This was the first time that I have run the Urban Bourbon Half-Marathon and I do not think it will be the last. Pre-race communication was great and covered any questions that I had prior to the expo. The expo had ample free parking. I knew my bib number, so I picked it up and got my post-race bracelet put on. Picked up my t-shirt. Sampled some bourbon. Purchased a couple of last minute GU. I also pre-ordered my engraved Jim Beam bottle. It was a well organized packet pick-up and they had plenty of volunteers to help out.
We stayed at the Hyatt, which is a block from the start and finish lines. Easily walked to the start on a 50 degree Saturday morning and lined up at the 2:00 pace spot. Fine renditions of My Old Kentucky Home and the National Anthem from Churchill Down's bugler. Race started right at 8 and we were off. No real congestion at the start, so I could settle into my pace right away.
Water stations were well-stocked and they had enough of them. The course was pretty and I enjoyed the hills of Cherokee Park. If you have run the Flying Pig half in Cincinnati, the hills in Louisville are not as bad.
Great support down the home stretch and a really good medal. The band at the post-race party was a little loud for my taste, but was a good party band. Sampled some bourbon, my son at my pizza, and my mother-in-law wanted my bourgoo. We purchased a second bracelet for my wife to sample bourbons and food. The people giving out bourbon samples were great and most of them had additional Swag (I got a Cooper Craft t-shirt and some swizzle sticks).
In the afternoon, my wife and did the Urban Bourbon Walk and visited all five places where you could a pin. I enjoyed that more than the post-race party and all the places were close together. We had dinner at Bourbon Dry with about 20 or so other people that had signed up for it. It was well worth it.
Overall, this is a great well-organized event that uses Louisville's bourbon heritage and puts on a great race.