This is the second Rock 'n' Roll race I've run. The first was the 2017 Chicago half marathon. I was really impressed with the race organization and expo so I was glad to sign up for another in the series.

I was able to go on Thursday to the Expo, in the DC Armory, walking distance from RFK stadium, and about one block from the finish line. It's a large expo, with lots of shopping, samples, and demos to see. I was also able to meet Bart Yasso at the Philadelphia Marathon booth. The experience overall is streamlined and very well-organized. Definitely go earlier if possible - this is a big race, with many people in the half marathon and 5K. Not nearly as many ran the marathon.

All races are run on Saturday morning. The marathon started at 7, too early to take the Metro to the starting area. You could either get someone to take you, or pay a fee to park at RFK and take a shuttle to the starting line. Everything ran smoothly, though I did get to the starting area over an hour prior to race start. Nothing was crowded at that time, and you could get water, fruit, and free Dunkin' Donuts coffee samples during the wait. No line at all at any of the restrooms.

New this year, as I found, was the time limit for the marathon - 5 hours 30 minutes from the time the last runner crossed the starting line. There were diversion points if runners didn't make certain distances within the time limit. So this wasn't a good run for walkers. I did see runners who were behind me magically appear ahead of me at mile 25 or so, so the time limits were being enforced.

I enjoyed this course, though I'd agree with others that there are some real hills, a steepish one at mile 6, and a long and winding one from mile 22-24 or so. Many runners walked up both. For the most part, the scenery was pleasant, and the bands were placed well. I found the number of aid stations to be sufficient, though be prepared that the last gel station was at mile 19. The food stop at mile 22 or so only had green bananas, so I passed. The second quarter of the course went through neighborhoods, with many people offering unofficial aid - beer at a couple of places, candy, donuts, etc. The weather was better than in 2017, but still definitely a cool early spring day. The day was clear with a high in the mid-40's. The shady areas were cold! But the course had a lot of sun.

It was hard for spectators to access the second half of the course. My family could only see me at the finish line. So course support was less than for many of the other races I've run.

There was a special marathon recovery zone with free pizza that was pretty good. Plenty of snacks and drinks at the end, though the chocolate milk had just run out by the time I got there. I saw a couple of comments that the half marathon is the big event they plan for here, and I'd agree - I'd say there were 5, maybe 6 times as many runners in that race than in the marathon. And they drank all the chocolate milk!

This was my first marathon, and I ran it because: it was on my birthday, it was my first marathon, and I have family in the area. I'd probably do it again, though the timing isn't optimal for me. The Marine Corps Marathon is something I'd rather do for several reasons, but none of them are due to any lack of satisfaction with this race. I'm glad I ran it.