Maris 61 in 61 -- 10K: Updated race report

Full report to follow, but to the left is the course route. Time was 1:16:45, about 2 minutes above my "best goal," but a new PR. More to follow when I get back from a family reunion.

Ok, here is a longer report:

1) Course rates a "D". All Concrete, much of it on sidewalks, with no trees, windbreaks, shade, etc.

2) Start was poorly handled. No clear markers and not enough pre-warning. I ended up boxed in by "walking strollers" and was at least 20 yards behind the nearest runner when I got free.

3) Aid stations -- cups too small, water only, only at 1.2 miles and 3 miles of the 10K. Given that the 1.2 mile aid station was passed again around mile 5 on the way back in, it simply closed too early.

4) Mile 2 and 5 were crossing of a busy intersection. Going out, there was one young lady with an infant left alone at the corner. On the way back in, she was gone and not replaced. It was a mistake to leave here there alone.

5) No medals, only the first 600 get shirts and packets. I pre-registered, but I heard a fair amount of grumbling. . . Also, packet had more "drug" promo's than runner interesting stuff. Meritcare has fantastic Sports Medicine divisions, but the bag had advertisments for "Sanofi Aventis" (whatever that is. . .) but nothing on local sports medicine services.

6) Packet pick-up is day of race only, even though the "fundraising" and silent auctions were open for 3 days and should have allowed avoidance of traffic with early packet pick-up.

7) No food, water, or medical attention at finish. Had to walk 2-3 blocks and cross a major traffic road to get back to aid station. Totally unacceptable. Stay away if they cannot figure this out!!!!

9) Map did not clearly show location of start or finish. No banners or other easy ways to identify. My family was confused about where to go. . . Packet did not even have a map.

10) Mile 4 went by Famous Daves and smell of lunch preperation probably cost me ton's of emotional energy, motivation, and at least 2 minutes off my time. . . OK, this is the one thing that was probably not something that can/should be fixed.

Overall, it is a good group of people, a good cause, but in desperate need to some "runners" input in the planning. Without major changes, especially at finish line, I will not run this again.