Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K

    

     Prost!  What a better way to celebrate German culture and exercise than running in the inaugural Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K on Oct. 5 at Artsquest in Bethlehem.  As a fan of Artquests's Musikfest every August, I was excited to visit again and see what else they offer at the old Bethlehem Steel site. 
     It was a sunny, but chilly, day when we left for the hour-long drive to Bethlehem.  With about 4,000 runners, it was a bit confusing trying to figure out what lines to join to get our race bibs, our beer steins, where to drop off our gear and where the restroom lines started.  Waiting 20 minutes in line, there definitely weren't enough bathrooms.
     With the crowd of runners separated into corrals based on time, the race was slow to start.  It took about six minutes from the beginning of the race for us to even cross the start line and activate our chips.  Maneuvering down the tight roads was a challenge, and annoying, as runners had to avoid colliding with walkers before we even hit the first mile.  The course, which was well blocked off from traffic, was hilly and difficult. 

     After reaching the finish line, runners were met by a mob of other race participants waiting in lines for water.  The medals were adorable gingerbread lebkuchen, but it was a shame there was only one woman handing them out to the thousands of runners.  The two "free" beers in the $45 entry fee were sample size and the wait was around 45 minutes. 
     If there's more staff, more bathrooms and a lower registration fee, I would take part in the race again next year.  It has great potential, Artsquest organized fun Oktoberfest activities the rest of the day, but race organizers CK Runners need to be better prepared.