We just finished this years CitySolve Urban Race STL and it was a BLAST. We came in 12th out of…read moreabout 80 teams, not too shabby for a few rookies. It's a scavenger hunt based on clues and loosely held together by rules that ensure fair play and sportsmanship. Every year it could be different, but the racers also qualify to participate in the championship race in Vegas later this year. This year's event had my team of three crawling around the city, on foot for about 4-5 miles of it and on a very entertaining city bus for another 2 miles. It took us all over downtown and over to the SLU area. Although up to five hours is allotted, we finished in about an hour and 45 minutes. There are divisions (Family, Senior, Open) and prizes awarded for the winners as well as best costume, so there were some pretty entertaining outfits to say the least. The bottom line is, people pay 40-50 dollars to enter in full/half marathons all the time, and while this takes a lot less physical exertion or training, it's a heck of a lot more fun! It was a great way to spend a Saturday and I'll be doing it again next year.

This was my first time doing this particular race. I thought it was a lot of fun. The shirts were…read moresuper cute... so that's always a plus! The course is pretty hilly, but what's a race without hills? haha I thought the number of volunteers and the support of the spectators was fabulous! It would have been nice if they had passed out gu at the second to last water station. I usually dont eat anything during half races, but my energy level went down... I guess maybe because of the hills. Overall, fantastic job for such a small race. There were even some big competitors present! They also have a 1/2 mile and 5K run for beginners and children.

A year later, and this half marathon still gives me chills. I ran the Clayton half for the second…read moretime, making it my third half this year (and fourth half overall)! Who needs drugs when you can sign up for races instead? Such a rush. Packet pickup was a snap; the half marathon 'expo' was at The Center of Clayton on Saturday. I received my bib and sweet long-sleeved tech shirt. The race itself was very well organized, and also started at The Center of Clayton. I love the St. Louis Track Club half, because it is a popular race, but not TOO popular. It still has that small, intimate feel. The course itself is SUPER hilly. There's just no other way to describe it. It starts in Clayton, winds through downtown Clayton a bit, then goes over into Forest Park. Beautiful course and lots and lots and LOTS of hills. Get ready. Crowd support is pretty nonexistent, so bring an MP3 player if you can't stand silence. Again, the police officers and volunteers did an EXCELLENT job directing traffic and such to make sure all of the racers were safe. That sort of thing is always appreciated. The finishers medal was sweet, and there were lots of post race goodies to partake in if you're into that sort of thing. After running 13.1 miles, food is the LAST thing on my mind, but if bananas, bagels, and gatorade are your post-race fuel of choice, this one's got ya covered. I'll be back next year, of course.

THE WILD, WILD WEST!…read more Have you ever seen those cowboy showdowns which causes all the townsfolk to leave? That's what it felt like running in St. Louis; an abandoned town when a big event goes on. The folks of St. Louis knew the Rock n Roll series was coming, so they basically fled. There was no activity whatsoever especially for a downtown area, and it was a bit eerie. It's like us runners were a disease. Did St. Louis think we brought Cholera, Measles, or even Typhoid Fever? Remember the game Oregon Trail in elementary school? I guess they took the "You have died of dysentery" memo seriously. Lol In addition to the sense of loneliness, the race was quite boring after the first 3 miles. At the beginning of the race, you run alongside of the Gateway Arch and by Busche Stadium. Beyond that, you are just running down the depressing streets of St. Louis. The only thing missing along the course was tumbleweed. I did see a pizza box rolling around on the street... so close enough. Lol I wish there were more opportunities to run by the arch, and to run inside Bushe Stadium. The next day, the field at Bushe Stadium was gutted so it wouldn't have mattered if runners ran by it, or on it. At the least, the course wasn't difficult. They used to offer a marathon option, but it looks like they did away with that. I heard it was hilly, and if were a little more exciting, I wouldn't have mind. The post-race was also quite uneventful as well. It was in a small, and cramped area at one of the nearby parks. They should have allowed runners to at least celebrate inside Bushe Stadium. We are in downtown, and Bushe Stadium is just right there. Baseball season is over in October, unless you make it to playoffs. The Rock n Roll race in San Diego did that with Petco Park (home of the Padres!) and it was amazing. Plus, it was baseball season, and they had a game in the evening too... so if San Diego can do it, anyone else can do it too. For some reason, the Rock n Roll series holds this race and Denver at the same time. The Rock n Roll series is a big organization, so I don't understand why they have to host 2 races on the same day. Anyway, for 2018 I guess it won't be an issue because St. Louis has been cut. Oh well. Hopefully St. Louis will make it's way back into the Rock n Roll series again... maybe even with Will Smith, Wild-Wild-West style? lol. :) In 2016, if you ran the RnR Chicago, and this race, you were entitled to the Midwest Quest Medal. It spins, and who doesn't love a medal that spins?! :D http://www.runrocknroll.com/chicago/wp-content/sites/20/2016/01/MIDWEST-GIF.gif

Ive run this several times. It is always organized well. Im thinking about volunteering next…read moretime. Everyone involved is so motivating and positive. Get in early for cheaper registration fees or chexk for groupon deals. The information provided about packet pickup and parking is always so helpful. My group was able to us the map and find parking close that was fairly inexpensive. Keep up the good work.

Excellent, excellent race!…read more The U-City 10 and 2 is a 10 mile competitive race (or a 2 mile non-timed walk). I did the 10 mile race (in preparations for the upcoming Go! St. Louis Half Marathon) and I was extremely pleased with the entire event from start to finish. Packet pickup was a snap; Ghisallo sponsored the race, and packets were available to be picked up at their running store on North & South. Race day registration (and packet pickups) were also available. The race itself started at Centennial Commons, which was nice. It was a cold day, so being able to warm up in the gym before the race was nice. And there was plenty of parking if you got there early enough. The race? Well, it was 10 miles of HILLS! Get ready to do some climbing, folks! It was rough in some parts, but the amazing volunteers made it all worthwhile -- they were full of energy! The race wound all around University City, and even went through the loop! Running through the loop at 8 in the morning is a pretty awesome experience, I must say. Water stops were at every other mile, which was super nice. I never went thirsty, and carrying a water bottle wasn't even necessary. Post race support was great as well; lots of bananas, bagels, sports drinks, water, and even gels to refuel and replenish. I say this about almost every race I participate in, but this one is definitely going on the schedule for next year. Very organized, fun, and well-attended. Great job, Ghisallo!

My first 10 mile race!…read more This one took place in Old Town Fenton; well, it started there, anyway. It wound all around Fenton, leading us through parks, woods, and along the beautiful Meramec river. It was a fairly popular race; if I had to estimate, I'd say that about 150 people were there. There were three different race distances people could choose from: a 2 mile walk, a 5 mile run, or a 10 mile run. I'm nuts (and I'm training for a half marathon!) so I chose the 10 miler. Most people ran the 5 mile run, which made for a pretty lonely race for me. I'd say about 50 people ran the 10 miles. Anyway, the scenery was beautiful during the run, which always means a lot when you're chugging through those last few miles. The highlight of my run was seeing two young deer cross the trail about 10 feet in front of me! That was breathtaking. The race support was fantastic, and there were lots of water stops and volunteers leading you in the right direction. There were even police officers blocking off certain roads so runners could cross safely. That was VERY nice. At the end of the race, there was more food than one could ever wish to have. It was nice having such a big selection. But after running 10 hard miles, the last thing my tummy wanted was a big cheese danish. I could barely choke down a bite of a bagel and banana. But if you're ravenous after a race, you'd love the spread. Race schwag included a bag and a few other goodies. Nothing major. But I'd rather the money go toward the charity, anyway. This race will most definitely be on my growing 'must-run' races every year. I really enjoyed it.

Headed to the St Louis Science Center to see Pompeii the Exhibit…read more If you are interested in History especially Roman times you should head out and check it out. Especially if you are looking for things to do inside due to the Heat Wave!!! The Center was very busy!!! I would suggest getting tixs on line with a discount code as it can be expensive at the door!

What a cool place! Everything looked very well taken care of except the exhibit about energy…read more Everything in that area was just a little broken. Our favorite part was in the planetarium. They have a simulator that lets you fly a plane anywhere in the world. If we had more time we would've flown to some landmarks. But we got to see the arch!

So much fun!! Great course and obstacles. Really well supported and organized. Had a blast...A bit…read moresore the next day, but that is expected. WE did the 5 mile course which had plenty of opportunities to get wet and muddy. There were three opportunities to get submerged in water, plenty of climbing, crawling, clawing through muddy situations. I would do it again for sure. Challenging course, but not too difficult. There were people in various physical conditions doing the event, though many were fit. Thank god for the showers at the end. It will probably take a few showers to get back to normal. :)

This was my first mud event... Honestly I was nervous. But this was awesome. Professionally run,…read moregreat value, challenging creative course yet totally doable. I was worried about dragging across the finish line, and chickening out of obstacles.... I did ever single one, all five miles and I had an absolute blast! I can't wait to go back and push myself harder! I never found those warm showers but the free cold beer made up for it. I love the free professional photos! I'm planning on volunteering this fall and going back next May on a free ticket! They run tons of promos and specials. The crowd was very friendly. Family and friends can come for free!

Another great St. Louis race to add to your calendar!…read more This hilly five miler is put on every year by Ghisallo, and it's definitely worth a try. The race is well-supported (tons of water/aid stations and volunteers), and it takes you through beautiful (and hilly!) neighborhoods in University City. The race starts and ends at Ghisallo's Delmar location. It's pretty popular; I'd say about 300-400 people? I saw a few walkers, so if you're not into running, you can still participate! Given the cold temperatures during this race, however, you're going to WANT to run to warm up. :)