Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Liked how there was people at every corner cheering you on and telling you don't give up. There wasn't anything I didn't like, it was a great run.
I would say run at what ever pace makes you feel comfortable like some people do a slow jog, some do a fast jog, some people sprint like ⟟ recommend trying to keep a slow run or jog but don't stop moving. Expect a lot of people and try and get there early so you can get parking and stretch.
I would say Parkin a parking garage and try and get there about a 1-2 before so you have time to warm up and stretch take pictures etc
Super flat out and back, the two hills are crazy short and took only a couple minutes to do. You have a ton of shade the first 70% of the course and also low wind in the morning with a high percent chance that the wind will be blowing at your back (eastward) when you turn around and head back
-Lots of crowding from walkers and half marathoners at the end. I was trying to run a BQ and kept having to weave between them. Definitely slowed me down but I got the BQ so 🤷 -Definitely use a portapotty early, there were massive lines 15min before start time
Flat out and back course. Only two short climbs. After the first couple of miles, lots of room to run or run/walk. Most of the race has a very rural feel to it ... mountains in the background; a thousand almond trees with beautiful white blossoms along the way. Uncrowded town, with some decent restaurants and entertainment venues in the area of the race start and finish. Only real complaint was that there were insufficient numbers of porta potties for the first 10K of the race, where the marathoners and half marathoners "competed" for their use. My suggestion would be to send the half marathoners off one half hour AFTER the start of the marathon, instead of sending both groups off together.
Awesome small town race, well organized, very flat course with few turns.