Registration: There is online registration through the Hutchinson Recreation Commission as part of the Hutch Race Series. It is fairly straight forward to register, but starting in 2015 there was a Classic Rock 5k added, which will show multiple race options.

Packet Pickup: There was no real expo. The packet pickup was the day before at the local bicycle shop, where they had a few free samples and an Oakley truck. You could also pick your packet up on race day.

Parking: The Run for the Rocks course is not a closed loop, so parking at the starting line won't be near the finish. I'm lucky to have a wife willing to drop me off, and make sure the car is back at the finish line later (or we leave two vehicles/one in each spot if we both race). There isn't a massive amount of parking at the starting line, but the race offers shuttles from the finish location to the start. That allows folks to park at the finish line, and not have to retrieve their cars after they finish. There is plenty of parking at the finish line.

The Race: The course itself spends several miles going through the park and along the river. The river is usually pretty dry, so there isn't much for scenery. After 5 miles the course leads into the city until it meets back up with a trail around mile 9. The last few miles you're back on the city streets until you reach the finish line inside the football stadium. The course is timed, but there is only two mats (beginning and end). There were plenty of water stops along the way, and the busy intersections were watched over by the wonderful police department. The course is fairly flat, other than a few spots when you go up/down along the river.

Swag Bag: This race provided a tech tee along with finisher medals. The medals seemed identical to 2014's, but with a different ribbon. The t-shirt, though tech, seems to be on the cheaper side of the fence. It hasn't fallen apart, so it must not be too bad. I'm just glad it wasn't cotton so I could wear it.

Race Management: The race was well organized and everything ran very smoothly. The finish line had massage tables, pizza, milk, fruit, water, etc. Plenty of supplies for all of the finishers.

Extra: With the 2015 race, if you took part in the Classic Rock 5k the night before, then you received an additional medal.

Overall: To date this is the only half marathon I've competed in, so I can't compare it to any others. However, both years I've raced this course I had no complaints. It is recommended.

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