Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
1. Mile 25 has significant uphill stretch. Killed my BQ effort!
2. Team Ortho - the race organizer - has a poor track record. They cancelled 2016 the week prior due to lack of race permit. And owner has been subject of local media story, suggesting he may be taking $ from his non-profit. http://www.runnersworld.com/watchdog/nonprofit-race-organizer-draws-complaints-for-small-donations-to-charity-disorganization
Great pacing team
Love the 6:30am start
Weather was perfect
Nice down hill finish after mile 25 hill
They had cold towels at the end of the race to cool runners off.
More water stops at the end.
Some crowd support, but not great in some areas.
Nice to have different start times of marathon and half marathon.
Food at the end was not great.
Course changed a few weeks prior to the event and it only helped. Team Ortho is a fantastic group and i will run more of their races. The course was beautiful and the post race was a great time. Plenty of room to stretch out at the park after. Volunteers were the best I have experienced.
The hill at 13 is not terrible but is long enough to torch the legs if you charge up it. Watch your footing on the brick portion of the race.
Race logistics were spot on. Plenty of places for spectators as most of the race is in residential areas.