Unfortunately, this is a race I would not recommend to a friend. I have ran it twice and already regretting the 2nd time. The course does not have great views and you can be alone for long periods of time without water stations. They do market it as a Christmas run with people singing carols but you don't see any decorations or singers on the course unless you are running the 5K and there was one small spot on the half marathon course at the end with decorations which I believe was part of the 5K course. I was really over the race and just wanted it to be over by mile 13 but of course there is one more steep hill at the end that just made me want to give up! I did enjoy the expo and the race swag is awesome so if you are doing the LaceUp challenge then I can see why you would run this race because the course itself is not great at all.