Run Madtown 13.1

Run Madtown 13.1 – Race Recap
“Disclaimer: I received entry into the Run Madtown Conquer the Capitol 19.3 Challenge to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!”

If you missed the first part of the Conquer the Capitol Challenge, the 10k, you can check that recap here. For my to the point half marathon review, check out bibrave.com.

Sunday, May 27, 2018.
Rise and shine!!! Hotel coffee and gas station bagels, breakfast of champions.

Another hot day was upon us, pre-race emails had warned us of this. We had been drinking all the water and Gatorade. The forecast had race time temps in the 80’s.

There was no race day packet pick up, to get your things you needed to attend the expo/packet pickup the day before. I will say as a challenge participant we had 2 different bibs with the same number to wear. We also got a shirt for each event, as well as a long sleeve light weight hoodie for the challenge.

We made it to the Capitol with plenty of time before the race, and again with the most awesome on street, FREE, parking spot, a block from the finisher’s party. There were port-o-potties set up in the area too.

Josh and I parked ourselves near the gear check area. We managed to meet up with Dan again as well as fellow Corridor Running board member Warren. They all were talking race strategy and what not, I just wanted to finish.

As we chit chatted, I spotted another BibRave Pro, Dye. I had met her last August at the Madison Mini. We took a photo together and she realized her bib was missing. Luckily the kind race folks got her all taken care of.

After all the pre-race pleasantries and mosquito bites, we all proceeded to take our places in the corrals. There were pacers for this event so you could self seed near them. The National Anthem was sung and we were moving.

The beginning of the half marathon course was similar to the 10k he evening before. started with the hills, including Observatory…oof! However, the reason I like this event was in the past we always ran through the arboretum. This year the course was very similar to the fall Madtown event, and took a western route, through residential neighborhoods and boring roads.

FREE race photos!

Don’t be fooled though, there were still hills! I think I am still climbing the one near mile 9. Once on top you could see the Capitol across the lake, so that was cool.

I mentioned the pre-race emails and the heat warnings. There were supposed to be 10 hydration stops with water and Gatorade. I was too lazy to count, but in 6 miles I had one Gatorade stop. Running at different paces makes for different race experiences, and when it’s hot it’s hard to staff those aid stations. I just wish if it’s advertised, it’s available. Also the water and Gatorade were different at each stop, sometimes second, sometimes Gatorade was sandwiched between water. I am happy this was available, just makes it nice when it’s all the same.

Alright…. I was just running my own race and about 3 miles from the finish when I came upon an ambulance loading up a runner. I hope the person is ok. This also got me thinking for the next mile. I looked at my bib and saw that it had a printed sticker on it with my information, but nothing if there was an emergency. When I removed my bib there were no lines on the back to write information in case of an emergency. Yes, the race has your bib number and would know who you were, but what if someone stole your bib, or you illegally transferred it? Next, just run with an ID, there are many options – for you shoes, a bracelet, or add to a watch band. Safety is this easy.

Am I done running yet? The heat was proving to be tough, but a guy speed walking had managed to pass me so I had a new goal, beat that guy!!!! It also helped as I could see Dan up ahead. They both pushed me to the finish up that last hill.

A 2:24 finish time, definitely not my best, but also not my worst. A finish is a finish!
I crossed the finish line and a volunteer placed a medal around my neck. I went straight to that bottle of water. I hate the post race headache. There were also boxes of banana pieces and orange slices – orange slices are the best! Then you could grab a bagged lunch from Panera – a sandwich, chips and cookie. From here was the post race party. Chocolate milk was back and as cold as ever!

There was a separate tent in this area for challengers to grab their third medal. clink, clink, clink.

I was with Dan and we were in search of shade, I found Josh, Warren and Dye and met a new friend, Julia. We talked about our races and whined about the heat. It was so hot I even drank a Michelob Ultra – GASP – and despite what the can says, it is not the Superior Light Beer, LOL.

We all parted ways after a brief photo shoot. It’s always nice to catch up with others. If you see me at a race, say hi!

I registered late for the challenge, so it was kinda pricey at $145, but I enjoy running in Madison and visiting when the Hawks are not playing a sport. The races I have done, while they have some hiccups, are always well managed. Hope to get back soon, perhaps again for the Mini.

Josh and I had enough time to go back to the hotel for a shower, sometimes that is rare post race with check out times. Then we made sure to hit up a local brewery. We checked out Vintage Brewing. It had an old school diner vibe.

After another stop at the Hy-Vee, with 3 new Wisconsin beers in tow, we were back on the road, and headed towards the Hawkeye state.

Don’t forget to claim your results on Athlinks!