Traveled for the first time to the Iowa Great Lakes area, specifically to run one of the University of Okoboji athletic events. In mid-June every year, the Three Sons store in Milford puts on a triathlon and runs of 10 km, half-marathon, and marathon distances.
After checking prices three weeks before the event, I decided I didn%26#39;t want to pay Okoboji-area lodging rates. Took a chance and booked the mom-and-pop Cozy Grove Motel in Estherville. Didn%26#39;t expect much and the place was tolerable as a cheap place to crash. (I entered a Tripadvisor review.) Had dinner at Woody%26#39;s Pizza on the west edge of town... not bad. Glad to have a plate of spaghetti and drink for under $8 pre-tip.
Went into the Three Sons store (in Milford) to pick up my race bib and shirt... sprawling but well-worn store selling University of Okoboji clothing, other clothes and shoes, and some athletic gear. Co-owner recommended staying in town after the race to take in the Willie Nelson concert.
Race events were low-key. For the regular running race participant, it had the quirks of a low-key race but lack some of the touches to make it a great one. Parts of the course along Hwy 86 were nerve-wracking, as runners, triathlon cyclists, and two-way traffic shared a two-lane road.
Was able to wash off race effort in West Lake Okoboji after finishing and stopped at the fishing tackle outlet store on way way home... decent price on a refurbished ultra-light spinning reel.
Everyone was truly friendly and nice... seemingly a requirement to live in the state.
Not sure if I%26#39;d return for the University of Okoboji races, but my visit will have me considering the area for an early or late summer trip, when our ';up-north'; lake places are too cool.
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