I still get jealous when friends say they're running this one! What an amazing course and super supportive folks!

I did not get in through the lottery so raised funds for a veterans organization for a charity bib. Friends and family came through and BOOM we raised above and beyond.

First timers have an orientation and special dinner to talk about the race. There are also folks who have done all of them and a special 'old timers' club for those who have done it 10 years plus.

The swag was great, and the expo fun--if a little overwhelming. After two hours we stopped but we could have spent another hour easily. Marching bands and soldiers and high fives from strangers! It was great!

The transportation was a bit tricky--those coming in from the east had trouble and the start was delayed. Fine for us slower runners, but for the fasties, they had to zoom through us at the starting lines. The course requires a 14/mm to 'beat the bridge' from the time the last person crosses the finish line. I was nervous and wouldn't take a rest stop until I knew I was only a mile from the bridge and had two hours before it shut down. The finish festival was a bit overwhelming--lots of lines for beer and more swag. There could have been more post-race snacks. And the race photos were phenomenal.

The course is not too hilly--aside from a big one at the end. You see all different parts of the city, lots of viewing spots for friends and family. My favorite was the 'blue mile' lined with names and pictures of Marines who passed on. I cried through most of it--and then met a group of vets who served with one listed. I loved hearing their stories as we continued on our run.