Well, this was my first experience with Hot Chocolate. The website had me stoked. I came up from Phoenix with my coworker and her husband, who were great fans of the Phoenix version. When we arrived to packet pickup/the expo, we followed the directions of NOT to park at the host hotel parking lot (the Linq). So we parked where we were staying, and walked... it turned out there was plenty of parking at the Linq. How did we know this? Because there were no signs up as to where the expo was within the building and so we asked a worker, who sent us to the garage.

At the parking garage, we met a few other racers who were directed out there by a worker... so hey, new friends (from San Diego), right? We walked back in and went to the casino concierge who sent us to this all but hidden elevator. The elevator led to an escalator, which led to a conference room, in which was packet pickup; not an expo. I didn't know what to expect, but my friends (and new friends) were severely disappointed. We got a bib, went to another table and got our bags, and that was it (I have to say there were some pretty sweet Sprinkles coupons inside).

On race day, we walked from Caesar's where we stayed to the Linq. The start line was in a large empty parking lot, and boy was it empty sans a few inflatables and port a pots. There weren't many people, not really much music or energy, just stuff randomly placed about.

We eventually got started (the race started late), and off we went through the Linq and onto the strip. This part was fun... good energy, some people cheering.... then we turned left and headed down Flamingo. It got less energetic. Then, we made another left, and Zzzzz.... this continued onto Desert Inn, and then we went over an overpass, through some industrial streets, and back over the overpass. What a looooong and boring stretch.

We ended up back at the parking lot where we started, and then it was over. Get your medal, get your bowl, and go home... nothing to see here.

My friends said it is better in other cities, and so I look forward to seeing what happens next year after ironing out the kinks.