Frostbite Half: St. Louis

     This was Jill and I's first trip to the Frostbite Half hosted by the St Louis Track Club.  It was one of the events in the club race series.  The event took place just west of downtown in Forest Park.
     There were 2 price options for the race. $45 for a finisher medal and series shirt or $30 for medal only.  The park is located just off of Interstate 64 so very easy to get to.  We stayed the night in a hotel that was only 2 miles away.
     As far as I know, there was no early shirt/bib pickup for this race.  Same day pick up was at the park visitors center from 7:00-8:20am.  When we arrived we did not have any issue with parking as there was plenty. From the get go the race definitely had the feel of a club race and not much of an atmosphere you would expect at a half.  We simply went in, quickly got our bibs, and returned to the car.  No music, no booths, etc.  The start line was not marked for the race, however, a man with a megaphone was telling people where to go and it was 1/10 of a mile from the visitor center.
     The race started promptly at 8:30.  We just waited for people in front of us to start as nothing could be heard from the megaphone man unless you were in the first 5 rows of people.  The course consisted of 2 loops around the park.  It was well marked with arrows and miles and several water stops.  It was not a flat course as there were several small hills and slow elevation climbs.  The park was very nice and scenic with plenty to look at.  Since Forest Park is a very busy area in St. Louis, the club is not allowed to close the park off for races.  The busiest part was a 1-2 mile stretch around start area. All cars but one were very courteous of the runners and drove much slower than the posted speed limit.   Jill and I never felt unsafe on the course.  
     The race ended behind the visitors center and was a bit disappointing.  You had a choice of a cup of water, Gatorade, animal crackers, or pretzels.  Again no music and had no end of race atmosphere I was expecting.  We got a cup of Gatorade and pretzels and headed back to the hotel.
   Overall we both liked the race.  If you are looking for a January half to do not far from Evansville I think it is well worth the drive and the price.  Jill and I both recommend to all of you to drive over and do this race one day!