The race seemed well managed compared to some other races I've completed. They had the packet pick up at Run n Fun so it wasn't much of an "expo". I do really like the pullover, it's light with a hood so would be good for fall/spring runs, or just around the house. They had the 5k & 10k races start together, which I wasn't a fan of. There were young children & adults lined up at the very front who were obviously walking, so slightly annoying to those who are racing/running faster to dodge around. Once we got out after the first half mile it was more comfortable as people fell back. The first portion was on a bike trail and then we had to cut through part of the woods up onto the main street, which I thought was weird. Since it was an out and back course, we came up to the walkers on the way back. I got really confused as there was a water stop where *I think* we were supposed to get back on the bike trail from the road, but it was so congested with people completely stopping to get water and clogging the bike path that me and a few other runners opted to continue on the street. Now I"m still not sure if we were supposed to do this or not but I didn't see any signs or people telling me otherwise. So once I settled back into pace on the street it was fine. There were a few hillier parts of the course but nothing crazy. My watch came up nearly .20 miles short, so I kept running after crossing the finish to hit the 10k mark. The parts we were running along the river and could see St. Paul were really nice view wise...
I was slightly disappointed with the chocolate/food at the end. All I saw was chocolate sauce with marshmallows, oreos, or animal crackers. They also had bananas, chips, and mini nut rolls. So this is a personal preference I guess, but I was expecting maybe m&m's or chocolate bars? Maybe I missed them somehow.

This was my second year completing this race as it's a fast course and relatively close to where I live. I'm someone who doesn't care for the bigger marathon's with tons of spectators (like Twin Cities) so this one is a perfect fit for me! This course is super flat, a few minor changes in elevation but no significant climbs. There are some long stretches near the end that can be kind of boring and I found myself running alone often. But I do most of my training runs alone so I was fine with this for the most part. I think the only thing I would change is having aid stations closer to 2 miles apart. But over all I like this race because it's simple in terms of getting there, the course, and nothing extra frilly (and a cheap price if you sign up early!)

My dad and I have both completed this race 5 years (I think he's actually done 6), all of the 10 mile race. I think the main reason is the beautiful course and good weather. It's usually pretty cool still in April in Minnesota but that's my favorite running weather. The course is great as it goes along the river and has a few rolling hills throughout, with a bigger climb near the end around mile 9 which is a nice challenge. My goal always is to not walk up that last hill! I think my favorite is running around TCF stadium and finishing on the football field, and also getting my medal from the men's rowing team :-) The shirts are usually your basic long sleeve, this year they had a different material I wasn't exactly a fan of (just personal preference). They could also step up the post race food game a bit beyond bananas and potato chips...