This is an early season race, but it's an easy one and a good one for 70.3 newbies. The swim is in a bayou so there's no much choppiness, the bike is a flat out and bike and the run is 3 loops and it's flat. The only thing to watch out for is the bike can get VERY windy. If you're not used to riding in winds, it will slow you down considerably. The run had MANY turns, which I like because it broke the run into short segments and it made it go by faster. The expo was your typical Ironman expo with lots of booths and a big store. They served pizza and beer after the race. The race organizers were organized and did a good job of putting on a great race. The swag bag you get is okay, not great. You get a tshirt, one protein bar, men's deodorant (in both the women's and men's bags) and packets of advertisements. They give you a hat once you finish the race. For as much as I pay to do this race, the swag bag is lacking. I've done non-Ironman branded races with much better swag bags. Additionally, my parents paid for the VIP experience which let them have better viewing near the swim exits and the finish line. They also got their own tent to hang out in during the day and were served a warm lunch. They said it was okay, but they wouldn't pay $100 for it again.