This race features the highlights of Madison (Mad-town) in the summertime! I loved the early (7am) start to avoid the heat of the day.

Race Start/Course: The UW Marching band plays Badger favorites while you gather on Langdon Street. There were ample port-o-potties as well as fairly short lines for restrooms inside the Memorial Union. The course winds through downtown, then heads down through a beautiful bit of the Arboretum, before circling back through campus.

Aid Stations: Amazing support and lively cheering at each well-spaced aid station. They are usually staffed by high school and college groups - you will get high-5's if you want them!

Finish Area: Party time! I loved rounding the last corner from University Ave to Park Street. There are photographers on the pedestrian bridge right over the finish line to capture your finish. Did I mention FREE PHOTOS available the same day?! Craft beer ticket available on the bottom of your bib, along with chocolate milk, popcorn, granola bar, banana, and of course bottles of water. Live music on the Memorial Union Terrace with gorgeous Lake Mendota as the backdrop. We stayed several hours talking with friends and teammates while rehydrating!

Swag: Besides the soft women's specific cut tee, the Free photos, virtual goody bag (environmentally friendly) I don't think there's more I could ask for. The finisher medal is solid, it has a kick stand if you'd like to display it on a desk or shelf without having to hang it on anything, and of course has a bottle opener!

I would highly recommend this race to anyone! On Wisconsin!