On Saturday, September 4th, the Rockin’ Brews races came about 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 rejoice the unofficial finish of summer time.
Distances provided 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 unbelievable 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 have been the final to start. I’ve by no means participated in a race that provided a half marathon stroll and kudos to the RD’s for this selection. There are a variety of walkers that may benefit from the problem of a half marathon however many conventional half’s shut the course earlier than walkers would be capable to 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 largely tree coated as runners circled Lake Monona. At instances we ran proper subsequent to the Lake and different instances by scenic neighborhoods of Madison. We have 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 large 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 have been greeted by warms crowds firstly/end line and a terrific DJ encouraging runners on.
Parking was free, plentiful, and near the beginning/end line, which was proper outdoors of the neighborhood heart. The neighborhood heart 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 glad 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 Pageant the place you may pattern as many beers as you preferred. This race was nicely attended and provided a enjoyable ambiance for all. I’ll positively 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 disillusioned by this occasion. Congratulations to the entire finishers and big thanks to the Race Administrators, volunteers, and police that placed on this superb occasion for us.
