The 2017 event took place on Sunday, October 1 at 9 am. It was sunny and around 50 degrees. It run with the 5k.

Registration: Available online for around $50. Race day registration was available. Included in registration was a short sleeve, cotton , unisex t-shirt; bib with timing strip, and goody bag.

Expo/Packet pickup: There was no expo. There 2 options to get your things, the day before at a cross fit gym or the packet pickup before the race at the school. Just needed to tell a volunteer your name and they got you a bib and shirt. Then they handed you a goody bag.

Pre-Race: Parking was free behind the school. There were port-o-potties set up by the start. There were no pace corrals, but for the most part self seeding worked out fine. There were announcements, but very hard to hear. No National Anthem.

Race/Course: The course was out and back through a forest preserve and on the Old Plank Trail.
-Scenery - wooded trail, and near a school
-Terrain - paved or asphalted trail system. No major hazards, but it was possible to trip on cracked asphalt.
-Elevation - FLAT!
-Spectators - The volunteers were the spectators.
-Aid Stations - 3 water stops, which you hit again on the way back in. All in paper cups
-Course markings- miles marked with signs
-No photographers
-Volunteers - Lots of friendly people at all road crossings and water stops

Finish: The inflatable arch, with clock was easy to stop as runners finished. Once across the timing mat, participants were handed a medal. From there could proceed to the post race festivities.

Post Race: The front parking lot of the school was filled with vendors, including all the post race food options. There was apples, bananas, bagels, chips, granola bars, bottled water, chocolate milk and pizza. There was an area to check to see if you won a raffle prize and many more giveaways.
During the 5k/10k the free kids race was run and kids could also get free pumpkins.

My race: I had just run my last 20 for Detroit marathon training the day before, I wasn't sure what I had in me, however I decided to race this. The weather was perfect and the course was flat. I gave it my all, picking people off and using them to pace me. I finished with a time near 55 minutes and winning my age group. I felt good and speedy.

Couple notes
-my Garmin had 6 miles, but not a huge deal
-there was an issue with timing & results, but was fixed

Overall: This is a great community feeling event. It's also a perfect race to use for tapering for Chicago. The price is right too, especially for all the things I received.

I have more on my blog https://marathang.wordpress.com/2017/10/05/race-recap-running-4-kids-10k/

The 2017 event took place on Sunday, October 15 at 7 am. There was a chance for rain, it was around 60 ish degrees and cloudy. The wind would eventually gust near 40 mph.

Registration: I do not recall the price for this race, I feel like it's comparable to other marathons. Registration closed at the end of August for the international distances. There is no registration at the expo. Included with registration was a long sleeve, tech blend New Balance shirt, a multi-functional head wrap, a sticker, bib with timing chip, finisher medal and a virtual event bag.

Expo/Packet pickup: The expo was the place to get your bib. Each participant had to bring an ID and their passport to get their own bib. If you didn't have your bib number a computer was available to look it up. If you had a question volunteers staffed an information booth or you could also ask a border patrol officer.
-The expo was in the huge COBO center. In the beginning was the race merchandise, then you snaked through in one direction passing each vendor. Easy to navigate. Many running stores with apparel, local businesses and area races.
-There was parking in an around downtown for a fee. A parking suggestion map was posted online.
*I felt there weren't as many freebies, photo opportunities, or giveaways to sign up for as compared to similar sized expos. I walked through twice.

Pre-Race: Lots of email communication sent regarding all aspects of the race - international requirements, expo, countdowns, race day weather, etc.
-Participants were encouraged to use a parking app to find a place to park near the start/finish area. Parts of the race course would close roads starting at 4 am.
-Three races started at the same time - Marathon, Marathon relay, International Half marathon. (The US only half started later)
-Starting corrals A-N. Information was sent & posted about what street to use to enter your corral. Corrals did not have a closing time. *I felt the street was very congested to get to the corral entrance. No one was checking bibs at my corral entry.
-Gear check located in the post race finisher area. Use clear bag provided at bib pick up.
-Port-o-potties on the side streets.
-Announcements and music played leading up to start time.
-Canadian and US National Anthem were sung live.

Race/Course: The course is international. Near the 3 mile mark you start running across a bridge to Windsor, Ontario and then back through and underwater tunnel into the USA at mile 8, where you then tour a small section of Detroit.
-Scenery - Variety of things to see: river front, border crossings, residential, island park, parts of downtown
-Terrain - For the most part, the course was a form of pavement. The parts that were asphalt had some hazards, just watch your footing. There was also some section with brick.
-Elevation - The bridge crossings and tunnel entrances were the biggest climbs, otherwise Detroit is relatively flat
-Spectators - Lots of spectators near the downtown sections of Detroit and in Canada.
-Aid Stations - Lots of hydration stops. All liquids were in paper cups. Each station was different,
a cup of Gatorade here a cup of water there or the Gatorade was second, after water. While they had 2 different cups, sometimes the liquids were not in their matching cup. There were a couple official stops with gels. No official real food stops.
-Unofficial aid stations - the residential areas from mile 15-18 had beer and candy. Team World Vision had orange slices near mile 20.
-Course markings- Each race had a color, blue was the marathon and each mile was marked with a blue tear drop flag.
-Photographers at the start - on the course, and at the finish. Will have pictures available for sale after the race.
-Volunteers - There were tons of volunteers on the course. Friendly, and all seem to be paying attention to their duty.
-Law Enforcement- Intersections were all closed, some with 3 police officers. Entering Canada was guarded with border patrol, some with HUGE guns. Border patrol was checking for bibs before crossing the bridge.
-Pacers provided by Beast Pacing
-On course entertainment - bands and musicians

Finish: As runners ran down the final stretch, race officials told runners to go to a certain side of the road based on bib color, which I think determined your finisher medal, based on distance. An announcer was speaking names of finishers.
-A medal was hung around your neck.
-There were tables to grab a small bottle of water and/or a cup of Gatorade.
-Volunteers were handing out heat sheets
-Bottles of chocolate milk were offered.
-A volunteer walked towards me and handed me a bag of food - pretzels, banana, Dole fruit cup, trail mix, tropical mix, a cookie type snack.
-There was a back drop for a finisher picture.

Post Race: The advertised post race was a merchandise tent, massage for marathoners, gear check, food trucks and beer.

My race: Running wise I felt good going into this race, I had a great last 20 miler, and I knew I would finish in the 6.5 hour time frame.
-I was most nervous about crossing the border. The pre- race communication discouraged bringing a hydration pack as they were subject to a search, and I didn't want to risk losing one of my nice packs, so that meant I was drinking the lemon lime Gatorade on course. (I feel this limits those who don't drink Gatorade)
-Since I didn't have the extra space in a pack for my fuel, I had to be creative with a belt that wouldn't cause me to get searched, but could carry my passport, phone and food. I am someone who does not use gel for running. The race had no advertised actual food on course, so I stuffed some gummis and a waffle in the pockets of my shorts.
-After I had all my ducks in a row, I was having a great race... then at mile 23... the wheels came off, and I was running against a strong headwind the last 3 miles. I was definitely struggling, but knew I would make it to the finish line. Which I did at a time around 5:27, according to my Garmin stats. I was also not running the tangents, so I was long with 27 miles.

Other: The race start is very crowded, and I started all the way back in corral K. People need to move to the side of the course to take pictures, especially on the bridge or in the tunnel.
-I was asked to take someone's picture in the finisher chute as she was discouraged to use her own phone to take a photo in front of the finisher backdrop. Instead the official race photographer would take your finisher photo, so you could then pay for it later.
-I am obviously not a fast runner, but I was also an hour before the official race was over. I am also not sure if the weather is clouding my thoughts. It was windy, and rain was sprinkling as I finished. I walked to the post race area - there was no merchandise available for sale (maybe a good thing it sold out,) the beer was $5 (money went to charity) I am still searching for where this was published ahead of time. There was no post race party. I walked a long way, out of my way for no post race scene.
-The last runner to cross the finish line should have the same experience as the first.
-Pictures ... where do I begin, they just cost too much. I don't want to pay $20 for a picture of myself.
-Real food on course would be great, especially with the cautionary limit of what you should carry across the border.

Overall: I really want to like this race more. The shirt and medal are great. I really enjoyed the course and running across the border which was easy, not a big deal, and perhaps the only perk the race needs. While I can recommend this race, there are too many other races that I would choose first.

The 2017 event was held on Saturday, October 21st in Louisville, KY. It was a great day for running, cool start in the 50's, sun making appearance, and warming to the 70's for post race. Race started at 8:30 am.

Registration: This was available online, with a schedule posted with the price increase dates. Race is open to those 21 years of age or older. No race day registration, but could register at packet pickup. Included with registration was a bib with timing chip, long sleeve-gender specific - tech shirt, bourbon bash wrist band, finishers medal and virtual event bag. The RaceJoy app was available to track runners.
*I really liked the logo and design of this year's shirt. There was an issue with the original shirt vendor getting them done on time, so they quickly made plan B happen. However, I wore my shirt once, and already have 2 snags.

Expo/ Packet pick up: Packet pick up was held at an Arts Center. No race day pickup, so had to get your bib the Friday before. The pickup was open until 8pm. There was plenty of free parking. You could register at packet pickup. When you arrived there was a board with bib numbers, they were not emailed ahead of time. Runners looked up their bib, then waited in line to get to the bibs and shirts. ID's were checked to get the bourbon bash wrist band attached to your wrist. From there you could buy race merchandise, shop the running store, sample Jim Beam, or pre-purchase an etched bottle of bourbon.
-Someone else could grab your stuff, they needed a copy of your ID or race registration, however they couldn't get your wrist band.
*This space was very cramped, but once again they had to go to plan B with a packet pick up location, as plan A was being used for a sporting event. I hope they get to a more spacious venue for next year. Also a good problem to have, lots of participants!

There were some options for a pre-race pasta dinner. They ranged in price from $20 to $45.

Pre-Race: Parking available in the ramps around town. Port-o-potties were lined up in the finisher party area, which was about a block from the start. There was a large starting area, but no sectioned corrals. There were pacers, and signs on the sides to encourage runners to line up near those times. There was one entry point in the back, get there late and you are fighting through the crowd.
-The National Anthem was played by a trumpeter, who then played the sounder that is played when the Kentucky Derby is started.

Race/ Course: The race is sort of a loop, running down Whiskey Row, with the center section in Cherokee Park, ending up running by the Louisville Slugger Museum.
-Elevation: There are 2 significant hills in Cherokee Park. I feel it's a nice course with changing elevation
-Terrain: Paved. There are your typical spots to watch out for, cracks in the asphalt, no major issues.
-Photographers: They were near the start and finish and a few on course. Pictures were posted online & sent via email a few days later, free for download.
-Aid Stations: - Each station had water and Powerade, both in paper cups. Powerade was always second. There was no confusion which liquid you would get. No food or gel on course. Advertised bathroom at each aid station, but I didn't have to use, so don't recall seeing them.
-Volunteers: Lots on the course, cheerful. Law Enforcement officials at all major intersections.
-Entertainment - Several DJ's on course, a small string band on top of a hill in the park
-Course markings: Each mile was marked with a sign and there were arrows painted on the streets directing runners.
-Spectators: Not a lot of spectators, but any place a family or friend could get, there they were with a sign for their favorite runner. A guy on a bike with HUGE speakers pedaled through the course, offering donuts at one point.
Medical: There was a medical stop just before climbing the first big hill in the park

Post race/finish: The finishers arch was also the starting arch, so it was easy to find and cross the final timing mat. A volunteer handed you a medal. There were bottles of water and Powerade. There was a finisher picture area set up.
-On the turn to the walk to the Bourbon Bash was the finisher food. Bananas, bagels, chocolate milk.

Bourbon Bash: This is the official post race party. This is open to all, however to imbibe in the spirits everyone needed a wrist band. This was included in race entry or available for $30 to non runners. The wrist band had a ticket for - 1 beer, 4 bourbon samples, 1 burgoo, and 1 pizza slice. These tickets were not policed in that you could give them to others, however you did need to turn in one to receive product. The lines were long, but only because the weather was so nice. The Louisville Crashers were the live band and did an excellent job! There was race merchandise available for sale too. The party closed at 1pm.
-There were 2 beer choices, including a Kentucky bourbon barrel ale of 8.2%
-There were more than 4 bourbon sampling stations, and there was a station mixing bourbon drinks, and a moonshine stop
-The pizza was from a local shop, they kept bringing fresh boxes as they would continuously run out

Bourbon Walk: local restaurants and bars were in on the race too, offering pins to those who made purchases at the selected establishments.
*I was having too much fun at the Bourbon Bash and forgot about this.

Other: I mentioned at the expo you could pre-purchase an etched bottle of bourbon. This was done at the Jim Beam Stillhouse. The idea was those who pre-purchased would have their personalized, etched bottle done after the race. They were keeping up with results and to make the bottles as people finished. I could not pass this up, and pre-purchased the bottle. The real story - they had more interest in this than expected, so they were way behind, and my bottle was not finished when I went to pick it up. This is really cool and no fault of the race, so I hope they get it ironed out for next year.

My race: I had one goal...finish the race before hotel checkout time. I was staying right at the finish line, so I would have a small window to cross the finish line, grab a bagel and get a shower, then get my bags to my car and return to the bourbon bash. I kept this time in my head the entire time, and started near the 2:45 pace group so I wouldn't start too fast... well that didn't last and I was with the 2:30 pace group... and you know the story... that didn't last.... so I just went. However, mile 7 happened, which is when the hills in the park happen. My legs just felt dead...they were done...but I kept moving forward. I was also using the aid stations for my fueling...but because the Powerade was second, it made for a process of holding my water cup. Anyway, I could feel myself slowing as I hit mile 12, I knew I would make it in time, but I didn't have much left. I came to the finish line at a time of 2:18, even jumped (sadly it's not what the photographer picked up) and got my medal and water, stood in line for a finisher picture, walked through the food, and then walked to my hotel room. There was someone starting to clean it - DANG! I had enough time as I called for an extension, so I talked her out of the cleaning, grabbed a shower and made it to the party. So I will call my race goal a success!!

Overall: What a great event! They made plan b work for a couple situations. Beyond some simple things like switching the Powerade and water, the running portion is great - you can easily get from start to finish. The post race party is a great time, highlighting bourbon yet enjoying your accomplishment! If my schedule permits, I will run this again!

The 2017 event was held on Sunday September 17 at Kettle Moraine Park near Eagle, WI. It was a warm day, temps were already near 70 when we started at 8 am. The sun would shine and temps would get close to 90. The half marathon, 10k and 5k were on Sunday, and all started at different times. The longer races were held the day before.

*This is my 3rd year at the event.

Registration: This was available online, and prices were different for each distance. Price increased as race day approached, and if spots were available you could register on race day. Included with registration was a bib with timing chip, tech gender specific short sleeve shirt, finisher's medal and beer.

There were plenty of pre-race emails and if you had any question the website is full of information.

Expo/ Packet pick up: There was no true expo for this event. However there were multiple packet pickups in different cities (Brookfield and Madison, WI and Chicago) They were held Thursday and Friday. The Friday pick up at Brookfield had an event afterwards were the North Face store hosted North Face athletes and the Race Director spoke. If you were not able to grab your packet at that time, you could get it before your race on race day. Then if that didn't work a friend with an image of your drivers license could get your stuff too.

Pre-Race: There was plenty of FREE parking at the park, you just got a parking pass when you entered. *However, the earlier you arrived the further away you had to park. Keep in mind the longer distances started first. It wasn't super far, but enough to be annoying.

There were port-o-potties lined up away from all the events. All the park bath houses were locked up. There were tents set up near the start/finish line, many were for race related items, but there were sponsors, games, etc.

There were lots of announcements prior to the race start, you could tell the guy had been talking all weekend, lol. The half marathon started on time, 8:00 am and there were waves that started one after another, no long waiting in between, just enough to space out participants on the trail. I do not recall hearing a National Anthem.

Race/ Course: Trail race through the park.
-Elevation: Hills, nothing steep, but rolling, always seemed to be going up or down
-Terrain: All trail surfaces, rocks, sand, dirt, grass - but easy to navigate and wide spots for passing
-Photographers:Many were in the woods in the first and last few miles. Photos were loaded and available to purchase same day. They are great photos, but my days of paying for pictures of myself are over.
-Aid Stations: - there were a total of 2 on course (one you would hit 3 times) with Skratch and water, both in the same plastic cups. One aid station had some Skratch chews. Volunteers made sure to tell you what you were drinking. There was no real food at this distance. I feel when I came through the last station, they had already started to pack up.
-Volunteers: they were at the road crossings, very energetic
-Course markings: the course was marked with ribbons in trees, the ribbon color matched your bib color, which was distance specific, there were also a few arrows at major turns. I think the miles were marked at every even mile with a sign on the ground
-Spectators: There were many at the first/last aid station and many at the start/finish, however not easy to access parts of the course.
Medical: Help was always available at aid stations, but I didn't see any ambulance or medics except at the start/finish

Post race/finish: The finishers arch was also the starting arch, so it was easy to find and cross the final timing mat. A volunteer hung a medal around your neck. There were reusable water bottles and water monsters to fill them up. Then there was bananas, oranges, and bagel pieces.. There was a Sierra Nevada tent, as each finisher got one free beer. There was "Real meal" type food available for purchase.

*I finished the same time as the kids races. This was not ideal for finishers. I knew there were reusable water bottles, being a past participant. I had to snake through the kids to get to the tub of water bottles, no one handed me one like last year. I then had to fight the kids for a couple orange slices. I really wish there were better post race food options that didn't include purchase. I am all for kids running, but move them away from people who just spent hours on their feet!

All the sponsor tents and race tents were all still open and you could sign up for giveaways, sit in an ice bath or purchase race merchandise. Picnic tables were available for sitting, as well as some tables for the "real meal" food area. There was no shade unless you went into a vendor tent.

Overall: I really like trail running, and have really enjoyed this race in the past. There was just something that felt off, or like the race just went through the motions to put it on. I didn't feel as special as I did in years past, something was missing and I don't know what it was. I really do like the course and if you were a beginner at trail running, it's a great introduction.

My race: Whoa... spoiler alert, this was my worst half marathon time ever! I had a bust day leading up to this race. I had run 18.6 on trail the day before, sat outside at a football game, then made a late night drive to WI. I guess I was exhausted, but I always do what I sign up to do.... I kept moving through the woods, but it was just a tough day for me. My time was near 3 hours.

A review of the 30k.
The 2017 race was held on Saturday, September 16th. There was a 45k that started at 8:30 and the 15k started with the 30k at 9 am. It was a cooler morning, but warmed up quickly to a sunny, 90 degrees.

Registration: You could register online for and as race day approached the fee increased, and the chance of a unisex, soft cotton t-shirt, decreased. Race day registration was available for $50 and shirt was not guaranteed. Included with registration was a bib, (ankle style) timing chip, shirt and multifunctional headwrap. *The shirts are a real nice soft cotton, but the colors this year reminded me of John Deere, green with yellow.

Packet Pickup / Expo: There was no race expo, but there was a packet pick up held the Friday before at a local brewery. You could also pick your bib up the morning before the race, up to a half hour before the race started. Someone else could pick up your packet.

Pre-Race: The race is held at Pleasant Creek State Recreation area, there were signs posted in the park to direct runners to the correct parking lot. There was plenty of parking for everyone. The beach bath house was not open for use of the real bathrooms, so there were some port-o-potties set up on the road. A small walk to the start/finish area through some grass. Timing chips were distributed at this time, they were an ankle bracelet style. Last minute registration was open. Runners milled about until announcements were made with about 5 minutes to go. There was a mention that trail spots had been filled with rock, but since we had no rain, to be careful in those areas. The National Anthem was sung live.

Race/Course: The race was a loop around the lake. each loop was 15k. I ran 2 loops
-Terrain: Trail - rock, dirt, ruts, grass, sand, single track, open prairie.
-Elevation: not steep, but felt like we were always climbing or descending - lots of ups and downs
-Aid Stations: 3 on each loop, plus the one at the start/finish. Water, Gatorade on course and Tailwind at start/finish. Paper cups available to drink from, or you could fill your own. M & M’s, bananas, cookies, pretzels, plus Cola and Mt. Dew.
-Photographers: nothing official, just pictures from volunteers and other partcipants
-Spectators: there were only certain areas to access the trail, so spectators were mostly friends, family & volunteers
-Course Markings: there were flags closing off other trail entrances, signs on course with arrows, spray painted arrows on grass. No mile markers
-Volunteers: very friendly and attentive, always a smile when you approached an aid station, and happy to answer a question. Only saw volunteers at aid stations.
-Medical: There was an ambulance at the first aid station, about mile 2.
-Bathroom: port-o-potties at the start and one on course
-Scenery: the trail was out in the woods, and near a lake. Many things to see

Finish/ Post Race: The timing mat was strewn out, a timing clock and the remaining people, sitting at the tables, eating their post race food, were cheering you on. A “medal” was handed out along with a bottle of water as your chip was removed from your ankle. The medals were made from tree limbs that were cleared from the trail. All medals and awards were hand made.

The post race area was happening! There were grilled hamburgers, and hot dogs, watermelon, candy, chips, popcorn and CAKE! There was water, soda, tailwind and I imagine there was beer somewhere. I had to get going so didn't stick around long.

I wrote this in 2015 "Overall: For the price, race organization, and unique finisher’s medal, this event is top notch. “A race for runners, put on by runners.” This is one of the best trail races I have been a part of. I will try to run this again if my schedule allows." Same can be said for this year!

My race: ohhhh where do I begin... I thought I was signing up for the 15k, but made the mistake and ended up registered for 30k. I was on a tight time schedule as I was going to the Hawkeye game later that day. The weather was hot, the trail was uneven, and mentally maybe I wasn't in it. I finished 18.6 miles in 4:09... 5 minutes slower than my first year. A finish is a finish though... and I did not fall!

For more about my day check out https://marathang.wordpress.com/2017/09/22/pctr-30k-2017/