I've done the Rock n Roll Arizona half marathon almost every year now for the last 5-6 years. Always a blast, always a good time, and never disappoints. It's a fairly easy course with a hill or two here or there, but plenty of friends (including myself) have achieved a half-marathon PR on this course. There are always tons of volunteers, crowds, vendors, and swag. I really loved the medal this year, always enjoy the Arizona races that include kokopelli (The Southwest Indians’ Humpbacked Flute Player) in their swag/medal. Makes it feel more local.

The weather is always fantastic, although this year I was a little concerned about rain, but it ended up staying dry the entire time. Usually we're treated to some sunshine and low 60s at the finish, but this year it was mid-low 50s so was chillier this time. However, I always throw in a change of dry clothes and a light sweater in my drop bag and am fine to hang out at the finish line festival with friends without a worry about being cold.

This year the even had food trucks and vendors with coffee, etc at the finish line festival so that was pretty sweet! I may not have PR'ed this year, but still had a great time.

Two suggestions that I would offer to race management on areas of concern that I saw this year:
--I did come to one aid station that either the volunteers were lacking or hadn't made it there yet. They were still filling up cups and runners were grabbing cups off of the table and many were still empty. Fortunately, this was an aid station early in the race so for the most part wasn't a real issue.
--The burnt orange shirt color, while different, defiantly wasn't my favorite. I'd probably still wear it, but it's they typical "boxy shape" for men and isn't very flattering for the the average runner build.

This race always takes place on Martin Luther King weekend, so a great race-cation. And it's the perfect race to kick-off your racing season at the beginning of the year. I highly recommending joining me next year for the RnR AZ!