One word: hills. Do not sign up for this race unless you're ready to run some hills. Days before the event I was having doubts about being able to finish 13.1, but I'm glad I did. Frankly, I don't think it would be worth your time/money to run a lesser distance. The race starts out in town and winds up and over hills through Sedona's world-renowned red rocks. It's an out-and-back race, which is great for the longer distances, but the 5K, for example, barely leaves town, and you're only running through neighborhoods -- not scenic.

The race expo and all of the details and event organization was top-notch. I was emailed the info I needed, the race expo was clearly marked, etc. No qualms there. Great volunteers and ample supplies at aid stations -- thank you!

But, one thing I didn't like about this race was the event finish. As you are approaching the finish line you're running uphill, in town, in a neighborhood setting. This is fine, however, there's nobody around for the last .50 to .25 mile before you cross the line, no cowbell, no music, no cheers -- just crickets, and prior finishers walking in the opposite direction, which isn't very encouraging. After you cross the line, you've got to continue to walk uphill in a corral, for quite some time, to get water, your medal and whatever else from the aid stations and volunteers -- which I thought was super strange.

I love Sedona, but I don't think that I would run this particular race again. But, I would recommend it. And I did talk to a handful of runners that said this was their first half -- whew!

2017 MAP: http://www.sedonamarathon.com/uploads/8/3/2/5/8325877/halfcoursemap2013.pdf