info@rodes.com

1. With over 5,500 entries again this year, and nearly 10% of them now walkers, we will have to address some important issues at the "Start" before the next year's race.  It would seem that we need to have a separate "Start" for the walkers following that of the runners.  We will need to do a better job educating "non-runners" to the importance of positioning themselves according to their "abilities" as well.  I also feel we should put a restriction on animals (dogs) and baby strollers as a matter of safety and humanity.

2. We added a few additional port-a-pots (including a handicapped accessible unit) at the entrance to the garage this year, but I understand that it was still not enough to accommodate the crowd.  We will add additional units for next year, but please keep in mind that some of this is due to the plain and simple fact that although entrants can arrive as early as 6:30 A.M. to use the facilities, register, pickup packets, T-shirts, etc., approximately 90% of the runners arrive at 8:00 A.M. and try to do all these things before the race begins at 8:30.  There is only so much we can do on issues regarding "wait" time in the garage area.

3. The problem concerning soft-spoken and inattentive "split callers" was addressed after this same problem occurred last year, so I guess I'll have to really emphasize the importance of this with the race management to get this corrected. If we have to pay for good, qualified people to take on this task and give them all bull horns, this WILL be corrected!

4. The All Sport fiasco should NOT have happened!  First off, the All Sport was NOT included in the price of the race and it is NOT free to the event.  Normally a 10k should have two water stops on the course and water at the finish.  We did this traditionally for many years up until 1997, when we changed the course.  We then decided to put an extra water stop on the route as an added bonus.  Last year, when the whether prediction was that the high temperature on race day was going to be in the 70's, we contacted a local company to get a sport drink, and we did the same for the event this year as well.  We do get a break in the price through sponsorships, but still pay a substantial fee to have this included, and I feel it is an important element to the race.  The fact that the distribution of the drinks was not managed and that some runners were walking away with 6-packs and cases in totally rediculous!  It's a shame some people have to be greedy and ruin things for everyone.  I apologize for this and will make sure it doesn't happen again next year...even if I have to stand there myself...armed to the teeth!   ;o)

5. I would also like for you give me some feedback on other things that would make our race better and help set it apart from other races around the country. Would you be interested in individual race photos for purchase?  Would you be like to have something else as reward for finishing the event in lieu of a T-shirt (medals, caps, certificates, posters, etc.)?  Please use the "Feedback Form" on our web site to submit your suggestions.