I did the Live It Up 5 Mile Loop on Saturday and ran the half-marathon on Sunday.

Both were really well-organized races. The weather was cool and rainy on Saturday, and I think that must have lowered the number of racers for the 5 mile to just over 400. The race started and finished at Principal Park, where the Iowa Cubs play. The course went around Gray Lake, with a couple of water stops. At the finish, racers could get water, fruit, and very generous food boxes.

The weather the next day was cooler and overcast/clear - no rain! But as you would expect after a rainy day, it was windy. I really felt the wind when the course was next to the water.

This is a very well organized and supported race. Hydration stops about every 1.5 miles, and fruit or energy gels about every 3. The course is flat. Bands/music were playing at many stops, and a group of cheerleaders formed an arch that runners could go under - of course I did this!

This is a larger race, and for about 1/3 of the course the path is rather narrow. Be prepared, based on your pace, to have race officials on motorcycles clear the left for wheelchair athletes or the elite marathoners. Though this was not a big deal.

As those who ran in earlier years noted, the after-race food is top-notch. We had very nice arrangements for the Saturday 5 mile race, and Samuel Adams beer and many food options after the Sunday races, such as pulled pork sliders, pizza, and good deli sandwiches.

This one's easy: sign up! The town's very manageable, the races are very well organized, and the support is fantastic.