This is the second time that I had run the OC Half Marathon course, and it has been much improved since 2010. The majority of the course is a downhill grade, with one pretty tough hill towards the end (around Mile 11), and this makes out to be a fast course. I came within 1 minute and 30 seconds of my PR, which I never thought that I could come close to ever again. The course itself was very scenic once you get out of the Fashion Island area. The back bay area was by far the most scenic of any course that I have ever run. The course was top notch, and I would definitely recommend to anyone.
The Pre-Race event was good. It was a terribly large in which you would easily get lost, nor was it small to where it felt like there were 10 vendors there. The only draw back about the pre-race event is that you have to pay to park at the OC Fair in order get your packet, and that is a little disappointing. I was smart enough to realize this early (through a previous review on Race Grader), and I ended up parking the neighborhood across the street.
The Post-Race event was good as well, much better than in 2010 when I ran the full marathon. I received a good bag of goodies (cookies, bananas, water, gatorade, peanut butter, granola bars) that was enough to help stay hydrated. The course support was great as well, there were plenty of water stops although the course, and there were many people cheering us on! Many of the home owners through out the course came out and cheered for the runners along the course and that was great in itself.
I definitely recommend this course to anyone.
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