Angela Lewis's Staging Area

This was an epic race to run a half-marathon. So much fan support in all miles of the race in the pouring down rain this year. Each fuel stations had plenty of water and Gatorade. Some had energy treats or papertowels to dry off. It was raining so much I was unable keep my head up enough to enjoy the scenery. The aid station at the end of race were very good at noticing runners distressed. They got me warm, gave me energy (fluid/food), took my blood pressure and explained what happened. There is alot of walking depending on where you park if attending events on Saturday (watching races, spending time in Smale Riverfront Park, attending the Expo). You must make this a full weekend event – you don’t want to miss anything happening on Friday or Saturday. Lots of fun with all the vendors and sponsors life size plowups. Lots of photo opportunities. Make sure you have a camera or your phone is fully charged. Improvement: Speaker at start of race needs be loud enough or more speakers so all runners clear to back of the pack can here the announcements and National Anthem. At the finishers line, there needs to be better signs on where stuff is or someone to direct you. I missed two different items – one I had mailed to me. The aid station people at the end of race mentioned a Family Tent to meet up with family which did not exist. Many vendors at the Expo ran out of items to buy or handout. The Pig Works app needs to mention all food vendors, what they are offering and prices. I would highly recommend this race to anyone wanting to do 1mile, 5K, 10K, Flying Piglet, Kids, PigAbilities, FlyingFur, Half-marathon, Relay or Full Marathon. This is the best race for 50-State Half-marathon Club in Ohio. The Swag was awsome!! (poster, shirt, backpack, magent, mylar blanket). The Expo and Smale Park had so many things to do, free handouts and Flying Pig things to purchase. Well worth the trip from Texas for this event no matter what the weather conditions were!!