The 2016 half marathon took place on Sunday, October 16. It started at 8 am. It was partly sunny about about 50 degrees.

Registration: Register early online and to beat the price increase. Each participant would get a finisher medal.
*I ran the Grand Slam of events, which was the trail race, the 5k, 10k, and half marathon. I received a gender specific, long sleeve tech shirt (the fit is small in the arms only); Balega socks, and a Headsweats stocking cap for all the events. I also had one bib for all events, it had my name and 2 timing strips on the back. I am not sure what swag the half marathon only received.

Expo/packet pickup: The expo was open Friday and Saturday. I can't remember, but pretty sure you could grab your bib on race day for the half marathon. The expo was confusing at first, it was located in a building with multiple floors. The bottom floor had the Altra shoe booth, information, and a RW booth in addition to the food vendors and space for seminars. The second floor is where you would find your bib number and grab your bib. The third floor is where you would get your swag and then follow the setup through the expo. There was an elevator, but it seemed spread out, however the were utilizing the space they were given.

The expo was a nice size, lots of friendly vendors. There were also boxes set up with free samples of protein bars, scar away and Cal-Ez. There was also a bar in the back of the expo. Parking was around town, all a short walk away, and some lots you had to pay for.

*there was an app available to use on your phone for the weekend of events

Pre-race: Gear check was available near the Arts Quest area, which was different from the start near the casino. There was parking in nearby lots for free, it was recommended to arrive 45 minutes early. There were a lot of port-o-potties available near the Steel Stacks/Arts Quest area. The corrals were self seeding by estimated pace. There was music playing and announcements. The National Anthem was performed live.

Race/Course:
-Terrain - paved street course, there were minor potholes, but nothing that was a big deal
-Elevation - there were hills, lots of hills,and then more hills.They weren't steep, there were just a lot of them
-Pacers available
-Scenery - This course was a tour of the area through downtown and historical parts of Bethlehem it was cool to finish along the Steel Stacks.
-Aid Stations - Each Aid Station had water and Ultima in paper cups. However this was probably my only gripe of the entire weekend of events. Some stops had electrolyte last, some stops didn't have enough cups pre poured. Some were just a hot mess. There was no real food on the course, but there were gels.
-Volunteers - there were many volunteers on the course, very energetic and friendly. These included law enforcement helping with busy intersections as parts of the course had intersecting traffic.
-Spectators - A nice amount of spectators here and there, some fun signs, and a couple of group cheer stations.
-Photography -There were many photographers on course. The pictures were posted within the week for FREE
-Markings - Each mile was clearly marked with a sign. There were also clocks and timing splits

Finish/Post Race: The finish line was it's own party. There was an arch with a burning flame, and an announcer catching names as you finished. When you crossed the finish timing mat, a volunteer got you a medal and a bottle of water. Then you looped back around to get to the food tent, where there were bagels, cookies, granola bars, bananas, chocolate bars, veggie straws and raisins. ALL THE FOOD! Then there was an area with free samples of White Claw hard spritzer and each finisher got Saucony Creek beer.

The stage had a great cover band, playing great songs. There was plenty of room to spread out, dance, cheer on the finishers, and hang with your friends.

My Race: This was my fourth event of the weekend, I was tired in all sense of the word. I wasn't sure how I would do, but I made a choice early on to stick with the 2:20 pace group. I did stick with them until mile 10. It was a strange pace group as I heard rumblings that the pace was off from other runners. She was trying to stick with 10:30 mins, but I rarely look at my watch I wasn't keeping track. At mile 10 after running all the hills,I felt good enough to push it a little more, so I ditched the group. At mile 11 ish my fave running song came on, and I turned on the jets. I finished with a time around 2:16.I did look at my overall stats (on Strava) and the mile splits were all over the place, never a constant 10:30. It would go 10,10:40, 10:20, then 10 again, however my last 2 miles were 9:32 and 9:07,so BAM! on tired legs too!! I was happy! and a week after a marathon!

Overall: Do this! Medals, music, fun! Don't let the hills scare you. This race is for the runner, it's inclusive! They do a great job with hosting a wonderful event!