Expo/Packet Pickup: Since this is a smaller race (# of people racing), there wasn't an expo but an interesting packet pick up location at Alamo Beer Brewery. Never been there but, was a cute venue to pick up your packet and grab a small bite at the food truck and get a beer with friends/family.

TShirt/Swag: Great Tech Shirt with a nice design. Each race distance had its own color shirt which was cool, and they gave us a sling backpack with the Missions Half Logo on the front of it.

Race Day: Only negative here was it seemed like they might have needed a couple of extra portapotties. But the start was set up in front of one of the missions so it had a nice backdrop. Since it is a smaller race, all 5k/10k and half racers start at the same time. Minus having to pick through all the walkers (no corrals) at the beginning it wasn't a bad start. A mile or two in is when you get one of the coolest experiences I've ever had in a race. You run up to a mission and the mission has its bells ringing, people are throwing rose pedals at you as you run by the famed "rose window", and actual friars are there to high five you as you pass through. Managed to get a selfie with one as well (score!). And the race has plenty of aid stations to keep you hydrated, about every mile to 1.5 miles there is a station with water and gatorade. They water down the gatorade perfectly by the way. All the aid station personnel were friendly/energetic and extremely helpful. Course was great with small rolling hills. Nothing challenging about it, which is good if it's warm out!

Crowds/Scenery: No real crowds along the course but that is not what this race is about. It really is a great run through the missions and along the park trails. Very peaceful and serene while running along the san antonio river.

Finish/Medal: Finish is back at the starting area (in front of a mission). And the medal was fantastic! High quality, nice size, and the art work was almost like a sculpted work of art. It might be my favorite looking medal so far (of 25 half/full marathons). Also, the post race food was amazing!!!! You got a bowl of fruit (oranges, banana, and grapes), and a cup of rice, chicken, and beans are given as well and it was very delicious!

Again, I highly recommend this race. Even the 5k/10k racers get their own version of a "medal" but theirs are made out of word with a different design. I can't put my finger on exactly what makes this race so special, but to me it really has its own personality. Hope I'm back home in San Antonio next time this race is going on.

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