This was my first time participating in Blue Ridge Marathon weekend! It was a great time. I went to expo on Friday and was able to park within a couple feet of the hotel entrance, which was a nice surprise. I also loved I didn't have to pay for parking. Expo was a little chaotic with all the racers showing up, but the race put things together so it would go smoothly and there would be directions on which way to go to make it more efficient. I got to meet Jeff Galloway at the expo, too. I had a VIP band, so race morning I was able to go to the patio to get juice, breakfast, etc. The RD even gave us 'road waffles' to take with us for the run. We had access to restrooms at the local library, so didn't have to wait for the port-o-potties, yet we still ended up needing them right before the race. The line for them went quickly. The race started with a cannon. It was a bit crowded for the first bit and I had just mentioned how nice everyone was to one another except for the person who shoved me out of way and told me to 'move'. Being a walker, I stayed hugging sidewalk, so found this upsetting. The views during the course were AMAZING. The crowds were so supportive as well. They cheered for everyone, there was music, and even jell-o shots. At the top of the mountain (10k course) the volunteers at the aid station were so nice. The family who provided moo-mosas were sweet, just as I had been told about - and of course, the drink tasted great. When I came through the final stretch, I saw racers who had already finished cheering on those still going and it was nice to see. At the finish line I received my beautiful 10th Anniversary medal and there were even cupcakes to celebrate. Vendors were present with a plethora of food. I went back to the balcony with my VIP access and had pizza, shrimp cocktail, veggies, and of course beer! The weekend continued with a concert that night (so much fun)! and a Slow-K (slowest 5K in America)...wonderful addition to the race. I can't wait to do this again next year.