Madison Mini 2014

It was a long week, a PF flare up had me with a total of 4 miles. However since I am a crazy runner, I was on my way to Madison, WI to run the Madison Mini Half Marathon, for the 2nd year in a row. Thanks to BibRave for this years entry. Reminder you too can write race reviews to share with others. Here are more reviews for the Madison Mini.

You can read last years recap here. I am sure this year’s will be similar.

I was traveling with Laura (13.1) & Tereasa 5k) this year.  We had learned from last year, reserved a hotel within walking distance to everything. Parking is available, but the race is the same weekend as all the UW students are moving back, so the town is a little congested.

The expo was a great size. Easy to navigate, big enough to explore, small enough to not be overwhelmed. Packet-pick up with an ID, you could also pick up a friends with their ID. There was no race day registration, but you could still sign up at packet pick up. The 13.1 was $75-$110, and the 5k was $25 – $40, depending on when you registered. Included was a virtual race bag, 13.1 – tech shirt, 5k – cotton – shirt, timing chip, name on your bib and post race beer.

Race Day: Saturday August 16, 2014. Sunny, humid, 70 ish degrees. 7:00 am start in corrals. National Anthem sung live about 5-10 minutes before start. Music pumping over speakers. Started on time. Lots of port-o-potties. The weiner-mobile was there too.

Course: They changed the course to eliminate a narrow bike path this year. However the race still included passing the state Capitol, the University of Wisconsin campus including Camp Randall, Lake Menona & Lake Mendota; snaking through Madison on paved streets, asphalt and dusty trails. No major cracks or potholes. Some of the roads were still open to traffic, they were marked for runners with cones. Due to the students just arriving back in town, State Street had some unpleasant trash piles. There was one steep climb near mile 9. Chip on back of bib.  Spectators were present in populated areas, always cheering. all intersections had a volunteer or law enforcement official. Water & Gatorade stops,  each in different color paper cups. No food on the course.  I did not see an actual medical tent on the course, but some bike medics were patrolling. Couple places with Sportphoto on course. Miles were clearly marked with stands holding a clock & flags. Members of the UW marching band were just after mile one. There was a live band between mile 10-11. Finish line clearly marked with arch and clock.

Post Race: Medals hung around your neck by volunteers, which is also a bottle opener; at the same time a bottle of water & a banana were handed to you. More food available by choice, granola bar, white popcorn, cheese popcorn, & chocolate milk, a lot to carry.  Photos on a terrace chair & in front of finishers back drop, by SportPhoto. Drink ticket provided on bib for a draft beer from Wisconsin Brewing Company or a bottle of Gatorade or soda. There was a line for post race beverages, but it moved fast. Finisher’s were able to gather at the terrance on Lake Mendota. More food & drink available for purchase. Live music.

Overall: This is a great race, no headaches.  Only downfall is the price. I would definitely run again and recommend it to others. This is only the 6th year for the race, they already know what they are doing.

Personal: Well..hmmm, you already know I have PF, but during the race my tendonitis decided to rear it’s head in the other leg/foot. This with the lovely humidty, sun, and no running made for a lovely race. At mile 12.58 I told Laura I was done…she said keep going, we are almost there. (Thanks Laura!) I finished this race, it was my 20th half marathon. Hard to believe 5 years ago this was possible.

The results were quick, there was a QR code on our bibs, just scan and there were the stats:

I also love racing because of the people & community. This race has an excellent post race party, everyone hanging out by the lake, never feel rushed to move along. This allowed us to meet up with some of my twitter running pals, it was nice to meet them again (or for the first time)