For me this race was the culmination of a 10-week training program with Fleet Feet to improve my 5k time. This race is run by Fleet Feet, so I knew it would be well-organized and fun. I picked up my bib the day before the race at Fleet Feet, as usual without any problems. Unlike other races, Runapalooza gives everyone a beach towel, which I love because I keep it in my running bag and use it to dry off after some of the hot weather we've had lately.

The morning of the race I arrived early and parked right across from the start line at OCC. Parking was easy and there were attendants directing traffic. I walked over and met up with my training group to do some strides and dynamic stretching.

As the race was about to begin, there was a DJ from a local radio station pumping the music through some huge speakers that everyone could hear. As the race started we were quickly greeted by one of the 5 or so live bands that surrounded the race course. The course itself is 2 loops around the OCC parking lot, so there was basically a band every 1/3 mile or so, which made the short run very fun.

The challenging part of this race is the 2 hills you will confront twice. It's not necessarily a course where you will PR, but I was happy with my time. One of my coaches ran me in for the final 0.25 mile, and that helped me shave about 10-15 seconds off where I probably would have been.

The post-race party was great, there was a small expo tent and a live band with all the free beer you could drink. Not too bad for a race that started at 8am on a Saturday morning. For a $25 entry fee, this race gives you great swag, a challenging course and a great after-party. I cannot wait to run in 2015!