I have zero hesitations about recommending Rocket City Marathon and the hat trick if you like the extra races and swag. This is a moderately sized race with hometown race management and it shows.

The swag surpasses that of much larger events.

Aid stations are plentiful along with porta johns, not much to see along the course other than the Rocket Center.

The expo is small but checks all the boxes for pre race requirements. The elevation change on this years course is manageable but noticeable in places with a few not steep but steady inclines.

Parking is a little bit of a cluster unless you arrive well before 6 AM due to the early start option on race day. They due close down quite a bit of the access roads at that time.

Race management far exceeds that of a race this size. This husband and wife dynamic duo put a lot of love into the event from well before race day to long after it's over. Love love this race it will be listed as a repeat event.