This was my 2nd year running this race, and they made a lot of improvements!
Pre-Race – Expo was well organized. Parking was pricey, but it’s Universal, what can you do? The pre-race communication was excellent, tons of updates. Registration price is pretty normal for a half, and you can usually find a $5 or $10 discount code.
On race day, I was able to snag a free spot on the street right near the start, which was awesome, but I’m sure everyone was not so lucky. Corrals were well managed, with volunteers checking your bib to make sure you entered the right corral. The DJ did a good job of pumping up the crowd, and the race started right on time.
Course/Post-Race – I like the new course a lot more. There were still a couple hills around the Silver Lake Reservoir to make it interesting (but I’m SO glad they took out the huge hill from last year). Tons of police support along the course blocking traffic and keeping things running smoothly. The start line right at Hollywood and Highland was pretty awesome. Finish line area was good – bananas, water, bagels, and a couple vendors like Naked Juice and Odwalla handing stuff out.
Overall, this was a very well organized race. They really took the feedback from last year and worked out a lot of kinks.