Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
The thing that bothered us the most, are the large number of cars that either barely moved to the other side of the road and/or passed us at uncomfortable high speeds. A couple of motorcycle cops would have most likely made the motorist slow down.
Race organizers put a lot of love into this race! The Director is out on the course, cheering for the runners, talking to everybody he can. At the finish, they really celebrate. There was a woman they interviewed who could barely walk 3 years ago, and she did one of her first 5K's at this race. By the next year, she had lost almost 200 lbs, and she did the half! It was so inspiring! I hope to be there every year to see the developments.
The course is very flat.
These people really focus on the runners, not the hype. It is a beautiful course and plenty of support.
Very flat.
Race morning starts with an early start at 6am for the slower paces. This course is one of the few in the Northwest that is open for 7 plus hours for the marathon giving everyone a chance to reach for their unicorn moment. Once you arrive you can check your bag with the registration volunteers and do what you need to start.