On February 18th, I kicked off my 2012 running year with the 2nd Annual Truffle Shuffle 4 Mile Race. This is my race review 🙂 I’ll post a recap when I can get my head out of my ass and remember my Garmin.

Packet Pickup

This race was managed by Big River Running Company. I will say I think of all the races I’ve done, the majority have been managed by Big River and they do an awesome job! They offered two before race day packet pickup times and then of course day of packet pick up. I picked the second day and didn’t have to wait at all. They had little computers set up to find your number, which was pretty interesting, as I had never done that before. I guess it helps to cut back on paper useage, since I think you could also register using them as well. Girls got a pink long sleeve tech tee and guys got a black long sleeve tech tee. The design was pretty cute, and it’s one that I will definitely keep wearing. Also, I liked that they didn’t put a whole bunch of flyers and advertisements in a baggie to sort through. Just your bib and shirt and pins if you need them.

Pre-Race

The race start and finish was at St. Charles Community College, which was nice because there was a TON of parking and inside bathrooms as well as port-a-potties. Being back on campus (I attended SCC) did make me want to go back to school though! Just a little bit. 😉 It was a pretty chilly start, but standing in the sun helped a little bit. The race started on time (huge plus) and they did a good job of blocking off the road to allow for the runners. There was a bit of bottlenecking going on in the beginning, but after the first quarter-mile or so, it opened up and wasn’t so congested.

The Race & Course

They had some cute divisions, such as the couples division and Beat Cupid, although I think it was a little unfair that Cupid got to start at the front of the pack. I think he should have started mid pack just to give others a little more of a chance. The course wasn’t hilly but wasn’t flat, with the exception of a huge hill that was roughly .25 long and steep! I could have done without that. I also thought the course was a little boring and dry. It ran through a shopping area and then residential areas.

Finish & Post Race

The finish was slightly uphill, which wasn’t too bad. I love that they try to announce who the runners are as they cross the finish line. We got chocolate finisher “medals” which were really cute (and tasty!) and finisher mugs. Except the mugs didn’t say finisher on them, which would have been nice. They had a hot chocolate and chocolate fondue area set up, but I chose not to visit either one because the lines were crazy long. But judging from the pictures I saw, it looked like a pretty good spread.

Overall

Overall I thought this race was very well put together and managed. Race communications were very well-organized and sent out in a timely manner. Anemities were good. I would definitely run this race again. I give it an 8 out of 10 🙂 Put this on your calendars because it’s only going to get bigger and better!