RASCW Home Run Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Jason E.
Sun Prairie, WI

  (10-04-2009)

"This is my fourth time doing this race (5K x 2 and 10K x 2). It's a time of year in Wisconsin when the weather has the potential to start getting nasty, and the number of races to choose from are fewer. I therefore usually pick this one because it is often convenient in date, and location.

The 8:30 start time is nice, by this time of year I think we're all getting sick of getting up for 7, 7:30, and 8 AM races. The location is convenient, just off of some major roadways, and held at a spacious park with a large shelter. This park also has a "dream" park, which my kids love. I believe they usually go out and bring in bouncy houses as well.

Participation numbers are typically pretty low (~200 total), but they put on a nice kids race, have decent food after, and goodies aren't bad (no useless pencils and junk, but some slightly unique items this year) for a small event.

The course is almost strictly residential, and the 10K is quite hilly. The 5K is not so much. There are usually plenty of volunteers to keep you from losing your way. My only beef is the water station at the 10K has always just been a pickup truck with some bottles you can grab. I'd go for the jug with cups option if I were RD. One staffer should be able to handle the small 10K field (56 runners this year).

They give plaques out to the overall winners, but skip on medals for podiums, which I can appreciate, for keeping the costs down. The offer certificates instead. I can however also appreciate earning a piece of well deserved hardware. Not that I'm usually in contention.

It's one of the better small, local events around. I'm surprised it hasn't grown more. Usually everything around here does, even the crappy little races."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009