This course was one of the best road races I have run yet. I am only 14 with two years of running under my belt. After convincing my dad to … MORE
This course was one of the best road races I have run yet. I am only 14 with two years of running under my belt. After convincing my dad to train with me, I soon began to get faster and set some goals. I spent some time browsing halves and this one popped up. It lived up to the expectations.
At the start of the race, there were lots of fans to cheer you on. Most road races I have run start like that but the fan numbers slowly fade away. Here I don’t think there was a single mile where I wasn’t getting cheered on by someone along the route. Lots of signs and moral boosting areas. Lots of water and Gatorade stations to fuel up on liquids. On this particular day it was humid so this came in handy.
The scenery along this route was very nice. From mile 1-3 we were running along the river. Lots of trees in this area. 4-5 were surrounded by a few buildings. 5-7 or 8 was along a bike route. This was probably the most hilly part for me. Lots of trees with the occasional view of the river. 8-10 we were surrounded by the city buildings running very close to the interstate. This was one of my favorite parts as I prefer to run in cities rather than the country. 11-12.5 was back along the starting road. Along the river with the great views. 12.5-13.1 This was my favorite part as we got to run along the Stone arch bridge. Lined with American flags and lots of fans, this was a true 4th of July experience. All in all, I give this race a 4.5/5. PS. the finisher medal was awesome.
Great choice for my first half!
This course was one of the best road races I have run yet. I am only 14 with two years of running under my belt. After convincing my dad to … MORE
This course was one of the best road races I have run yet. I am only 14 with two years of running under my belt. After convincing my dad to train with me, I soon began to get faster and set some goals. I spent some time browsing halves and this one popped up. It lived up to the expectations.
At the start of the race, there were lots of fans to cheer you on. Most road races I have run start like that but the fan numbers slowly fade away. Here I don’t think there was a single mile where I wasn’t getting cheered on by someone along the route. Lots of signs and moral boosting areas. Lots of water and Gatorade stations to fuel up on liquids. On this particular day it was humid so this came in handy.
The scenery along this route was very nice. From mile 1-3 we were running along the river. Lots of trees in this area. 4-5 were surrounded by a few buildings. 5-7 or 8 was along a bike route. This was probably the most hilly part for me. Lots of trees with the occasional view of the river. 8-10 we were surrounded by the city buildings running very close to the interstate. This was one of my favorite parts as I prefer to run in cities rather than the country. 11-12.5 was back along the starting road. Along the river with the great views. 12.5-13.1 This was my favorite part as we got to run along the Stone arch bridge. Lined with American flags and lots of fans, this was a true 4th of July experience. All in all, I give this race a 4.5/5. PS. the finisher medal was awesome.
Sticky hot fun kick off to the 4th!
This was a great kickoff to the festivities of the holiday. Fun atmosphere and for being such a huge event it is produced well, little to no difficulties. Gear check … MORE
This was a great kickoff to the festivities of the holiday. Fun atmosphere and for being such a huge event it is produced well, little to no difficulties. Gear check and retrieval is awesome. A lot of great snacks at the end, the popsicle was a lifesaver! Like that they had plenty of water stops for such a hot day. The medal does not indicate what race you did but I just sharpie up the back of all of mine anyway with results and such. So that didn’t bother me, but others might not like. The shirt is great and the course is always enjoyable running across the stone arch bridge near the end. No PR for me in that heat but was pleased I finished pretty decent – it was the free Summit beer at the end calling to me that pushed me along! 😁
Good but not great.
I was pumped for this even... but leave somewhat disappointed. Below are my notes: PACKET PICKUP & EXPO: It was located near St. Paul and hard to get to. I … MORE
I was pumped for this even… but leave somewhat disappointed. Below are my notes:
PACKET PICKUP & EXPO:
It was located near St. Paul and hard to get to. I took a train and bus from downtown. At the expo I was given my shirt and bib only… no bag to pre- pack for morning drop. No printed race guide. Small table selling extra race apparel.
RACE AID STATIONS:
Everyone was very nice and helpful. I think the organizer may have added aid stations because of heat and humidity.
SWAG:
Nice tech shirt. There was 1 common medal for all events… 5k, Half Relay & Half.
FINISH LINE:
Strong effort. Water, Gatorade, Chocolate Milk, choice of ice cream, bananas and hotdogs. Also provide a beer of choice from Summit brewing.
VIP EXPERIENCE:
This was a great addition. Bag check was good… but had to walk 0.2 miles each way from Half start to drop off. Extra beer, free massage, fruit bar. Special gift was a beach mat.
Good way to start off the 4th!
Medtronic does such a fantastic job of running races - they are well organized from start to finish. This is no exception and a top notch race. My husband and … MORE
Medtronic does such a fantastic job of running races – they are well organized from start to finish. This is no exception and a top notch race. My husband and I did the relay and I wish it had been a little more competitive in the sense that there were stats for age groups, etc. It was fun though but I don’t know if I’d run it and try to race it again without some sense of how you competed. Good swag and well organized!
Great race!
Wonderful event! Well organized, festive atmosphere. Early start: you will be glad you are done before the summer sun heats up the day. The course finishes along the river with … MORE
Wonderful event! Well organized, festive atmosphere.
Early start: you will be glad you are done before the summer sun heats up the day. The course finishes along the river with shade and breeze.
Course: mostly scenic or shaded green space. Lots of support along the way. VERY well done!!
A Great Way to Celebrate the 4th!
This is a great way to celebrate the 4th of July. New course this year was a lot easier. While I have not run the old course, I have biked … MORE
This is a great way to celebrate the 4th of July. New course this year was a lot easier. While I have not run the old course, I have biked it. They changed the finish line location which was a little disappointing. The race used to finish on the Stone Arch Bridge which was a great drop back for photos.