If you're looking for a fun, well supported marathon, this is the one.

The expo is outstanding with lots of free swag, special appearances and local vendors. The course goes through downtown Louisville with a little bit of everything. Starting at Slugger Field, you run through the streets with thousands of cheering supporters. Aid stations start at mile 1-2, so you never need to worry.

Locals line the streets for miles cheering, playing music and handing out water/fuel to runners. Kids want high fives.

The biggest highlight is the run through Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Enter the front Gates and run down the tunnel to the infield as highlights and commentary of Derbys past play on the record breaking big screen. The course takes you around the infield (dozens of clean, completely empty bathrooms here) and out through the tunnel back to the street. Here, the half marathoners split and the marathoners head to the hilly section of the course.

It's a beautiful course and I would absolutely do it again.