My part of the state doesn't provide many hills to practice on, so I figured it would be pretty challenging. Without a doubt this course was extremely challenging. Everything about this race was well put together from beginning to end. Between the 10k and Half Marathon, there were over 3,400 finishers. It was a hot and humid morning.

A full review will be added to our blog, www.runningwithrolos.com very soon.

SIGNUP - I was able to signup online, which is pretty common these days. That registration put me on the email list, which they would occasionally use to communicate race details.

EXPO - The expo was by far the biggest I've been too, but I haven't been to any other "good" ones. There were over 60 vendors at the expo, even some non-running vendors. I liked that the hospitalhillrun.com website gave a list of the expected vendors ahead of time. The bib and shirt pickup process at the expo was extremely easy. Parking was ample, and could be validated at the Crown Center expo booth. However, if you spent a longer time there (like we did), then you'll still pay a little for parking. The website was very clear on parking availability. For those not sure how to get there could follow some Hospital Hill footsteps throughout The Link walking bridge.

PARKING ON RACEDAY - Crown Center parking is free on the weekend, so you could get into he parking garages without cost. However, you had to get there very early in order to get in, as some of the streets were already closed up. The website showed all of the road closures, along with times, but I think some roads were closed early. No matter we were able to find a free parking lot without issue.

COURSE - The course starts off with a downhill stretch sure to give you a false sense of hope. After the Sprint Center comes into view, you start making the "turn" back towards the hill, which will take you by the Kansas City Star. The next several miles will take you by the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum, skirt by the Plaza, and behind another hospital. As you near the finish line in Crown Center you run directly towards the World War 1 Museum, which is a great view to finish with. Luckily the last stretch is all downhill, so you're able to finish on a fast note.

SUPPORT - The course support was great. There were a ton of Police officers keeping control of the closed intersections, and plenty of hydration stops. Each stop had two side for Gatorade or water, and wider sections had volunteers handing out water in the middle. The finish line included our medal, water, bananas, cracker sandwiches, and some Gatorade energy gels. Each bib included a ticket for beer and entry into the pancake breakfast. A free massage table was also available if you were willing to wait (though the beer line was longer).

SWAG - At packet pickup we received our Gatorade Endurance gels and race shirt. The half marathon shirt is a very nice long sleeve 1/4 zip shirt. At the finish line we received our quite large medal. Overall a very nice package.

I would without a doubt recommend this race to anyone. It was a very challenging course that is very well ran. I can't think of anything that could have been done better by the management staff.