Having run the 10 mile distance previously at this race weekend, I was super pumped to make this my first marathon finish.

I went to the expo the day before and it was smooth transitioning from getting my bib, to shopping for marathon gear, to browsing all the booths that the expo had to offer. The layout this year was different than previous years, and it seemed more cramped, putting the packet pick-up on the side, as opposed to the back of the venue in previous years. But, as always, security was quick, people were friendly, and the offerings at the expo booths were great! They even had a spot for children to make signs for their racers!

Sunday morning we parked in St. Paul by Union Depot and took the light rail to Minneapolis. Contrary to others comments that taking the light rail takes "forever", we were able to get to Minneapolis just as fast as when I've taken the light rail for other events. Parking fees were reasonable and the light rail was free with our race bib.

Everything at the race start was well organized. Gear drop was in UPS vehicles, which was well organized by bib # and my truck was close to the church where my fundraising team gathered for pre-race photos. TONS of porta-potties to be had, and even more once the 10 mile runners had taken off to start their race. 15 minutes before race start and I didn't have to wait AT ALL for a porta-potty... definitely a plus!

The course is well staffed, and TONS of spectators lining the entire course. Having your name on your bib is definitely a plus, as it makes it feel like you know everyone along the course, and they totally keep you going when you don't think you can. There are hills on this course, but it isn't nearly as bad as some will make you think. The grade of Summit is so low key, minus a few spots, you don't even notice you're moving uphill, even after 20-ish miles.

The end of the course is the absolute best! Not only is it downhill into the finish, but you get to cross under a giant American flag held up by fire trucks at mile 26, and you see the span of St. Paul as a backdrop to the finish line. The entire course is wide, but the finishing 0.2 is the widest I've ever seen of any race I've done, so even if there are a lot of people around you as you are finishing, there are no worries of running into anyone.

Every runner gets so much at the finish line... a race blanket, water, soup broth, fruit cup, bananas, granola bars, chips, chocolate milk, gatorade... and I could go on. And lest we not forget about the free Summit Beer! I love that they have a family area, organized by last name, for you to meet your loved ones. Let's be real... with how many people are in such a small area, it could be almost impossible to find them without this. But the organization of the finish line village is seemless. You get your medal, all your goodies, and you move right to getting your finisher's shirt, gear from bag drop and right out to meet your family and into the village to get your beer and head back to parking.

Twin Cities in Motion is top notch in organization of races. I will definitely be back!