This is my second year running the Hotlanta and let me tell you it definitely lives up to the name. I had not forgotten how hot it was getting up all those hills, I am just a glutton for punishment.

The Hotlanta Half is a small-scale local race and this year was only the 5th year for the event. In the two years that I have ran it seems to have grown some.

There was no expo just a packet pickup at one of 5 rotating Big Peach locations. This is to be expected with a smaller race. As a matter of fact, the atmosphere of the race is fits to a T one of the Big Peach mantras “Heat, Hills, & Humidity”. There is also the option of race day pick up, for a small fee.

What I love about this race is that the route takes you by most the major Atlanta landmarks such as the Stat Capitol, Georgia State Stadium (Formerly Turner Field), Mercedes Benz Stadium, CNN Center, Piedmont Park and the Beltline with the start and finish between Centennial Park and Pemberton Place.

My only complaint I have is that even though there were plenty of water stations, one every mile, there were no aid stations. I didn’t even notice this last year and probably wouldn’t have this year if not for a runner friend who was in dire need from about mile 8 on. Luckily, they made it and got treatment at the finish line.

A couple of my friends and I decided to run the Buffalo Half. We frequently travel to races to see each other and we all had high hopes for this one. We have each run races in NY before but not Buffalo even though one of us (not me) was from there.

I was the first to arrive and expecting the others throughout the day. We were staying at the Buffalo Grand Hotel (formerly Adam’s Mark). This was less than a mile from start/finish and that is the extent of the benefits of this hotel.

Early in one of the ladies had to cancel at the last minute. This was a bummer but it happens. Now it was time for some solo sight seeing since the other friend didn’t arrive until late in the evening. The town is very historic with lots sights to see and of course there is Niagara Falls right up the road but I’m getting ahead of myself, saving that for post-race fun.

My friends flight ended up being delayed and she didn’t get in until 2 am and about an hour later just as we were drifting off to sleep the fire alarm goes off. I sit up and look at her and say “I guess this is for real huh?” fast forward another hour or so and we are going back to sleep and it goes off again. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! We actually did finally get some sleep but not much.

We drag ourselves over to the expo and it is AWESOME! I have been doing a lot of local races and really missing the pre-race excitement of the expos.

Race morning, I am surprised at how small the race is, especially since it is a Full and Half. But the size doesn’t do anything to dampen the sprit of the event everyone is smiles and excitement. The weather had been really pleasant the two days before and I was expecting more of the same except that it was over cast the whole morning. The marine layer was so thick you couldn’t see 100 yards out. This was such a disappointment. I know we ran past some amazing views but I couldn’t see anything. What a bummer! Well at least it wasn’t hot.

We have all decided to give this race another chance next year.

This was my second time running this race and let me just say I LOVE IT! Not just because the primary color is purple (my favorite) Not just because it is held on the week that my birthday usually falls on (this year was ON my birthday Whoo-hoo!) But on top of all that there is so much girl power coming at you in full force you can’t help but fall under it’s spell.

There is no expo just a packet pick up and Tack Club merchandise available for purchase. That is to be expected at small local races.

The swag is AWESOME! Shirt, medal, rose & free photos. What more could a girl want?

The aid station was just about half way and all you really need for a 5K. This one was manned by the usual Atlanta volunteers’ smiling faces.

The Scenery was a very pleasant Atlanta neighborhood far enough off the main roads to keep you out of traffic.

Elevation is what it is her in Atlanta, hills followed by even more hills.

Parking wasn’t a huge issue. It’s a neighborhood park so you find it where you can. Even people showing up at the last minute only had to park little more than half a mile out.

Management is covered by the professionals of the Atlanta Track Club, I’d say they have a pretty good handle on what they are doing.

I would and do recommend this race for all level of runners and walkers.