About Me
My Races
Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.
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Half Marathon
Marathon
Ultramarathon
(Marathon or Ultra) + Half
Marathon + Ultra
Other
Future Races
Personal Bests (2)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Result |
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Fargo Marathon | Marathon | Fargo, ND | May 19, 2018 | 3:58:59 |
Grandma’s Marathon & Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Two Harbors, MN | Jun 16, 2018 | 1:53:22 |
Future Races (20)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Paid |
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Star Wars Rival Run Weekend | Half Marathon | Lake Buena Vista, FL | Apr 16, 2021 | |
Eugene Marathon | Marathon | Eugene, OR | Apr 25, 2021 | ✓ |
Myrtle Beach Marathon | Half Marathon | Myrtle Beach, SC | May 1, 2021 | |
MISH Waterfront Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K | Half Marathon | Gladstone, MI | Jun 26, 2021 | |
Disneyland Paris – Val d’Europe Half Marathon Weekend | Half Marathon | Paris, France | 2021 | |
Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate | Half Marathon | Asheville, NC | TBD | |
Bar Harbor Bank and Trust Half Marathon and Fall 5K | Half Marathon | Bar Harbor, ME | TBD | |
Bataan Memorial Death March | Marathon | White Sands, NM | TBD | |
Bellingham Bay Marathon | Half Marathon | Bellingham, WA | TBD | |
Freedom’s Run | Half Marathon | Harpers Ferry, WV | TBD | |
Historic Hillsborough Half | Half Marathon | Hillsborough, NC | TBD | |
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon | Marathon | Indianapolis, IN | TBD | |
London Marathon | Marathon | London, United Kingdom | TBD | |
Missoula Marathon | Marathon | Frenchtown, MT | TBD | |
Navy-Air Force Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Washington, DC | TBD | |
Philadelphia Marathon | Marathon | Philadelphia, PA | TBD | |
Stockholm Marathon | Marathon | Stockholm, Sweden | TBD | |
Tokyo Marathon | Marathon | Tokyo, Japan | TBD | |
Tunnel Light Marathon | Marathon | Snoqualmie Pass, WA | TBD | |
BMO Vancouver Marathon | Marathon | Vancouver, Canada | TBD |
Past Races (24)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Result | My Raves | My Performance |
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Des Moines Marathon | Half Marathon | Des Moines, IA | Oct 18, 2020 | |||
St. George Marathon | Marathon | St. George, UT | Oct 3, 2020 | |||
River Run Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Berea, OH | Sep 13, 2020 | |||
New York City Marathon | Marathon | Staten Island, NY | Nov 3, 2019 | |||
Bank of America Chicago Marathon | Marathon | Chicago, IL | Oct 13, 2019 | |||
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & 1/2 Marathon | Half Marathon | San Diego, CA | Jun 1, 2019 | |||
Sioux Falls Skedaddle Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Sioux Falls, SD | Apr 28, 2019 |
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Mesa Marathon | Half Marathon | Mesa, AZ | Feb 9, 2019 | |||
Berlin Marathon | Marathon | Berlin, Germany | Sep 16, 2018 |
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Grandma’s Marathon & Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Two Harbors, MN | Jun 16, 2018 | 1:53:22 |
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Fargo Marathon | Marathon | Fargo, ND | May 19, 2018 | 3:58:59 |
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Soldier Marathon and Half Marathon | Marathon | Columbus, GA | Nov 18, 2017 |
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Marine Corps Marathon | Marathon | Arlington, VA | Oct 22, 2017 |
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Rails to Trails Marathon | Half Marathon | Norwalk, WI | Oct 8, 2017 | 1:55:06 |
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Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend | Marathon | Minneapolis, MN | Oct 1, 2017 | |||
Gopher to Badger Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Stillwater, WI | Aug 12, 2017 |
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Fargo Marathon | Half Marathon | Fargo, ND | May 20, 2017 | 1:54:48 |
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Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon | Marathon | Milwaukee, WI | Oct 4, 2015 | |||
Woodbury Country Mile – Half Marathon & 5K | Half Marathon | Woodbury, MN | Aug 23, 2015 | 2:05:13 | ||
Grandma’s Marathon & Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon | Marathon | Two Harbors, MN | Jun 20, 2015 |
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Hypothermic 1/2 Marathon Maple Grove | Half Marathon | Eden Prairie, MN | Feb 22, 2015 | |||
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend | Marathon | Minneapolis, MN | Oct 5, 2014 | |||
Gopher to Badger Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Hudson, WI | Aug 9, 2014 | |||
Red, White & Boom! TC Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Minneapolis, MN | Jul 4, 2014 |
Sioux Falls Skedaddle Half Marathon
Decent - but TOUGH!
Sioux Falls Skedaddle Half Marathon
Its hard to give this race a fair rating, as several factors were in play that made this inaugural year different than expected. First off - the WIND! Holy cow. … MORE
Its hard to give this race a fair rating, as several factors were in play that made this inaugural year different than expected.
First off – the WIND! Holy cow. It felt like if I wasn’t running directly into a headwind, I was fighting a sidewind the entire way. And it was so icy cold that it stung when it hit your skin. I’m really trying not to hold that against the race itself, as no one can control the weather, but late April is kind of a gamble in this area and has to be considered. For me, the crappy weather was significant factor in my poor performance.
The course was just okay. But I gave the course a 2 shoe rating because organizers had to change it just a few a days ago from the original course because of flooding. Judging from the elevation map, I think the original course was easier. The original looked like a gentle downhill from start to finish, where this new route had some big climbs. My Garmin showed an elevation gain for 446 ft and a near constant climb throughout the middle of the course (photo attached). Its all on a path, goes over and under some neat bridges, which is kinda cool, but overall the middle section of the course is pretty boring: just vast views of uninteresting horizon with a few industrial areas and the local airport – ‘meh’ in my opinion. Its almost entirely along the Big Sioux River, and you can see about 3 ‘rapids’ along the course, 2 of which are man-made meant to control the river. The finish line is near a part where Falls Park (see photo) which is really pretty and you get to run past it on your way to the finish. It would be nice though, if the finishers area was at the park so runners could sit at the park and enjoy the views and brunch while relishing their race instead of just running past it.
I think the production was really good and well organized. Helpful, cheerful staff were everywhere, even though they had to be frozen and it was easy to find your way around. Sioux Falls Downtown area is small, but really cute. The post race production was well thought out with brunch of breakfast sandwiches, fruit, muffins and bars from a local bakery & hot coffee/tea… Evidently they had places to go inside and warm up, but I didn’t see where it was. I just needed to get back to the hotel and get warm.
For a small race, I thought crowd support was decent. Water stops were frequent and well stocked with cheerful and encouraging people handing out water and gatorade. Expo was really tiny, but they offered happy hour and appetizers there, and the local shops offered discounts to people, which was a nice boutique flavor to expo. The start and finish and expo are all within easy walking distance of three hotels and there are plenty of cute places to shop and explore in the downtown area.
Berlin Marathon
A Great Race!
Berlin Marathon
I really, really liked this event and the city of Berlin much more than I expected I would. I thought the race was very well organized with plenty of people … MORE
I really, really liked this event and the city of Berlin much more than I expected I would. I thought the race was very well organized with plenty of people around to help. I was very surprised by how inexpensive Berlin is compared to Stuttgart, Munich or Frankfurt. The city is very walkable, and has so much to see. Public transportation is easy to and Uber was cheap, even for an event weekend. Get there several days early and explore the city. We stayed close to the Brandenburg Gate, and got to familiarize ourselves with the race area in advance.
Expo: The Expo is enormous. This is my first World Major and I loved the massiveness, international vendors and the food vendors there, but others who’ve been to Chicago or NYC complained it was disorganized. Lines were long, with people waiting about at least an hour for bibs and pre-ordered race shirts. I got lucky with the lines and walked right up to the counters.
Course: Keep in mind it’s a big city race. Finisher village is enormous, you need your map to navigate it. I never found the course to be crowded or streets too narrow like others did. But my friend, who is tiny, said she was constantly under someone’s armpit or knocked around like a ping pong ball the whole way. I also never noticed any hills along the course. Perhaps one incline that lasted maybe 20 feet. Lots of changing scenery and lots of fan support. It’s great to have a name that translates well to many languages-I got called out a lot on the course. My biggest gripe is that I felt the water tables were too far apart-every 3 miles. I would prefer standardization in the majors with water 2 miles for every race. And those plastic cups were really awful. The sound as runners kicked through the tidal wave of cups will haunt me for weeks to come. And I guess with a huge international field you have to tolerate things that just would not be allowable on an American course-like shoving. A few folks met did remark how aggressive the runners were on the course. The pre-race pump up was really fun with high energy music, and HUGE TV’s for each corral to watch the previous corral start.
Swag: It was okay. Adidas brand. Cool designs, but you have to buy your finisher shirt and the expo sold out of common sizes on day 2, so if you want to shop, get there on day 1. Post race goodie bag was severely lacking, and post race beer was non-alcoholic (?!?!). You did get a free poster at the Expo, that has a place for your bib. Speaking of bibs, they are huge (like an 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper), you could wrap around yourself. And if you save your bib for a souvenir, expect to be disappointed because its just plain with a number and your name.
The Bling: The medal features the portrait of someone significant in marathon running. This year has Kipchoge’s portrait on the back (cool coincidence with him setting a new record this year), which adds to the specialness for me. The best part is that I got to run the same race where Kipchoge broke the men’s world record. I was around the halfway point when I found out. The city erupted in celebration, which was fun to see.
The best part: Running through Brandenburg Gate at the finish. So cool.
Most annoying: Chip rental. Seriously? What decade are we in? Berlin needs the chips on bibs like everyone else. You get fined if you forget to return it.
With all that aside, do the race, its worth it.
Grandma’s Marathon & Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
The Half Gets the Edge.....
Grandma’s Marathon & Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
So I can say I've run both distances at Grandma's marathon weekend, and I have to give the half marathon a slight edge, only because this course picks up at … MORE
So I can say I’ve run both distances at Grandma’s marathon weekend, and I have to give the half marathon a slight edge, only because this course picks up at the halfway mark for the full and the last 13.1 of the full (or the GB Half Marathon) is the most interesting with changes in scenery, going from tree lined county highway along the shore to the outskirts of town into downtown Duluth and finishing at Canal Park. In my view, it just wasn’t as boring as the full marathon (see my previous review), which starts with 13.1 miles of shoreline.
I still find the last 3/4 mile or so very frustrating with the winding through the streets making several turns hoping to see the finish line only to be disappointed. And then when you finally see the finish line, its a solid 1/4 mile ahead of you. For me its just mentally frustrating.
The finisher area is very crowded with shoulder to shoulder people trying to get their gear bags and food. It can be very confusing and lines are extremely long.
The bling has significantly improved over the last couple of years and I’m thrilled with my medal and t-shirt design. If you are in it for the bling, be sure to check out the designs (Grandma’s marathon posts their designs online, but the half marathon design is a secret). It also has a nifty flat spot on the bottom so you can stand it up to display it on a shelf instead of using the ribbon.
Also, the half is extremely popular and sells out almost immediately. If you want to go, you need to be hot on the button the moment registration opens. But don’t despair, the RD allows bib transfers until 1 May, so if you don’t get a bib, keep perusing your local run club or Craiglist.
Also notable – Grandma is concerned for your safety. There are medical tents everywhere on the course, and in a place where weather can be volatile, I think this is smart. Water tables are plentiful and stocked with great volunteers.
With that in mind, if you go to Duluth for Grandma’s Marathon, stay a couple of days and explore all the parks, lighthouses and the city of Duluth. The iron range is really special.
Fargo Marathon
Come here if you want a huge PR
Fargo Marathon
**UPDATE TO MY INITIAL REVIEW FOR THE 1/2 MARY** 2018 was my second year at Fargo and first year running the full. I continue to be impressed by this event. … MORE
**UPDATE TO MY INITIAL REVIEW FOR THE 1/2 MARY** 2018 was my second year at Fargo and first year running the full. I continue to be impressed by this event. Compared to the half, the full has considerably fewer spectators as much of the first 2/3’s of the course runs through parks and while its pretty, its not easy for spectators to reach the course (at least from what I could tell). This is definitely a PR course, so if you are wanting that huge PR, I really recommend Fargo. Only 2 significant hills, and they aren’t big climbs – maybe 30 feet long at the most. GREAT swag, big heavy medal that is well designed, robust expo and easy to spectate if your family is coming along, even for the navigationally challenged. Its cheaper than Grandma’s (one night hotel stay vs two in Duluth), cheaper entry, and hotel costs are lower. I’d go back. (photo credit Grifftown Photography)
Soldier Marathon and Half Marathon
A good PR course
Soldier Marathon and Half Marathon
I am trying to run all the military races, and this one was a pleasant surprise. If you want a GA race, this would be an excellent one to run … MORE
I am trying to run all the military races, and this one was a pleasant surprise. If you want a GA race, this would be an excellent one to run as its in November, so weather is nice.
This would be a great PR or BQ course as its pretty darn flat with only 1 notable hill about mile 3 or 4.
There is very little fan support along the course but its pretty and varied course, with vistas over the river, several different bridges to cross, a small stretch into Phenix City, AL, and several miles through the old part of Ft Benning (which isn’t all that interesting to be honest) and you aren’t bored. There is a long stretch following the Chattahoochee River, I sang Dueling Banjos in my head for a lot of the run (which was entertaining for me, LOL!). The most fun part for me was the Drill Instructors at mile 3 yelling at all the runners as if they were in Basic Training and passing out mean high fives. Those guys had to have sore throats by the end of the day. One con: On both the out and back you run past the water treatment plant, so it can be pretty stinky. My advice: PR that mile and get out of there fast.
This is not an official Army race, as the local running club puts it on, but Ft Benning supports the race as well as the National Infantry Museum. If you are into Military History (which I am not), take some time to tour the museum. Its really well done and entry is included with your registration. I was impressed.
i ran this 3 weeks after I ran Marine Corps and I found this to be a much better production. Civil War Cannon is the start gun, and you can actually see it go off. A run through a corridor of flags at the start and finish, water tables were stocked and frequent. A large and pretty medal with dog tags over a field of stars and stripes. Run with a Fallen Hero (free), you get a poster and shirt with your entry as well as museum entry and post race massages and tons of food. Soldiers are at the finish to put the medal around your neck.
Marine Corps Marathon
One and Done
Marine Corps Marathon
Full disclosure: I am typically not a race repeater. But with that said, I would definitely repeat a race (and I have) if I felt there was a purpose to … MORE
Full disclosure: I am typically not a race repeater. But with that said, I would definitely repeat a race (and I have) if I felt there was a purpose to it. This one however was a disappointment.
Perhaps my expectations were too high going into it, but I really felt it was a let down from the expo all the way to the finish line.
Expo was not as huge with a large number of of vendors as I expected. My kids love coming to these things, but the vendors didn’t have the spinning wheels for free stuff, or give out candy. The folks at the pace team booth weren’t very helpful either.
The start: When you have 30k runners, there really needs to be a corral and staggered starts. MCM uses an honor system and depends on people to line up according to their expected finish time, but this is not what people do. For the first 5 miles I weaved in and out of slower runners who were not where they should have been (I lined up by the corrected pace sign for my ability level). It was frustrating.
I guess the flyovers and parachuting marines at the start line are cool, but when you are looking where you are going, looking for bag drop, ports potties etc…. you aren’t looking up in the sky.
Course: Weaves in and out if the different neighborhoods of DC and Virginia. Lots of out and backs felt to me like a lack of creativity on the part of the race organizers. Additionally, I expected to see the monuments and to run past landmarks, but I only remember the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial and the back side of the Air and Space Museum. There were pockets of fan support and they were awesome. I mean enormous crowds of people, but there were really only 2-3 if these. But then when you get to the Capitol-no one.
The water table at mile 19 ran out of water (for real). Only 2 Marines madly trying to fill cups. After waiting a few minutes, I just decided to leave and run to the next one. Seriously? In a huge and storied race such as MCM a water table is understaffed? Someone dropped the ball in the staffing department.
And who can forget the concrete wasteland of the 14th Street bridge, or running through the industrial park in Pentagon City. No need to say more on this subject.
Post race: I felt this was the best part. The city streets closed down at the finish and it felt like giant block party that stretched for blocks. Bands, vendors, free food and drinks everywhere. It was really fun.
DC is not charitable tho. You don’t get to ride the metro for free if wearing your bib, like in other cities.
Bottom line, I expected pomp and circumstance, roaring patriotism and American pride. I left feeling empty. I’m glad I did it as it was a bucket list race for me, but I’ll do something else next time.
Rails to Trails Marathon
Know what you are signing up for
Rails to Trails Marathon
This is a great little race. But be aware - its small. If you want fan support, this is not your event. There are virtually no fans along the course. … MORE
This is a great little race. But be aware – its small. If you want fan support, this is not your event. There are virtually no fans along the course.
In terms of value, this event is good. Registration is inexpensive and includes the spaghetti dinner the night before and post-race chicken barbecue. The Ladies auxiliary has a bake sale at the event as well. This event has a small, hometown vibe that makes its special. Running through the old 3/4 mile train tunnel is really cool, and its lit with red lanterns as to not disturb the bats. I brought my knuckle lights but I didn’t need them.
Swag is nothing to write home about. I’m not a big fan of their logo, and the medal, if thats your thing, is small. There are AG winners for each event. I think the award is just a ribbon, not anything unique or showy. This course is a Boston Qualifier and is pancake flat. The course is crushed gravel and is largely shaded. Hydration table volunteers are supportive and work hard. When I ran it, they did not have professional race photographer outside the tunnel, which would have made for a very cool picture. I hope they add that in the future.
This is the primary fundraiser for the town of Norwalk. Funds are used for municipal support and the like (I think I heard one year they used funds to help buy a fire truck for the town). Parking is in the park by the start/finish line and easy to find. Race Day registration is available. Stay in Tomah (20 min drive) for more hotel options. The committee works hard to put this event on and you can tell, but its not done by runners, just townsfolk who want to create an attraction in their area. Overall, I like this event, but I can’t imagine running a full marathon there.
I hope they continue to have this event and add a few details to make this event comparable to what runners would expect at a race.
Gopher to Badger Half Marathon
Meh...
Gopher to Badger Half Marathon
This course has a fun theme - you get to pick which state to run for: Wisconsin or Minnesota. Evidently there is a winner in terms of participation, but I've … MORE
This course has a fun theme – you get to pick which state to run for: Wisconsin or Minnesota. Evidently there is a winner in terms of participation, but I’ve never seen it announced.
Start is at the fairgrounds in Stillwater. Its just okay. It has all the basics that are required, but still seems a little flimsy. The medals (if thats your motivation) have a wide margin for improvement. They are nothing special (one year it was plastic and didn’t have the Gopher or the Badger on it, which leads me to believe perhaps they are having some licensing/proprietary issues? IDK).
The course is rolling hills, so be prepared. One porta-potty at the half way mark. Finish line party is nice with plenty of food, a professional photographer and ends in Hudson by the beach close to the downtown area. Take a dip in the St Croix river to cool off after this hot August race then grab pizza at Dough Boys or beers at Pier 500 just a block away. Don’t park at the start line as there is no shuttle back to the fairgrounds after the race starts. You don’t want to get stranded.
Fargo Marathon
Awesome
Fargo Marathon
Beautiful course winding through residential streets of Fargo with huge trees that make a canopy over the street with their branches. It was like running through a tunnel, dappled with … MORE
Beautiful course winding through residential streets of Fargo with huge trees that make a canopy over the street with their branches. It was like running through a tunnel, dappled with sunlight and shade. Fargo is such a cute little town. It was my first time there and I was pleasantly surprised pockets of terrific cheering fans, kids lined up everywhere for high fives. Bands or DJs lined the streets every 1/2 mile or so. Several medical tents throughout the course and water stations every 2 miles. Helpful staff at the expo helped us out-of-towners find restaurants and our way around. It’s awesome to start and finish indoors, where it’s warm and dry, a huge plus when spring weather is unpredictable. Additionally, hot showers were available at the dome, which is nice if you were going to be there for a while. And although there were a lot of people, it did not feel crowded in the Fargodome. The medal this year is stunning and catapulted to one of my favorites. I will definitely run Fargo again. Maybe next year I’ll do the full.
**UPDATE** 19 May 2018 I ran the full marathon at Fargo this year, and I am continuing to be impressed by this event. Compared to the half, the full has considerably fewer spectators as much of the first half runs through parks and while its pretty, its not easy for spectators to reach the course (at least from what I could tell). This is definitely a PR course, so if you are wanting that huge PR, I really recommend Fargo. GREAT swag, robust expo and easy to spectate if your family is coming along, even for the navigationally challenged. Its cheaper than Grandma’s (one night hotel stay vs 2 in Duluth, cheaper entry, and hotels costs are lower. 5 stars. I’d go back.
Grandma’s Marathon & Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
I don't see what the hype is about....
Grandma’s Marathon & Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon
Around the great lakes, Grandma's marathon is a must-do, so of course I signed up. Perhaps I need to give it another chance, but in my view it was a … MORE
Around the great lakes, Grandma’s marathon is a must-do, so of course I signed up. Perhaps I need to give it another chance, but in my view it was a let down.
Pros: Water tables are well stocked and plentiful, as you’d expect with a large race, they are approximately every two miles. The race is well organized, there is the option to transfer bibs to another runner if you can’t run and the communication with the race organizing team is very good. Take the train to the start line instead of the busses. You have to get up 30 mins earlier to get a seat, but you get to ride in climate controlled car and it drops you off right at the start 30 mins before the gun goes off. Once you entered the city of Duluth, the fans were eager and excited.
Cons: Expensive race entry. Hotels in Duluth jack up the prices that weekend and require a 2 night stay. The wait for the start is ridiculously long – like hours as you are bussed to the start and have to sit and wait in the elements for the gun to go off. The Michelina pasta dinner at the expo was not anything special. I felt like I was at a fair with the mass of tables, over cooked pasta, loud atmosphere and checked table cloths. Restaurants at or near Canal Park will not accept reservations. The weather on the North Shore can be miserable and the pendulum swings wide. The several years its been brutally hot or torrential rain storms. They don’t ever seem to have nice calm, cool weather on race day. Prepare and expect the worst. Maybe you’ll be surprised.
I didn’t find the course to be all that great. It was pretty to look at the lake for the first few miles, but then after that the view never changed and it was boring. Looking ahead on the course all I could see were rolling hills. Mile 24 is where it started to get interesting at least, because you entered the main drag in Duluth but I found the last 3/4 mile or so was really frustrating as there were several turns. You’re tired as all get out after running almost 26 miles, make turn and hope to see the finish only to see more running and no finish. Repeat several times. Finally you see the finish line and its 100 yards ahead – UGH! In my view it was mentally debilitating.
In recent years the swag has improved and the medal now is pretty unique with a flat part that will let you stand it up, which is neat. Personally, I don’t find this event to be worth the expense or the trouble.