key event. On the website as mentioned above Frame worthy certificates would be awarded to the following groups: Awards were to be Open, Master and Senior. Age Group awards were 1st, 2nd and 3rd Places in the following age categories – 18-19 years, 20 – 29 years, and every 5 years to the age of 75+.Sadly they did not offer that this year. They told us to print out our certificates at home. This upset me because I waited for over an hour for the awards. Then they said we are just reading names off this year so everyone can have a certificate. My pet peeve is when a race site says one thing, but then does something totally different. This is my ONLY complaint about the Trailbreaker Marathon 10k.

Apart from the awards snafu, I suggest this race. It is low pressure and a great way to ease back into the racing season. The profits go to a great cause helping to improve the community. If you are ever in the Milwaukee area during the first weekend in April, I suggest you check out the Trailbreaker Marathon course.

The Brewers mini marathon is a great race. There is ample parking, and is located in an easy to access place.

The course in and of itself is a great course. You run though the various neighborhoods of Milwaukee. As you get further along, there are more hills. I love this race because it is a test of strength and endurance. With out having conditioned for hills, you will breakdown around mile 10.

Once you finish, there is a spectacular finish line.The energy at the finish is fantastic. Everyone is so excited and happy. The best part of this race is getting your medal from the Brewers Mini, and taking a picture with Miller Park!

My only complaint about the Brewers Mini is that some of the volunteers are quite mean, or inattentive. At the 9 mile water stop just past Miller Valley, the volunteer was holding water. I grabbed the cup, but he did not let go. It was almost like he was trying to tease me. Then at the mile 11 water stop, the high school kids did not seem to know the difference between water and gatorade. I was told water, but was given gatorade. Aid stations are important. Having a well operated water stop is the key to successful course satisfaction.

This race is pretty affordable! at only $13, you don't get too much swag. The only awards that are given are ag and oa awards. IF you are looking for a supported long run, I suggest this race. In 2018, this race was extremely cold. 20 degrees in mid April. In 2017 the race was close to 70 degrees! Since the location is primarily on the lake, this race is unpredictable. If you are looking for a challenge, the field is pretty deep considering it is a low key race. All in all, for $13, this race is well ran and has some nice nature to look at while racing.

If you are looking for a great race to test your fitness for you upcoming 13.1, Gary's Gallop is the race for you! The first mile is pretty much down hill on a scenic parkway. the Turn around point is about 1.25 miles out. On the way back you have to climb the hill that propelled you to the finish line. As you are working up the, the pain goes away because the scenery is so beautiful. Surrounded by aged trees, you are able bask in the joy of nature. Once you have conquered the hill, you will run past the start line and do a smaller loop. This can get in your head if you are being chased. You can see the person and how close they are to you as you turn back around for the final 400 m. As you approach the finish line, you run through the flying flags and onto the football field where the finish line is center field. After you recover from the race you just ran, there is a multitude of food and drink options. There is no beer because the race is hosted by a dry campus and the race is held at the school's athletic fields. Overall I suggest this race!