Race 13.1 St. Louis Half 6.10.18

   The 3rd Annual Half took place 30 miles west of St. Louis in St. Charles, MO.  From start to finish this was a very well organized race.  
  Two weeks out from race day we received our first email from the event that had a runner’s guide attached.  The guide had everything we needed from pack pick-up time/location to surrounding hotels to exactly where all race water stops would be. It was extremely helpful since we had not ran the race before.   The week of the race we received the guide again and also our bib numbers.  
   Pack pick-up took place at Fleet Feet St. Louis.  Since it ended relatively early at 5:00 pm we were unable to make it in time.  Thankfully there was same day pick up before the race.  With our bib numbers handy, the volunteer easily found it and our shirt size.  We stood in line for only a couple of minutes.  We decided on a hotel that was in Chesterfield which was only a 10 minute drive to the event.  All along I-64 were hotels within a 10-20 minute drive to the race so it was not an issue at all.  
   There was plenty of parking at several businesses that were around the start finish area.  My guess is none of the 2,000 participants had an issue.  We walked down to the start and there were a few vendors set up.  There was a great sound system with good music.  Announcements started at 10 minutes before the start.  Once the national anthem was done the race started right at 7 am.  
   The first mile was a slight uphill climb.  Once we reached the Katy Trail we were on the decline for about 5 miles.   Yes you read that right.  No inclines for 5 miles!   This trail was crushed limestone and it was very nice and we enjoyed.  It also ran next to the Missouri River and every now and then through the trees we got a glimpse. The next Trail was the Hamburg Trail.  It was not quite as nice in parts since some of it was actual gravel. However it was packed enough from cars that it was ok.  We hit the biggest hill of the race around 8.5 miles in.  From there the rest of the course had gradual inclines and declines.  
   For the last 3 miles we returned to asphalt.  These last 3 were brutal as all of the shade trees from the previous trails were gone and we had to deal with the heat and humidity.  We returned to the business park and coasted in to get our finisher medals!
   A few more vendor tents had popped up while we were running. We hit up the results, snack, and beer tents.   The finish area was big enough for people to spread out so there was not really a crowd when we walked around the area.
   Overall, despite the heat and humidity, we really enjoyed the race.  Thankfully Race 13.1 provided 8 water/Gatorade stops to keep us hydrated.  We recommend this event if you are looking for a good Midwestern half in June, you won’t regret it!