On Sunday, we ran the Des Moines Half Marathon.
The race started at 7am, with approximately 2600 runners. At the starting gun, the temperature was warm, in the 70's, with about 50% humidity. (Being from the cool, low humidity Bay Area, I consider 50% humidity difficult to run in :-))
We ran through downtown, past the new Wells Fargo Arena (Green Day played the night before the race, which garnered a lot of press in Des Moines) and up the hill (yes Virgina, there are hills in Iowa. Don't let anyone tell you it is flat!) to the state Capitol. After a quick run through town, we went south through the beautiful Water Works Park and then back north to the downtown finish.
Overall, here's how the run rates in my book:
Organization - The race was very well organized - clearly marked and staffed. Grade: A
Course - Southern end of the run through the Water Park was great, parts of downtown were quite scenic also. Grade: B
Aid-stations - Located as billed - each had water and Powerade. Gu available at mile 10. Grade: A
Swag - Short-sleeve shirt, nice Finisher's medal. Grade: B