We have been doing this race for years. It’s no frills, but the orchard is a lovely setting and the post race snacks are AMAZING! Nothing beats a MN apple orchard in the fall, except for a nice trail run through the orchard before it opens. Just don’t get lured off course by the amazing smells coming from the bakery and don’t tumble down the last hill! While you’re there, sign the kiddos up for the kids run, it’s a nice little loop and they get to partake in the apples and cookies at the finish line.

The setting of this race is gorgeous. Beautiful homes, swanky cars, and lovely lake views give you something to watch. The directors of the race are definitely supportive of the back of the packers. I love that there is a pacer for every racer and the ones they have pacing the 11:00 min + runners are fun and encouraging. It’s a fun day for families as there is a kids race as well. It’s a bit tough for spectators to see more than the start and the finish due to all the road closures and course route.

TCM always puts on a great race. The course is gorgeous and offers a nice mix of downtown/city scape, lakes, river and neighborhoods. The crowd is always fantastic. My favorite part is always the ALARC wall and the crowds along Summit Ave. I miss the days when runners could wait inside the metrodome before the race start as there were always plenty of bathrooms and it was nice to drink that final cup of coffee inside.

There is nothing quite like finishing on the 50 yard line and TCF Bank Stadium is a great stadium to finish in. The post race snacks were great and if you’re a gopher fan, the shirts are just your style! The bathroom situation left a bit to be desired, but that’s only because I lost my husband when we split to go to the men’s and women’s rooms. The start line was a bit chaotic with various distances lining up in the same place. The weather also left something to be desired. The course is a good challenge and has some lovely scenery.

There is nothing quite like finishing on the 50 yard line and TCF Bank Stadium is a great stadium to finish in. The post race snacks were great and if you’re a gopher fan, the shirts are just your style! The bathroom situation left a bit to be desired, but that’s only because I lost my husband when we split to go to the men’s and women’s rooms. The start line was a bit chaotic with various distances lining up in the same place. The weather also left something to be desired. The course is a good challenge and has some lovely scenery.