The 2018 event took place on Saturday May 26. It was around 83 degrees, and didn't cool off much. Start time 8:10pm (after the 5k). Warnings were sent via email about the heat.

Registration: Participants were encouraged to register online before it closed a few days before the race, there was registration available at the expo. Included was a bib with your name, finisher's medal, timing chip, post race beer, short sleeve gender specific soft shirt, and free race pictures.There was also a phone app, Race Day Events.

*the race is part of the Conquer the Capital Challenge, which would earn you an additional medal if you ran the half marathon the next day

Expo/Packet pick up: The expo was held at the Monona Terrace convention center. Parking was on-site in a ramp for a fee, or at a metered spot on the street. With the proper information someone else could grab your packet. Expo closed 3 hours before the race. There was a place to check that the timing chip worked on the bib.

The expo is simple and small. However there were area running stores, race information, sign making stations and information for other local races. There were even water coolers provided with cups to keep hydrated.

Pre race: The race started and ended at the Capitol. The 10k start was after the 5k and the wheelchair start. The National Anthem was sung. There were no corrals inside the gated start. Port-o-potties set up, but near the finishers area, so a short walk away. Parking for the race was to be found in area ramps or on street (which was free after 6pm.)

Race/Course: The course was all on paved streets in Madison, highlighting some of the "sights"
-Elevation - Madison is not flat, and this race many climbs.
-Aid stations - A couple stops (can't remember if there were more than 2), 1 with Gatorade (it was offered after the water.). Always in paper cups
-Scenery - passed near Camp Randall, the Kohl Center, Observatory hill area overlooking the lake at sunset -gorgeous views
-Photography - FREE race pictures posted online quickly
-Course Markings - Each mile marked with a stand that said the mile. A clock and timing mat set up half way. Law enforcement was at all major intersections. As this is a night race, I feel some areas could use a little more lighting - like the bike path.
-Terrain -The course is on all paved surfaces. Some areas with potholes, some just recently asphalted - kept their heat from the day.
-Volunteers - everyone was cheering and shouting for you. They were at all the intersections.
-Spectators - The course was not lined with people, but there was a scattering of people cheering for their friends and family.

Finish/Post race: The finish was easy to spot, as the arch and timing mats were visible. The announcer was reading the names as participants crossed the finish line. Once across the line a volunteer placed a medal around your neck, and then another handed you a bottle of water. There was pizza slices, followed by the coldest chocolate mile. The actual post race party was on the otherside of the Capitol where you could redeem the ticket on your bib for a free beer.

Overall: This is great option for a night race, you can grab your bib by 5pm and then check out Madison before the 8pm start. It is hard to decided what to eat when. It's priced similarly to other area 10ks and is organized well. I just wish they had something other than pizza post race, even just a banana.

My Race: I was in town for the Conquer the Capital challenge. I had a half marathon the next day, so I was running to finish. I did have a decent time near 1:02 despite the warm temps. I don't mind some hills, and this race has them, so just be prepared to run them. The start also seemed a tad crowded, but I guess you will have that with a successful race. I noticed the course was altered a little around Camp Randall, which isn't bad, just different. Also I think as hot as it was and with the additional attention on the heat, there could have been more Gatorade on the course and even some at the finish.

The 2018 half marathon took place on Sunday, May 27. It was sunny, humid, high in the 80s. Race start at 7:00 am

Registration: Available online and at the expo, with increasing prices as the race neared. Included was a bib with your name, finisher's medal, timing chip, post race beer, gender specific short sleeve soft shirt, and free race pictures.

*you could also register for the Conquer the Capital Challenge, which would earn you an additional medal and hoodie, if you ran the 10k the night before.

Expo/Packet pick up: The expo was held at the Monona Terrace. Parking was on-site in a ramp for a $5 or on the street at a meter. There were also other events going on here. With the proper paper work someone else could grab your packet. There was a place to check that the timing chip worked on the bib.

The expo was small. There were area running stores, local race booths and places to make signs. There was race specific merchandise, information and plenty of photo opps. There were even water coolers provided. The expo was the day before the event, you could register too. There was no race day bib pickup.

Pre race: Plenty of FREE on street parking blocks away. Port-o-potties lined up on the street. The race started and ended at the State Capitol. The National Anthem was sung before the events. Corrals were self seeding, and pacers were available.

Race/Course: The course seemed different from the year I ran, it was on the western side through more residential neighborhoods.
-Terrain: all paved, some spots with potholes. There was one area near the finish under construction. Small section of limestone trail
-Elevation: There are hills, longest climb was near mile 9
-Aid stations: It was announced there were to be 10 stops. They all had water, and some had lemon-lime Gatorade. All were in paper cups, and each liquid a different cup. However, each stop was laid out different, wasn't sure which liquid was first. bananas. I don't use gels, so I can't recall if there were any. No food.
-Scenery: The course was lacking the usual Madison sights like the sports arenas and arboretum. There were views of the lake, and residential areas.
-Photographers: FREE pictures from various locations on course
-Course markers: each mile was marked, course easy to navigate
-Volunteers: intersections with marshals or police, very upbeat at aid stations
-Spectators: There were a great spattering of them along the course with lots of fun signs
-Tracking: there was an app 'Race Day Events" that you could download to track runners and find race day information.

Finish/Post race: The finish line was under the starting arch. Photographers there to snap a memory. A volunteer placed a medal around your neck. Then you were given a bottle of water. There were orange slices and bananas and more food which was already bagged up from Panera - a sandwich (meat or veggie) chips and a cookie and chocolate milk.

Once out of this area, you could proceed to grab one of the coldest post race chocolate milks ever! Take photos with the back drop and if you did the challenge, grab your Conquer the Capitol Challenge medal. From here you could go to the beer area to redeem your free Michelob Ultra, where there was also a massage / sports therapy tent. You could also just camp out on the Capitol grounds

Overall: The event is always well organized, I wish aid stations would be uniform, but other than that, I would definitely recommend this event. Madison is a fun place to hang out when the Hawks are not in town.

My Race: I just had a goal to finish, it was hot. I finished with a time near 2:24, not my best and not my worst. I didn't struggle, but I also didn't push too hard.

The 2018 event took place on Saturday May 5 at 9:00 am. The weather was sunny and would warm up into the 70's. The 5k was run as the same time as the 10k.

Registration: You could register online through a certain date, and were guaranteed a shirt by a certain date. Paper registration forms were available too, as well on race day for only $30, no shirt guaranteed. Included with registration; bib, timing chip and a cotton unisex t-shirt if registered by deadline.

Expo/ Packet pickup: There was no true expo, but the local farmers market was set up. Race day packet pickup.

Pre-race: Parking was nearby, but the race started in front of the school and sections of the parking lot were blocked off. Restrooms were available inside the school. Packet pickup and registration were still open. Announcements over a loud speaker. A bouncy house was set up for kids. No National Anthem.

Race/Course:
-Spectators: mostly included the volunteers at the intersections and family members
-Volunteers: at each intersection, including law enforcement
-Aid Stations: one water stop at each turnaround, Styrofoam cups
-Terrain: paved surfaces, nature trail - had to watch footing, but nothing major
-Scenery: nothing exciting to see, it's in a small town
-Elevation: mostly flat except the 2 hills near the finish, which are steep
-Course markings: Each mile marked

Finish/Post Race: The timing mats were out for the finish with cones on either side. A volunteer snagged the chip from your shoe. There were a variety of baked goods as well as bananas, and bottled water..

After the kids races, awards were given. Prizes included a plant from the FFA and $5 market dollars to the farmers market vendors.

Overall: This is always a nice community/school event. Great price, fair course, race distance for all abilities.

My race: I was also participating in the market as a vendor as wasn't even sure if I would be able to run, however, thanks to the help of my fellow vendors, I registered on race day. I didn't have any plans going into the run. I have run this event many times and was really familiar with the course, I knew the 2 hills at the end were going to be tough. As I tried to push the pace on the flat trail section, a returning runner mentioned I was the first female, so from then on, I wanted to push it. There was another woman hot on my tail, but I got her on those last hills and came in as first female in the 10k!! WAHOO!!

I do feel the race lacked a little in promotion, it would have been nice to see more people out on the course. Ok, I probably wouldn't have won, but there are a lot of people that run in the area and this is a nice small town event. Maybe the date change also kept people away. Hope to see you all next year, I have a title to defend!

The 2018 marathon took place on Sunday, April 29th at 6:30AM: starting near the NewBo City market in Cedar Rapids and ending at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. It was sunny, with a head wind, eventually heating near 70 degrees.

There were 3 distances to run, a full, half and 5k. Each at different times and locations. The 5k was in partnership with the River Run.

Registration: Available online only, starting at $80 and increasing to $120, days before the event and then it was closed. No race day registration. If you were the first so many to register you received free socks. Included was chip timing, unisex tech t-shirt, train whistle, free digital downloads, post race beer and hot dog.

Expo / Packet pick up: There were 2 options for packet pick up. A quick grab n go in Iowa City on Friday and an expo style pick up on Saturday in Cedar Rapids. Look up your bib number, tell the volunteer, get a prefilled bag (doubles for gear check.) No ID required, and you could pick up someone else's stuff.

The expo was at the NewBo City Market, which is home to some local food and crafters. It was small, but had running stores, information, a photo booth, sign making and live music. There was a course talk at the nearby running store.

Pre-race: The race is a point to point. A free shuttle was available at the finish line to take to the start. If you parked at the shuttle or the actual start there was plenty of FREE parking.. There were many port-o-potties set up at the market, and at the actual starting line. The indoor toilets were open at the market too. A water fountain in and out provided water. Gear check was available for those who needed it. Close to race starting time participants were encouraged to head to the start line, which was a short few blocks away.. After some announcements, there was a singing of the National Anthem and the race started.

Race/Course:
*Point to point race, covering multiple cities, counties and municipalities including the University of Iowa
-Terrain: This is a road race, but parts of the course are along a main highway and you can choose to run in the gravel shoulder. Some narrow sidewalk, with your average cracks.
-Elevation: Overall gain just under 1000 feet. There are hills at the start, a flat center section and hills to finish. For the most part, rolling hills. Iowa is not flat.
-Scenery: The race starts in a city, then you run on open highway with views of farmland. Running by water, and then finishing in a couple cities.
-Course Markings: Cones were placed in some areas. Traffic did not obey laws and was on the course in parts that were closed. Each mile had a marker.
-Photography: One official race photographer and volunteers taking photos. Free digital downloads to be provided.
-Pacers on course
-Spectators: There were cheer zones set up in the areas closest to cities, but there were also some stretches with no one. There were also many aid stations set up by spectators - a guy with a Cap’N Crunch stop. The last mile had a brewery with beer samples.
-Volunteers: Many busy intersections missing volunteers. Law enforcement was present at MAJOR crossings and would stop runners to let traffic through.
-Aid Stations: There was an aid station every 2 miles until about mile 17, and then one every mile. A sign before the aid station said what was available. Each station had water and Gatorade. Some stops with GU, vaseline, pickle juice, port-o-potties and orange slices. At my pace the first and second aid station had no cups or Gatorade. There seemed to be issues with which liquid was first, but all volunteers clearly announced what was in their cups. As the weather heated up, it was nice to have a chance for water every mile, if they had cups.

Finish: The finish line was after a run through the concourse at Kinnick Stadium, it was easy to spot as a timing mat was placed next to the Nile Kinnick statue. Once finished, marathoners received a medal. Then you could proceed into the stadium to the field if you wanted to climb the steps. *When I finished I had to search for water, there was none. I knew there was a drinking fountain inside Kinnick. I did find a cup of chocolate milk. There was no food. After my time on the field, there had been a delivery of water.

Post Race: The more traditional post race party was held at a brewery 2 miles away. A tag on the bib redeemed a free beer, including a chance at a Crandic 26.2 brew (or any beer on tap!) There was also a tag on the bib for food, one hot dog. Additional food available for purchase. Live music played and awards were announced at 2pm.

Overall: As an inaugural event I think the race was great! However, there were many problems that can be fixed for next year. It’s awesome I can say I ran from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City. Also it's cool to know upfront that proceeds went to the school districts.

My race: Ok, so maybe I should have mentioned this first, but I wanted to write my review, just as I have written all my other 164 reviews - BUT I was on the planning committee for this event. I know what it took to get this event to happen, in fact it took over 10 years. I also know all the hard work and time people put in. That being said, I did not have any goals going into this, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to run it, maybe I should have volunteered at one of those busy intersections? Anyway, I chose to run the race. When I got to the first aid station, then the second and realized there were no cups, it took a lot of miles for me to try to forget and worry about those mistakes. I did start the race with a friend and we ran the first 14 miles together. I was able to run many other miles with friends along the course. I heard many cheers for me, from people I’m still not sure who they were. I was surprised by a friend around mile 22. I was having a great running race for me. When I got to the finish and realized there was no water and no food I was back in a mood. However, I ran into many friends at the finish who told me all about their race experiences, I also watched many complete their first. I am rambling, but race day for me truly is about the people and hanging out with them and hearing about their journeys.

Next year the course will run the opposite direction, so you can run from Iowa City to Cedar Rapids. I welcome you to Iowa in advance!

* I should start out by saying I am on the board for the club that organizes this race. I did pay for my entry.

The 2018 event took place on Saturday, March 10 at 8:30AM in College Green Park. It was sunny and around 30 degrees.

There were 2 distances to run, the 3.17k or the 6.34k. I ran the double loop.

Registration: Available online, starting at $25 and increasing to $30 the day before the race. There was race day registration for $35. If you registered by a certain date, you got a pint glass with the race logo. Also included was chip timing. For an extra $5 you could purchase the post race brunch.

Expo / Packet pick up: There was no expo. Packet pick up was held an hour and a half before the race start. Easy system of telling them your name, grab a bib and the chip for your shoe. No ID required, and you could pick up someone else's stuff. *The club has a VIP membership option which includes a separate VIP packet pickup.

Pre-race: There was plenty of on street parking for free, but had to make sure you didn't park on the race course, they would tow your car. There were 4 port-o-potties set up. There was a table set up to learn about the club's membership or buy apparel. There was a table set up for a new running store. Close to race starting time participants were encouraged to head to the start line. After some announcements, it was time to go. No National Anthem.

Race/Course:
-Terrain: All on paved surfaces, variety of old brick roads, asphalt and cement. This time of year in Iowa, potholes are a given, so be on alert. The course is all on city streets.
-Elevation: While the elevation isn't super tough, the course is 2 loops of 3.17k, each loop ends with a pretty decent uphill, making the short course a good challenge.
-Course Markings: The course was open to traffic, and there were lots of cones that sectioned off the course from cars. There were no mile markers.
-Photography: One official race photographer and volunteers taking photos.
-Spectators: None, but the volunteers at the intersections were very cheerful.
-Volunteers: There were people at all busy intersections, and police were at the ones with heavy traffic.
-Aid Stations: There was a water stop at the finish line. In a race of this distance with the weather, not sure water on course is necessary. However if you did the double loop, you could grab a cup of water at the finish.

Finish: The start and finish were the same, so it was easy to spot. A volunteer took the chip from your shoe. There was a cup of water and bananas available after the race.

Post Race: The more traditional post race party was held at a bar in the downtown. It was maybe a 5 block walk, and if you drove and you would have to pay to park at a metered spot. The bar is Irish themed. They had an Irish stew that was the $5 brunch special. Awards were given out, overall winners and the first place AG winner received prizes.

Overall: This is the only race the club offers in my town. I try to always participate at some level. This year I volunteered and ran. It's also a unique distance. The price is also comparable to a 5k.

My race: I hadn't raced in about a month. I volunteered with pre-race activities, so I had been outside for a couple hours before it started and I was cold. I had a good first loop, but by the second loop I had slowed down and just enjoyed the run. I also took to taking photos the second loop. I finished with a time of 38:10.