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On Superbowl Sunday, before the festivities began, I was lucky enough to be one of the limited number of registered runners to participate in the Petit Center Indoor Marathon. This race is a dynamite addition to your winter racing schedule, and I encourage you to add this one for 2023. But, make sure to register early because there is a limited number, and they sell out fast.
This is actually a series that features 2 half marathons, 2 relays, and a full. Here’s the schedule from 2022, which gets repeated each year:
- Friday, October 11 @ 6:00PM is the Half Marathon Relay
- Saturday, October 12 @ 7:00AM & 9:30AM is the Half Marathon
- Saturday, October 12 @ 1:00PM is the Full Marathon Relay
- Sunday, October 13 @ 8:00AM is the Full Marathon
This event is held at the Petit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, which is the official training site for US speedskating. You can learn more about their Olympic legacy here. The running track surrounds the speed skating oval and 2 ice hockey rinks, which are used by kid and adult teams. The venue itself is reason enough to sign up for this race. It is incredibly unique and offers runners a chance to watch Olympic hopefuls train while they run 95 circles around the track. Where else do you have that chance?
This year I was not able to watch the Olympic speedskaters due to the…Olympics, as you know. But, I still had an amazing experience and got to watch really fast skaters, nonetheless, and kids testing out their ice hockey skills, while I tackled the loops.
The marathon distance started promptly at 8am. Parking was plentiful, free, and easy in a wide open lot that adjoined the building. Packet pick up was only available on race day, which is always a plus for me. Make sure to register extra early if you want a shirt. I registered on January 22nd, 3 weeks before the race, and was unable to get a shirt. So, if swag is a priority to you, make sure to register right away.
The indoor setting was obviously climate controlled, which is super nice for us midwestern runners in early February, and there was zero elevation. The energy was high and fun. The music was fun and the emcee/RD was fantastic on the mic. However, my favorite part of the race was my fellow runners. I ran side-by-side for the first 30 laps with a fierce runner who had competed the day before in the half marathon and finished in 3rd place at the marathon. I ran the second 65 laps with an incredible runner who was the best pacer a girl could ask for.
As a seasoned headphone-addicted runner, the thought of tackling a 26.2 wihtout my podcasts and music was daunting. But having these 2 to chat with the entire time made my day.
My only challenge was staying upright. I have run the challenging courses set by Ornery Mule, Silver Circle’s Trail Challenges, and Ice Age, but I have never tripped more than at the Petit.
Mandi = 11 trips, 1 fall
SHEESH!
Glad I was among runners who laugh, but then help me up.
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