I’ve been running the Torchlight 5K for the last number of years (6?) and the last two years have been disappointing for one reason or another. Three years ago there was a mismeasurement that caused the course to be about a quarter-mile longer but the mistake was handled well. Last year (2018) the issue was a miserable bottle neck at the finish line. The finish line issues continued this year with another bottle neck PLUS a second impossibly long (non-moving) queue for food. People I talked to waited 35+ minutes to receive their pizza (?!) and fruit. It’s worth noting, there was also a third queue for beer. Not cool.

It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t also mention the plus sides. The course itself is fantastic; mostly downhill toward, and then along, the Mississippi River. The start line entertainment is great and parking ample. There’s even a post-race shuttle offered (I did not use it).

Really hoping they fix the declining finish line issues for 2020.