I may be humoring myself to think that anyone is going to check in and read a course preview at this stage in the game, but here we go...
First, a link to a very general course map: http://www.runnerspace.com/eprofile.php?title_id=214&event_id=302&do=title&pg=1&folder_id=269&page_id=1579
A few generalizations about the course...
1. There is a lot of concrete this year, more than in years past. While this could produce faster times that we've seen in the past, it could also be a point of caution for runners with existing shin conditions. Stress reactions are an added stress in more ways than one on this course. Where the course runs over grassy portions, the grass is mostly dead. The Bermuda grass of Kiwanis Park never was a very slow surface, but it may be even a little faster this year.
2. Countering the speed-enhancing effect of the added concrete are six hills to conquer in the two loops around the lake.
3. Like the previous version of the course, the first 2/3 of a mile is very flat. Look for runners, generally speaking, to get out fast.
4. When the fencing around construction areas opens up, look for uneven ground in many spots. Nothing terribly big, but it could play with the confidence of runners who let it do that.
One critical particular of the course concerns the two circuits around the lake. For the most part, these will be lonely circuits for the competitors. Some fans will venture to the south end of the circuits around the lake and cheer runners on the first time they pass, but figure that almost all of these people will be making a beeline for the finish line immediately after that. The loops around the lake are so far removed from the finish line that most fans will simply stay at the south end of the course. If congestion is your thing, you'll be sure to find it there.
The sharp hill just before the picnic areas on the west side of the lake is still there. Prior to that hill, however, runners must conquer an additional hill shortly after rounding the north end of the lake and passing the boat concession (roughly where the two mile mark on the course appears on the course map linked above). This hill is a little gentler than the one that follows but drops off almost immediately after the crest and loses all added elevation before the last hill around the circuit of the lake. Runners will do well to remember they must ascend each of the hilsl twice this year.
Since the picnic area at the top of the hill is currently under reconstruction, runners may safely assume they will not be taking deep draughts of charcoal-and-lighter-fluid smoke upon reaching the top of the hill. Neither will they be dodging birthday partiers who somehow missed (or ignored) the message that a big was race scheduled in the park for the day of their party.
For the most part, though not without exception, the course is still fairly spacious and allows considerable opportunity for passing. The start area is not nearly as constricted as the previous start area. Constrictions are relatively few and relatively short.
All the best to those racing tomorrow! Birdwatchers might want to look for an Osprey hunting at Kiwanis Lake. I was proud that one of my runners was able to tell me what kind of bird it was!
Race Schedule (Revised)
8 AM - Citizens' Race
8:40 Girls Open
9:20 Boys Open Race A
9:40 Boys Open Race B
10:20 Boys Championship
11:05 Girls Championship