I’d run 14 half marathons in 2 years before I ran this race. I have rarely run a race as enjoyable as this one.
The pre-race expo and packet pickup was smooth and without flaws. The bib and t-shirt volunteers were quick. The race expo offered photo ops, and tons of vendors to look at and buy from. My one request for future expos: at least ONE race equipment vendor. I would like the option to purchase race fuel, electrolytes and gear that I might accidentally leave home. I also like that the packet pickup was in the same location as the race start.
The Course was VERY enjoyable. While it wasn’t particularly scenic, it was nearly completely flat (1 overpass and 1 “hill”) and the roads were in good condition. The traffic control was more than adequate. The course consisted of basically 2 out and backs. One that was 3 miles and one that was 10 miles. It made “chunking” the milage easy on the spirit. If you thought of it as a 5k, followed by a 5 mile out and 5 miles back. There was water and course support nearly every mile and a half, plenty of water and gatorade. The cheerleaders on the course and volunteers were very supportive and cheerful!
The finish line was very organized. The race organizers clearly had limited space to work with and they made the best of it. We got our tiara and boa about .05 before the finish line, and the announcer was still in high spirits when I crossed at 2:50:36 . . . (one of my fastest races of 2013) and I got to hear my name announced. TWICE! I was more than a little emotional and was crying/celebrating with my friend who was at the finish line and one of the photographers stepped away from the finish line to take our photo! We got a bottle of water, then a glass of sparkling cider, then were herded into a queue for pictures. While that was a bit cattle-like, it was making the most of a tight area. Pictures were quick and then off to get dried fruit, cookies, bananas and bagels. The volunteers were constantly saying “Congratulations Diva!” It was amazing.
I plan to run this Diva race again in 2014. It was SO fun and so well organized!