The word "Cornapalooza" is kinda catchy, dontcha think? Well, I did and so I signed up to see what all the hubbub was about. Today, I found out for myself.
I first heard about the Mendota run when a cousin of mine (who had lived in the town many years ago) had posted a link to the event to see if anyone would be interested in running it with her. I gotta admit, the distance to Mendota almost kept me from registering, but after seeing the Awesome race Ts they were giving away, I didn't hesitate to hand over my entrance fee.
Both 5K and 10K runners went off together when the gun sounded, so the beginning of the run was just a bit crowded, but not bad. The course started from the Mendota Hospital neighborhood and had decent shade for it being such a hot day. However, once we left the residential area and hit the cornfield roads, the sun became pretty brutal. That, along with the constant ascents and descents of the hilly terrain made for a very long 10K. Water stations were abundant, though (1 every mile), and definitely kept us going as the sun was beating down. That, and efficient mile marking took the guesswork out of pacing to finish with our best time possible.
Afterward, there wasn't really a whole lot of free grub or drink (which is usually a staple in your better organized events), but I didn't mind. That race T blew all others I've accumulated over the years away. Plus, it was a regular cotton shirt, not a polyester "wicking" one. I like that. All in all, I'd have to say that today's event was a good, small budget affair.
Side note: While you're here, take the afternoon and explore the town during Mendota's Sweet Corn Festival going on just down the street. If you like food, crafts and rides for the kids, everyone in your entourage will enjoy themselves no matter what their ages. read more