The 2017 event took place on Friday, June 2 at 7 pm. It was sunny and 84 degrees.

Registration: You could submit a printed our pdf via mail to register. There was also race day registration. The cost of this race is $10, and $20 if you wanted a shirt (guaranteed by a certain date.) The price never increased. For $10 you got a bib, chip timing and wooden nickel for a post race bevarage. If you wanted the shirt, it was a unisex short sleeve tech shirt.

Expo/Packet pickup: There was no expo. The community center was open before the race to register or pick up your bib and things.

Parking was free, anywhere you wanted - on the street, the bank parking lot, etc. There were flushing toilets available in the community center.

Pre-Race: There was a one mile race held an hour before the 5k. A few minutes before the 5k, the RD thanked everyone that helped put on the race, gave a few course directions, and then the National Anthem was sung live.

Race/Course: The course was through the town of Blue Grass
-Scenery - nothing really cool to see, residential, small town business
-Terrain - the course was paved, or on asphalt, which is hot after an 84 degree day. There were some potholes and cracks that could have been a hazard.
-Elevation - FLAT! There was one hill - 20 foot climb
-Spectators - For such a small town race, there were quite a few families and people cheering everyone on.
-Aid Stations - 3 water stops. They were all different though. The first stop was sponsored by the convenience store so they supplied 16 oz plastic bottles of water, the second stop was in someone's front yard - they served in plastic cups & had a water hose to keep runners cooled off. The third stop was in paper cups.
-Course markings- Each mile was marked with a sign, the course was closed to traffic with cones
-No official photographers
-Volunteers - The local fire department and law enforcment officials had this race course closed & safe! Not much more need for volunteers except the water stops.

Finish: The finish line funneled so that you would cross a timing mat. There were bottles of water, popsicles, and all the cookies. The results were quickly posted, and you could get individual printouts.

Post Race: Awards were given out once everyone had finished the race, inside the community center. This is also where the wooden nickel could be redeems for a post race beverage - think every lite beer you ever wanted- and soda.

My race: I ran the one mile with my 6 year old niece, she won the female division, crushing her first ever mile! I then decided since it was 84 degrees, and I hadn't been doing any speed work I would race the 5k. I struggled with some cotton mouth and was very appreciated of the 3 water stops. I finished 4th in my AG with a 27:3?, thanks to the help of chasing another runner on the course.

Overall: DO THIS RACE! $10, chip timing, beer, flat...what more do you want?

The 2017 event took place on Saturday May 27. It was around 65 degrees and overcast at the start, felt humid. Start time 8:10pm (after the 5k)

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, post race beer, short sleeve gender specific soft shirt, and free race pictures.There was also a phone app, RaceJoy you could use for tracking.

*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 stree. There were also other events going on here. With the proper paper work someone else could grab your packet. No packet mailing, expo closed 3 hours before the race. There was a place to check that the timing chip worked on the bib.

The expo seemed smaller than the previous year. However there were area running stores, and local races. There was race specific merchandise, information and a few area vendors. 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 played from a recording. 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 includes Observatory Hill which is a decent climb.
-Aid stations - 3 stops, 1 with Gatorade (it was offered after the water.). Always in paper cups, very energetic volunteers
-Scenery - passed by Camp Randall, the Kohl Center, Observatory hill area overlooking the lake at sunset (but this year was overcast)
-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. However the bike path was not closed off,almost got run over by a biker. As this is a night race, I feel some areas could use a little more lighting - like the bike path.
-Terrain - this year there was construction around the Capitol, so had to pay attention for any possible hazards. The course is on all paved surfaces.
-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 Rocky Rococo Pizza. Then up around the corner you could get your results printed, buy discounted race merchandise and claim your Michelob Ultra.

Overall: Madison is a great place to visit, the race gives you a small tour of the city. The price is right and the race is organized well.

My Race: I did try my best and felt good the first 3 miles (this included the hills.) Then my shoe came untied at mile 3 ish, and then I didn't feel as great after stopping. I did end up crossing the finish in 1:01, which was faster than last year. It was hot for me too. I was happy with it. I think if I could change anything about the race - it wouldn't be anything about the actual race - it would be the post race offerings. Wisconsin has sooo many craft beer options, and I just can't do pizza after a race.

The 2017 event was on Saturday, May 6 at 9 am. It was sunny and about 60 degrees. The 5k started after the kids sombrero shuffle. Proceeds went to the Autism Society of the Quad Cities.

Registration: Online registration was available and price increased as race day approached, topping at $40(ish). There were computers set up on race day to register. The price reflects what was included: a bib with timing strip, a unisex cotton short sleeve tee, finisher's medal, & post race party.

Expo/packet pickup: There was no expo for the race. You could pick up your packet the day before, as well as before the race at Ganzo's. (The restaurant where the race starts/finishes)

Pre-Race: Parking was across the busy highway at a school, a volunteer helped people cross the intersection. There were 3 port-o-potties set up near the start/finish and some were located in the back. Participants were encouraged to line up in the corral. However, it was all self seeding and people just squished in, versus lining up according to pace. Strollers mixed in too. The announcements started at 9, included remarks from the RD, charity sponsor and the mayor. The National Anthem was sung, and then the mayor fired a gun to start the race.

Race/Course: The course was a loop through residential areas and on some arterial roads in Davenport.
-Scenery - nothing interesting to see- houses, streets, cars
-Terrain - pavement or asphalt. Needed to watch your footing, lots of pavement crack and potholes.
-Elevation - Lots of ups and downs, not steep climbs, but rolling hills
-Spectators - Lots of family and friends near the start/finish area. The residents along the course were out cheering
-Aid Stations - 2 water stops on the course, paper cups.
-Course markings- There were mile markers on the side of the road, and volunteers at intersections
-No official photographers, but there was a guy with a camera on the course. There were drones at the start.
-Volunteers - lots on the course directing traffic, law enforcement at busy intersections

Finish: The arch and timing mat clearly marked the finish line. A volunteer handed you a finisher medal. No water at the finish line. You could keep walking the chute to get a print out of your results

Post Race: This was a party! There is a tent set up in the parking lot for the restaurant. Participants proceed to the back, where your ID is checked to enter. (Unsure if kids were allowed with guardian) In this area you finally get a bottle of water. There were bananas and chips with salsa. You could get a Bud Light and a shot of tequila. No one was checking how many you got. A taco truck was set up in this area too. A stage was host to the awards and a live band. You could come and go from the tent, and also sit outside.

My race: As usual, the goal is Sub-30. I wasn't going to race this, but always want to do my best. I also had a half marathon the next day. I ended up running the race with a friend. We kept a steady pace and chit chatted the entire course. Before we knew it, we had crossed the finish line is just over 29 minutes. The hills were a nice wake up for the legs. I ran the race in 2014, the course changed a little, but basically the same.

Overall: The price is steep for a 5k, but you get a medal. It's really just a fun time. Many people in costumes. A great race to add to your spring schedule and hang out with your friends. The after party is great... despite the Bud Light, LOL.

The 2017 event took place on Sunday May 7th at 8:30 am. It was sunny and around 55 degrees, increasing as the day went on. The 5k was on the same course, at the same time. Proceeds benefited the Ronald McDonald House.

*I've run the 5k before and it started at a different time in the past.

Registration: I am not sure what registration prices started at, but I paid $70. Which for our area seems a tad high, but compares across the board. Included with registration was a bib with a My Laps timing strip and a unisex, short sleeve tech shirt.

Expo/Packet pickup: There was no expo. You could pick up your packet Thursday, Friday, Saturday and before the race. The plastic bag that held your shirt and bib was pre-stuffed with A LOT of flyers. It was easy to access at the Ronald McDonald house, parking could have been a problem if you were there during working hours.

Pre-Race: There was plenty of free parking near the start/finish, however participants were all told to park in one lot, that filled up fast. Real bathrooms were available inside Carver Hawkeye Arena. There was a kids race held before the main races. The National Anthem was sung around 8:15, with announcements to follow. Music also played. Runners then assembled behind the starting arch, no corrals, no pacers.

Race/Course: The course was a loop style through the Iowa City / Coralville area. *The course was changed, due to construction
-Scenery - Start / finish on U of I campus, run through residential neighborhoods, run through City Park, sections on Mormon hand cart trail.
-Terrain - Paved, either cement or asphalt. Some short bridge surfaces. no major ruts or potholes.
-Elevation - There are hills, mostly long rolling hills mixed in with some flat sections. One steep, short hill in the last mile.
-Spectators - None! Ok, there were maybe 5 people that I saw cheering on their friends, otherwise pretty quiet out there.
-Aid Stations - 6 hydration stations. They all had paper cups. The first station had Gatorade first and then water. The remaining stations had Powerade second to the water. Some stations you had to grab a cup from the table, and slow down to find out what you were grabbing as the cups were the same. Some stations the volunteers made sure you knew what you were drinking. Water cups were less than half full.
-Course markings- miles marked with signs (except mile 13), chalk painted arrows on cement. No signage for which race course you were running. (* The 5k had no distinct markings to split off, all but the winner ran near 5 miles to get to the finish. Update all 5k participants were emailed and given free 5k entry for 2018)
-No photographers
-Volunteers - The volunteers I saw were energetic and helpful, only a couple were on their phones, or sitting down not paying attention. Some intersections had no volunteers, like entrances to busy businesses. Major intersections had law enforcement.

Finish: The announcer was announcing people as they finished. Once you crossed the timing mat, within a foot of crossing, someone handed you your medal. There was a super long area to walk out your finish, but you had to immediately stop to grab your medal. There were not many people cheering in finishers.

Post Race: The awards were announced before all participants were finished. Age groups went in 5 year increments from 15 thru 29, but after that they went in 10 year increments. There was a lot of of post race food: apple juice, apple slices, apples, chocolate milk, Powerade, bottled water, donuts, bananas, bagels, orange slices, and mini cupcakes.

My race: I had a killer headache the day before, so wasn't sure if I would be feeling up to racing this. I did feel fine on race day, so I just used it as a training run, but doing my best in the process. I know the course very well, I run so many parts of it all the time. However, it would be nice to get some more community support out there. I finished with a time near 2:15, which is a decent time for me, but I noticed my Garmin only said 12.9, which is close, and GPS can get off, but I don't recall ever seeing a mile marker for mile 13.

Overall: The race is for a great charity, I just feel there was something off this year. I know that the leadership for the race has changed, which was clearly felt. I think participation was down, or the race wasn't a priority for the new leadership.

I run a lot of races, I feel my opinions are valid. I want to be proud of races in my town. I want to have a must run race! Up until this year, I would have suggested this event. I just feel this year was an afterthought with too many problems. It has me questioning if I would run it again, let alone recommend it.

The 2017 event was on Saturday, April 22 at 7:03 am. It was cool, around 45 degrees, sunny and windy.

Registration: Available online starting at $85 and increased to $115 if spots were open at the expo. Included was a short sleeve, gender specific tech shirt, bib with timing strip, drawstring bag, and a finish on the 50 yard line of Memorial Stadium.

*Many pre-race emails with information.

Expo/Packet pickup: The expo opened Thursday evening and all day Friday at the nearby Rec Center on campus. The expo was a decent size with area races, running gear and race merchandise. However, you did get to the expo space until after you walked through packet pick up. This started by going up to clerk that was representing the event you were running, you showed them your unique QR code that was sent via email. They scanned the code and gave you your bib. You could pick up someone else's stuff if they sent your their QR code. No IDs were needed. After you got your bib, you then went to the expo to get a drawstring bag filled with flyers and race shirt.

*Parking for all events was FREE surrounding the stadium area, however there was a lot of traffic, so if you arrived at a busy time just needed to be patient.

*On Friday evening there was a pasta dinner held at the ARC (rec center) this also included a talk from Dick Beardsley. There were 2 pasta options and a GF option.

Pre-Race: The start was managed with corrals. No one was checking the the entry into them. There were a lot of participants that were managed with a corral start. There were port-o-potties everywhere, but seemed they all had lines. The National Anthem was sung live and the wheeler division started, followed by the runners.

Race/Course: The course was around Champaign / Urbana on the streets.
-Scenery - Not very scenic, ran through lots of residential neighborhoods, lots of turning. Did run by a golf course and through the downtown college part.
-Terrain - All paved except finish on the turf football field. The paved portions were ok, few spots to watch footing.
-Elevation - FLAT! Ok, so for me this is flat, there were some inclines.
-Spectators - There were family and friends on the course. Most of the spectators were in the form of the volunteers.
-Aid Stations - There were many Aid stations, with lemon lime Gatorade and water. Not all stops had the Gatorade, but there were enough on course. The liquid was in the same cups, but volunteers made sure you knew what you were drinking. *I was given a heads up that the water on course had a "hose" taste" I brought my own, but also took what was provided, I could taste the difference in water. There were 2 fruit stops on course. Also provided was a gel - but since I don't use them, not sure how many there were. Some residents had their own aid stations too.
-Moving Course Aid - there were bikes that were monitoring the course too, they would chat and check in on people, biking back and forth.
-Course markings- No problems figuring out which way to go. All major intersections had law enforcement, and all other intersections had an energetic volunteer - that was NOT on their phone. All miles were marked. There were some timing mats on the course too.
-Photographers - Marathonfoto on the course.
-Volunteers - I can't say enough about the volunteers for this race, there were so many! As someone who isn't fast, it was nice to have them on the course still cheering us all on!

Finish: The unique part about this race is the run onto the football field, the finish timing mat with arch is at the 50 yard line. You are handed a cool medal, and there is a chance to grab a bottle of water and a hydration drink. There is a Marathonfoto backdrop set up, for them only to take your picture. Participants are then encouraged to move off the field. No post race food on the field.

There was access for spectators to sit in the stands and watch their friends and family finish.

Post Race: The concession stands were the place to go for post race food. There were bananas, Nature Valley Granola Bars, pizza, pretzels, cookies and pasta. The actual party was on a nearby side street outside the stadium. This year was the 150th anniversary of the school, there was cake!! Also you could wait in line to get a craft beer. * I was inside the stadium too long and didn't get cake or beer, it was closed up.

My race: This was my 22nd marathon, and 2 weeks after a 50k. I am not sure what I was doing...but I gave it a try, I thought I would have a great race. However, I am not sure what happened. I just wasn't having it. After the halfway point, around mile 15 I went to running .75 miles and walking .25 miles. The wind was bothering me and I couldn't shake it. I was then hungry around mile 22. I just kept moving forward, and I finished..nothing great, but a finish. Not sure if need a running break, I didn't eat enough (as there was no sauceless pasta option at the pasta diner) or if I didn't have enough sleep. Whatever the deal, no matter how many you run, they never get easier.

Overall: As a fan from another B1G school, the University of Illinois does a great job of putting on an excellent event. The course itself isn't too scenic but the energetic volunteers and fun finish make it a race to put on your calendar.