I once again had a great experience at the Rock N Roll Half Marathon. The race organizers do a great job offering early bird pricing and discount registration throughout the year. I got an email a few months back that allowed me to sign up at a great price.

The expo was on a Friday at the Phoenix Convention Center. Only challenge is the parking with large numbers of runners trying to pick up their race packets. I arrived early so I found parking and was in line waiting for the doors to open. Once inside the volunteers were great and I quickly had my bib and packet. The RnR races always attract a large number of vendors for the expo so there was plenty of running gear and nutrition to visit and purchase.

I enjoy the point to point aspect of the RnR, I always park near the finish line and walk to the start line. Allows me to get great parking and get a good warm up in before the race. It felt like restrooms were added this year and I didn't have a problem getting in and out before the race. Drop bags are handled by UPS and they always do a fantastic job. No line to drop off and they always have things ready for pickup after the race.

Last year a train passing through down delayed the start. This year we were free and clear. We started on time which is always a huge plus. The on course aid stations were fully stocked and had plenty of volunteers handing out items.

The first 7 miles are pretty boring in my opinion. You run through a lot of shopping centers and restaurants. Once you get near the Papago area around mile 8, things get gorgeous. You run through the mountains of Papago and get views of Tempe Town Lake as you head to the finish.

Overall a great event and always recommend this race to friends and colleagues.