This was my first time running this race and I really enjoyed the event! It was quite cold and windy this year (which is clearly out of anyone's control) however, the flat course really helped me to make up some lost time fighting off the wind. The expo was pretty small but this actually made packet pick up relatively easy.

I have run the Indy 500 Mini Marathon several times but enjoyed the different scenery of Indianapolis during the Monumental. The end of the course was a bit confusing due to a couple of turns and then an abrupt finish. The race was really not crowded but there were still enough people to where you were never quite by yourself. I did not carry a water bottle this race because I thought the aid stations would have been sufficient. However, I found myself needing water more often than the aid stations provided.

Overall, it is a well-run race that is great for a PR!

This was my first time running this race and I was not disappointed! I have shared my experience with running friends and have encouraged them to add the race to their running bucket list. This was my seventh half marathon but my fiancé's first. There were not a lot of crowds throughout the race route but definitely some great live music! We loved the beautiful ocean scenery as well as the out and back route. I've never been able to see the elite runners during a race and loved being able to cheer them on.

We did not attend the expo and were very thankful for the morning race packet pickup option since we were staying in the San Jose area. The staff was very helpful and pickup was very easy. Parking was relatively easy with shuttles running to and from the course pretty frequently. We ended up running since the lot was close to the start line.

Since I did most of my training in the Midwest, I was worried about some unexpected hills in the race course. Surprisingly, the course was pretty flat with a few minors hills. The aid stations were pretty well run except for the fuel stations. My only complaint was that these stations were just tables set up with packets on them as opposed to someone handing them out.

The post race snacks were nothing out of the ordinary: fresh fruit, chocolate milk, beer, pretzels, etc. Gear check was right outside the post race snack tent (very convenient). I would definitely do this race again!

My family has made this race a yearly tradition! I have personally participate for the last three years. It's a great race but be ready for constant congestion. The course goes through some not so scenic neighborhoods, however, it is neat to run on the Indy 500 track. As a Hoosier and non-NASCAR fan, I would probably never be on the track other than this race but I feel like it is a must-see. There is frequent live music and a lot of aid stations, which was definitely a plus! The spectators are wonderful and there is usually a large pack around every corner! The Expo is better than most and is definitely worth going. The long sleeve shirts from last year were a bit short in the arms but other than that, very comfy and pretty stylish! The free hats are always nice and come in handy during those bright summer days!