Race review time! In April we returned to complete the 5k Foam Fest. This time with a bigger crowd.

A big fave was the “water lilies” – a long floating pad in Lanier Lanier. Surprisingly buoyant!

Of course one of the best parts of the whole thing is the mud.

Second best part is probably the three-story inflatable water slide, followed closely by the finish line smiles.

Would I recommend this race? DEFINITELY. We had a blast last year and an even better time this year.

Please remember this is a “fun-core” race. It’s not a time to work on your PR, or to try to make your fastest 5k. The Lake Lanier terrain is full of sticks and rocks and plenty of hills (but lovely views!), that make running difficult. It’s best to approach this as an obstacle course, with some light jogging/hiking in between obstacles, as opposed to a “run”.

5k Foam Fest Tips:

Wear long pants! Last year I wore leggings but this year I opted for shorts. After experiencing some seriously skinned up knees and shins, year I’m going back to leggings next year.

Wear light weight “wicking” materials. Avoid cotton.

Buy new shoes. Every year on the way I swing through Walmart to buy a pair of $10-12 running shoes (men’s usually, bc they are better made than the women’s). There’s no way I’d subject my beloved ASICS to this mud and foam. The Walmart shoes go promptly into the trash at the end of the race.

Stay nearby if you can! Last year we drove almost 2 hours to and from the race, but when you’re wet and muddy that’s a long time to be in the car. This year we nabbed a nearby AirBnb with 3 showers. It’s hard to beat a post-race shower and a lakeside nap.

Happy spring, friends! Do you have any upcoming races?