Richmond wasn't even on my radar until my daughter, a junior at Liberty University in nearby Lynchburg, talked about driving over to cheer on a friend who was running the 8K in preparation for a half marathon. Once I figured that I could make it (and that my announcing schedule was clear), I signed her up for the 8K and myself for the half marathon.

The Expo location has to be in one of the most traffic-challenged intersections that I've seen in a long time. Once parked and inside, it was an appropriate size for a small major marathon. The laptops to look up your number once you walked inside were perfect and volunteers were friendly, but disliked being forced to walk through the area where you *can* buy race merchandise.

Was pleasantly surprised at - knowing the number of runners participating - the lack of barricades for the start line corrals. Maybe it is just that most Virginia runners know how to line up appropriately - or the nearly two-mile straightaway from the start really makes it a moot point (as it'll get sorted out before you make the turn off that street).

The half marathon course is basically flat, except for the couple of mile loop in the park midway into the race. Fluid station support was excellent. Volunteers, of course, were friendly, supportive and helpful. Lots of straightaways on the course and the best part is the sweeping downhill to the finish. Has to be one of the best finishes in racing of an event that size.

I'm not the biggest swag person, but the medal, hat and blanket were excellent.

And, on this day, the weather was absolutely perfect for racing.