Gotta have all that essential gear - BibRave Pro swag, the new RunSip Lid, SPIBelt, Nuun, and 2Toms!

We started our road trip on Friday after I took my EKG test for work. I had started to feel a little congested on Thursday morning, but figured it was just allergies. Spoiler: I ended up with a super nasty head cold!

I used up a whole box of Puffs in the car (along with all the road snacks I brought - Twizzlers, Swedish Fish, Gatorade, and Sweet Potato Chips).

Indiana is the longest and most boring state I've ever driven through. The GPS sent us down 65, which was torn up the whole length of the state with the speed limit down to 45 in a lot of areas. We had left MKE at noon, anticipating arriving around 6 pm. However, we did not account for the time change nor could we control that there was an accident that shut down all four lanes of traffic at one point. We ended up being at a stand-still for almost a half hour.

Due to these circumstances, I was not able to hit up the expo for packet pick-up. I did hear that there were some distilleries there doing bourbon tastings and a booth from Fleet Feet. The website stated that they wanted the focus of the expo to be on the experience and the bourbon instead of being packed with vendors, which I think a lot of races could take note of. Sometimes, expos are so overwhelming with a bunch of booths that half the time don't even correlate to the event. 

I couldn't taste anything due to the congestion, but I devoured these garlic fries at Gordon Biersch.

The Galt House was the partner hotel for the race so B and I decided that, for the sake of easiness, we would just stay there. The start/finish and the Bourbon Bash post-race party were right outside the doors, which was super convenient.

Once we got into Louisville, we went to Slugger Field (packet pick-up location) and I walked in as they were packing up the truck. One of the wonderful volunteers grabbed my bib and shirt for me - talk about awesome!

Gordon Biersch was located a few blocks away from The Galt House so after we checked into the hotel and dropped off our bags, we walked there. I was so congested that I couldn't taste anything and because of that, my pasta that I ordered tasted like glue. However, the garlic fries were delicious and totally hit the spot.

After dinner, we went back to the hotel and I did my ritualistic race-eve prep, including laying out my flat runner for the next morning.

Flat Laura is ready to run!

Race morning, I woke up at 6:00 because in my head, the race started at 7:30 but in the real world, start time was 8:30. It was nice to start a little later, especially since it was a chilly morning (in the high 40's at the start) and at least the sun was up! I met Mark, Josh, and Cassie before the start to get a picture with our fantastical BibRave banner.

BibRave Pros know how to race!

The start was organized by estimated pace, no corrals. Cassie and I decided to run together and out ourselves in the 2:00 pace group.

Oh hey, Mark! I see you back there!

The music at the start line was energizing. There was a bugle player after the National Anthem and I think they may have sung another song but I was trying to get my RaceJoy tracking set up (free from Urban Bourbon for the race, my family and friends could track me and send cheers!).

We crossed the finish line in 2:14!

The course went all through downtown Louisville and through Cherokee Park. Some of the neighborhoods we went through were absolutely beautiful! There were lots of spectators out, many of them chanting "Who wants bourbon!" There were also several DJs on the course getting the runners pumped up as we ran past!

The volunteers at the aid stations were energetic and at the ready with water and Powerade.

BibRave Pros Mark, myself, Josh, and Cassie with race director Michael Clemons.

The finish chute had water, bananas, Powerade, chocolate milk, and Panera bagels. All runners were also offered heat sheets (it was only in the high 50's at the finish) in addition to being adorned with the medal, shaped like a bourbon bottle and hand-dipped in wax.

The best part of the race was the Bourbon Bash post-race party! All participants need to be 21+ and for good reason - there is a lot, and when I say that I mean A LOT of bourbon! There were several distilleries in the general post-race area and then Evan Williams had a whole tent for their "Evan Williams Experience". Each participant got a wristband with tabs for 4 bourbon samples, 1 beer, 1 slice of pizza, and 1 bowl of Kentucky burgoo, which I can only describe as a barbecue minestrone-type stew that was SO GOOD! 

Urban Bourbon also partnered with 5 of the bars of Whiskey Row - if you went in with your medal and purchased a beverage, you got a collectible pin!

I had an absolute blast at this race! The Bourbon Bash was so much fun and a great way to cap off an awesome half marathon course!

If you're looking for a party-atmosphere with a relatively chill course (I would give it 3 out of 5 for elevation), this is the race for you!

Urban Bourbon

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