I work in Manhattan and this race has been on my radar since it started so when it fit into my schedule this year, I was so excited! This course is SO much fun and could be a great course for a BIG PR! Here are my thoughts on the race:

1. Parking and catching the shuttle bus was super simple. We parked next to the stadium and hopped right on the school bus to take us out to the start. There were tons of porta potties at the finish (which is where we caught the shuttle). The only bad was that we were taken out to the start which is out on the highway and there was a large tent in which we huddled in until the start. RDs can't control the weather and it was very cold and windy that morning. Luckily we were able to drop our bags at the start so we could either use throw away gear or regular gear and then take it to bag drop. Lots of porta potties out next to the tent.

2. Downhill race = fast and fun. Some small hills towards the end but over either downhill or flat race course.

3. Great scenery. So much fun running into town and seeing all the sights including campus, aggieville, city park, and downtown.

4. Great post race food and lots of entertainment for the kiddos. I think they had 2 or 3 BIG bounce houses, which is great for those of us who have kiddos and spouses waiting at the finish line. Lots of vendors set up in the finisher's area. Food is laid out on tables so you can just go down the line.

5. PACERS! I love a race with good pacers and this race did not disappoint! I didn't originally start out with as certain pace in mind as I was running with a friend but when she had to stop and do some walking towards the end, I motored on and caught up with the 2:20 pacer, who was very encouraging.

Love the fact that this is a point to point downhill race. I would love to do this race again either as a pacer myself, or with a pacer and gun for a PR. Very easy to pick up packets (at the Manhattan running company) and super cute shirts (again women's cut run a bit small so either size up or exchange your shirt post race). Free pictures both on course and at finish line and you finish right next to KSU stadium. While this year didn't have a power cat as the medal, the medals were still super cute and I saw both Willie and Bill Snyder milling about taking pictures with people. Very easy to park and ride the shuttle and very easy to get out post race. I will be back!