Registration Closed for 2011
Where: George Wyth State Park, Cedar Falls, Iowa (map here)
Distance: Half marathon, half marathon relay, 10k and 5k
Description: All 3 courses are USATF certified. The 5K is a simple and fast our and back using the trails. The 10K starts with the half marathon and does a loop of Alice Wyth Lake before heading to the turnaround just past the HWY 58 underpass. The half marathon course is new in 2011 and features no train tracks and a loop that includes running along Brinker Lake and the Cedar River. The course has an elevation gain/loss of zero.
The post-race party is the best around. Music, beer, pizza, BBQ, massages and 3 awards ceremonies.
The is one of the only races in Iowa to have 3 different distances. The half marathon has featured Iowa’s fastest half times for several years and attracts athletes of all ability levels. There is a walker friendly, one hour (mandatory) head start so everyone can finish by 10:30.
Website: http://trekmanracing.com
Results: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 & 2007
This was my 5th P2P race, but this year i was going to run the Half Marathon. I had ran the the 5k 3 times then last year the 10k. I had never ran a Half Marathon, but at the 10 mile mark i thought i was going to stop, but the water, gatorade and oranges stop keep me from stopping. I can say i finished a Half Marathon on one of the best organized courses around. With all the races we did in 2011 this one ROCKED. Thanks Dave See ya in 2012.
Team Awesome Opossum brought 27 people two hours to participate and LOVED the event! It was very well organized and all the volunteers were super friendly! The food and fun afterwards was great, and unfortunately we can even vouch for the speed and compassion of the medical personnel. We will definitely be back next year to run your beautiful course.
This is a phenomenal race! Very well organized and the volunteers were great. Post race activities were as good or better than any other race I have ever done. Great job, Dave. Looking forward to next year.
As always this is the best race in the Cedar Valley. I look forward to it every year and am never disappointed. Loved the new 1/2 marathon route! All the little details are amazing, towels at the end, the food, tents, etc. etc. make this race the best around. Great job Dave and volunteers!
Great race and route… hope to do many more in years to come…
This was my 2nd P2P experience and the 2nd time I’ve ran the half marathon with P2P. I loved the new course. I signed up very early and didn’t feel that the expense was too much at all. Not only did you pay attention to the important things that a race should have, ie: enough food at the end, medical personnel, enough volunteers, marked course, accurate results. You went above and beyond and did special things like (announce our name at the finish, put our name on our racing bib, have massive amounts of food so it doesn’t run out, finishing medals, instant results, chip timing, massage stations, cool towels for our necks when we finish the race, volunteers to hold us up so we don’t pass out (like I almost did) fun fuel stations, a fun bag as our packet, a great shirt, drawings on face book and much more). I would drive 4 hours to do this race if that’s what it took. Lucky for me I only have to drive 80 miles to get the “Best Race in Iowa”. Thanks again for another race done super awesome!
Another 5K P2P under my belt. I look forward to this event every year. It gives me that goal I need to keep going. The Trekman Racing Team did a wonderful job and their hard work did not go unnoticed. Also I agreed with everyone else comments, the volunteers were amazing and the sponsors were just fantastic (examples, the cool towels at the end of the race were new this year and provided for by a sponsor. Oh they felt marvels almost as good as the pizza & beer!) I would like to make a comment to those of you that thought the cost was on the high end; I’m telling you it pays to sign up early. I signed up back in February and I got way more than my money’s worth this year.
Another great event. Every year the little details keep setting this race further and further above the others. I ran a RAGNAR earlier this year and it the finish line when I heard at least 3 people from my group say “Dave would NEVER have let this happen!” You set the bar as an RD Mr. Lipinski! There are hiccups at every race but no one handles the unexpected like you. Kudos on a job most excellently done! And the new course rocks BTW!
I look forward to this race every year and I am never disappointed. You’d think an event with so many participants would have some glitches, but everything just went so smoothly. Packet pick up was crowded but smooth, parking was perfect (even with 1300 people), and there were plenty of port-a-potties! The course is marvelous and the race crew and volunteers really take care of you. The details like food, massage, cool washcloths, beverages, are all taken care of. The half marathon route was fantastic. The water/fuel stops were full of supportive volunteers. It felt so much like a party that I wanted to scream “this is awesome” in the middle of my run.
Fantastic race. There is something for everyone. All of the volunteers were friendly and so accomondating. This event was so well organized and made everything from packet pick up to post race festivities a breeze to navigate. The post race food was amazing. How can you go wrong with OP pizza and Michelob Ultra! You definitely get your money’s worth. The route utilitizing Cedar Valley’s trail system is absolutely beautiful. I particularly liked the water stops and availablity of different choices ( gatorade, water, orange slice and Advocare water (sp? ) ) Trekman racing does a fantastic job and really puts their heart and soul into the event. THANKS to all who helped with Park to Park 2011.
Forgot to mark the stars in the previous review. High Five!!!
Trekman and his volunteers have this down pat. Everything was excellent. Organization, parking, food, race route, directions, party afterwards, awards, registration and packet pick-up, friendliness. All fantastic. Thanks for being a treasure in the Cedar Valley!
This was an ideal race! The comments I heard from everyone I spoke with was about how well run everything was. From registration to packet pick up to the race day itself. You won’t find a better run organization and race ANYWHERE. It was so easy to do everything. Even though there might have been a line here and there, the lines moved quickly and efficiently. There is nothing I would have changed or done differently.
Despite my ankle injury and having to walk the 10 k with a brace instead of running the 1/2, I was so encouraged by the staff/volunteers other runners who didn’t look down on me and the other walkers. Everyone was encouraging – I even got some high fives like the commenter below!
Registration: Easy and a good price. It’s one of the less expensive races I’ve done. (I disagree with past posts!)
Packet Pick-Up: Again – very easy and convenient. The convention center was the ideal location. Even though lines were long, everything went very fast. I was in-and-out of the convention center in less than 15 minutes.
Pre-Race: Again, well run. Racers seemed to get their materials very quickly and efficiently.
Race: It was a well oiled machine. Everything went so smoothly – it’s like they do this every day.
Post Race: The food, massages(free!!!!) and everything were amazing. Pizza and Beer after a 1/2 marathon???? Pepperoni Please! There was more than enough food and treats for everyone. I was stuffed.
I just want to make a special comment about the finish line staff and volunteers. As I was cheering and photographing the various members of my running club who were finishing, I was able to see the finish line staff/volunteers look after each runner. Everyone was welcomed with friendly words, water, a cool towel and (for 1/2 marathoners) a beautiful medal. They were also there for support – literally! When a runner appeared to be in distress upon crossing the finish line, they were there to help cool them down, help keep them moving and up. They also made sure that they were going to be OK before they let them out of their sight. It was truly uplifting. I also witnessed race staff/volunteers take care of runners on the course who were having difficulty. All runners were treated with dignity and respect.
Finally, I guess what it comes down to is CARING that makes this a special event. Everyone involved with Trekman clearly CARES about every detail. It shows in the how well this is organized. But what makes it special is that they show CARING – from the food, to the encouragement to the caring shown by the finish line staff.
I will definitely do this again. It’s a very special event.
Cost: Great shirts and medals, lots of goodies after the race, and a well organized event. Definitely worth the money in my opinion.
Race route: Love the course through the trail system with plenty of water stops and even a drum corp to keep you motivated!!
Organization of Event: Couldn’t be much better. In awe of how organized the parking is and I appreciate how well the course is laid out. The starting/finishing area is really a plus and is just brimming with energy and motivation!
Post Race Activities: There is something for everyone. Great food and drink are available and plenty of areas to sit or stand after the race is over.
I love this event and will definitely be back!!
Cost – A little more than other races, but the race makes up for it. The packet pickup, the pre-race, and the post race are above and beyond anything you’ll find around. Definitively is worth every penny.
Race Route – This is a beautiful course along trails. The only downside is that there are not a lot of people along the way cheering you on for most of it. Some people may enjoy the solitude.
Organization of Race – Fantastic. You know exactly where to go and what to do. An army of friendly volunteers will help you with any questions you might have.
Post Race Festivities – Pizza, BBQ sandwiches, and beer, oh my. Massages, balloon animals, and more treats than you can shake a stick at. It is the perfect way to celebrate after a long run.
This race has something for everyone. 5k, 10k, half mary (including a relay and walker option). The courses are great to pr or to complete a distance you have never done before. First timers and gazelles alike love this race. I cannot like this race enough. Sign up. Now.
This was my first ever 5K and my first time ever being at park to park. If was a wonderful experience. The race, the party afterward…everything was amazing. I think any 5K I run after this will seem dissapointing after having run in the race. I will definetly be back next year
This was my first Park to Park run plus my first 1/2. Amazing race….Well orgaznied….food and massages were fantastic. Dave and his crew are AWESOME. I have come to learn to expect nothing but perfection from a Treckman race
Awesome race, well organized, beautiful course, great food! Will definitely do it again and would encourage others to join in the fun
This was my first time running the Park to Park half and it was GREAT! Everything was very well organized and the volunteers and sponsors were AWESOME!! Even Mother Nature did a great job! THANKS to Dave and his crew for a job well done! I’ll be running this race again!
WOW!!!! What a great race! Trekman Racing has done it again and put on an amazing event. My first half marathon and I couldnt be more pleased. Very organized, great volunteers, course was perfect, and there was TONS of food! Would recommend this event to anyone as walkers are welcome…Yes even for the 1/2 marathon distance! THanks again to the volunteers, you did great
I started running these kinds of races for the first time in my life this summer. Shortly after my first 5K, I signed up for the P2P 10K. This race, and the anticipation of being involved in it, has kept me motivated all through this hot, humid summer. Then came today, race day. This day has been, without a doubt, a milestone in my life, as I finished my first ever 10K at the age of 52 under 59 minutes. My running experience will always include P2P, wherever I am I will always come back for this one. I’m hoping by next year, it will be at least my 2nd half marathon. I feel like I have arrived now as a runner, and the features and great organization of this event has made that happen. Thank you!
Great race, great routes, very well organized. Loved it all!!
Fabulous flat course this year. Great organization and coordinator. Best volunteers and aid stations.
Three weeks after having an appendectomy, and changing my race from the half marathon to the 5k, I had one of the most enjoyable experiences walking amoung walkers and runners of all ages and experience. I can’t count how many runners went by me and gave me an encouraging whoop, high five, or way to go shout-out and helped me to feel so good about getting out there. The race is always well run, the volunteers excellent, and Dave truly listens to input from runners about the race to make the event even better the next year. I would recommend this race to beginners and experienced runners and walkers….no hills to contend with, a great party afterwards, and the finish line announcing is always appreciated.
The new route, in my opinion, was a nicer route than previous years. Excellent after party with a large assortment of food items. All your volunteers did a great job and were friendly and helpful. Keep up the great effort and will see you next year!!
Ran the 1/2 marathon last year, this year my wife and I were sponsors and had a chance to see the ‘behind the scenes’. All I can say is that Trekman and his amazing crew give their all to make this the most organized and the most fun race in the Iowa! These Champions spend sleepless days to get ready for the event. Be sure to thank them when you have a chance.
What a great race! Well organized and a beautiful, scenic run! Will be doing this again next year!
Best in Iowa, on the way to be the best in the Midwest!!
What a great race. Packet pick-up went great. Race start was great! Loved the new route, hope they keep it for years to come! After party was awesome!
Great race and well organized. Packet pickup went smoothly. The race started on time. There were plenty of water stations throughout the course. The course itself was relatively flat with several views of the water. The post race party was well done. Plenty of food (even for us back of the packers) and drinks. This race will definitely be on my calendar for next year.
My first half-marathon and I am so glad I chose to do it at Park to Park. Beautiful course and great atmosphere!
This was my first year and I’m guessing the first year a train went through while the race was going on. It was announced they will try and fix that problem next year, so no complaints. A very well organized race and the post race festivities are awesome.
I absolutely love this race. I have run the Half with my husband a couple of times. I have walked the 5K with my sister. This year I ran the 10K with my daughter. Every single one of the races has been an amazing experience. The volunteers are so helpful and encouraging. It’s so well organized. I encourage everyone I talk with to enter this race in any one of the distances. I can’t wait for next years race.
The personal touch of announcing our names and a blurb about us is so fun. The post race festivities makes it a party atmosphere. Love the chip timing.
Thanks Dave. You put on a fantastic runnin’ party!
Park to Park was the 1st 1/2 marathon I had ran, and the biggest running event I had ever been to (just started running this year). I was a little intimidated by the sight of all the more experienced runners. I found that my worries were completely forgotten when the race started. I found the start of the race very smooth and the nice thing about the large number of entrants is you always had someone to pace yourself with. The encouragement of the volunteers at the water stops and the number of spectators who cheered for the runners was fantastic. I Believe that is the thing that made me not want to quit (I missed the 10 mile marker so the when I saw the 11 mile marker I was relieved).
after the race I talked with other runners and fans and have an enjoyable time. Food was great and plentiful. The massage saved me from severe cramping (please have them put out tip jars next year, I tipped but did not see many others doing so). Hats off to everyone who helped put together this fine event. I look forward to the 2011 Park to Park and will definitely train harder to prepare for this painful, yet rewarding experience.
P.S. the only reason I gave the COST 3 stars was I forgot to enter until later so I paid the higher price.
I forgot to mention earlier that I absolutely loved having my name read while I was crossing the finish line with a couple sentences about me! I also loved the massages after. All the food was fabulous. So super awesome was my name printed on the Race number because other runners would call you out and cheer you on when they passed. Lastly we were all so well informed with newsletters every week leading up to the race. Thanks so much, I’m looking forward to running more races with Trekman racing!
Great race!!! The setting is wonderful, people and organization of the race are super. I will be back next year.
This is an excellent race, as it ranks at the top of all the races I’ve run. I ran the half marathon this past Saturday, and I was VERY impressed with how efficient and well-organized this race is. The volunteers were very helpful, and the post-race festivities were great! The course itself was fast and flat, and there was practically no congestion at the start of the race. This is a HUGE plus in my book. Oh, and the results ‘receipt’ that showed my results immediately after I finished was very convenient. It is well-worth the two-hour drive from Des Moines. I’ll be back, and I’ll be persuading all of my running buddies to join! Park to Park is a true ‘runner’s race.’
Another great year for the Park to Park! Results were posted immediately, there was lots of food at the end (including beer!), and the course was welled marked with ample water stations. The finish was lined up with people cheering and an announcer shouting your name as you crossed. Very cool race and atmosphere.
This was the most organized race I have ever ran in. I loved it and will travel the 80 miles again to participate in it next year. So many great things to say about it. Great volunteers that were knowledgeable and helpful. Love the shirt. Great finishing metal. Super yummy post race food. Course was flat and fast. Many fuel stations. Immediate results after the race. Be sure to sign up for this race, you will love it!!
This was my first half marathon back in 2005. It was well organized then and still is today. One of the best 13.1 races you’ll find in the Midwest. With all the post race offerings, great shirt, and super fast results, I will keep traveling to run this one. Another great event from Trekman Racing.
Great race and Trekman does a great job in organizing it. Many volunteers keep it running smooth!