On Saturday, September 4th, the Rockin’ Brews races befell in Madison, Wisconsin. Hosted by Madison Occasions, this Labor Day custom is a favourite for a lot of midwestern runners who got here out to have fun the unofficial finish of summer season.
Distances supplied included a full marathon, half marathon, half marathon stroll, full marathon relay, and half marathon relay. Phew…what a handful for the RD’s to handle! And handle it they did, by internet hosting an unimaginable race weekend, which actually included one thing for everybody. Oh, and did I point out that additionally it is a Boston Qualifier!!!
At 7am, the complete marathon and full marathon relay runners started adopted by the half marathon and half marathon relay runners. The half marathon walkers had been the final to start. I’ve by no means participated in a race that supplied a half marathon stroll and kudos to the RD’s for this feature. There are a number of walkers that might benefit from the problem of a half marathon however many conventional half’s shut the course earlier than walkers would be capable of end. It was enjoyable to see the walkers difficult themselves with this distance and tackling the very long time on ft.
The course was all paved and principally tree coated as runners circled Lake Monona. At occasions we ran proper subsequent to the Lake and different occasions by means of scenic neighborhoods of Madison. We had been handled to the skyline of Madison, together with the Capitol constructing and even ran beneath the Frank LLoyd Wright Monona Terrace. There have been slight hills all through the course that by no means appeared to go away! There have been no huge climbs however sufficient regular elevation all through to maintain your quads and hamstrings challenged all through. The rain stayed away so runners had an overcast morning with low 70’s to run.
Half marathon runners and walked accomplished the loop as soon as, whereas full marathons looped twice. Earlier than beginning the second loop, full marathoners had been greeted by warms crowds firstly/end line and an incredible DJ encouraging runners on.
Parking was free, plentiful, and near the beginning/end line, which was proper outdoors of the neighborhood middle. The neighborhood middle homes a waterslide and pool, which was closed for the season. On my second loop of the complete, on the 26 mile mark, I’ve by no means been so blissful to see a waterslide!
All runners obtained a Rockin’ Brews t-shirt and finishers medal. Runners additionally obtained a free entry into the End Line Competition the place you can pattern as many beers as you appreciated. This race was effectively attended and supplied a enjoyable ambiance for all. I’ll undoubtedly be returning to this course and encourage you so as to add this to your race schedule for subsequent Labor Day. You’ll not be dissatisfied by this occasion. Congratulations to all the finishers and big thanks to the Race Administrators, volunteers, and police that placed on this wonderful occasion for us.