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

Wow. Beautiful scenery. It reminds me why I love to call Phoenix home. Although I love the rocks and views along McDowell, having these hills at mile 9 of the half marathon was killer. I don't have a lot of bad things to say about this race, but I did over hear other racers talking about the lack of facilities along the course. My one qualm with the race was the aid stations. While most were filled with cheery volunteers I was surprised to see one or two aid stations empty and there was also no gummies or snacks along the entire race--they ran out by the time I passed by.

Swag at this race is always top-notch. Race medals connect to make one big emblem. Bummed my 10k medal from 2015 doesn't fit with my half bling. No big deal. I guess I'll just have to run more longer distance races.

This race is pricey. I would suggest registering ASAP if you're wanting to run. Complimentary beer at the end. Snacks, water, chocolate milk, protein bars, etc.

Check out more about my race experience by visiting my blog www.fitmedaily.com.

Loved: The views. Running nearby a National Park is a must you have to add to your running bucket list. This is the second Vacation Races half marathon I have ran and it's by far the most beautiful race I have ever ran; ever!

Vacation races always puts on a good race. They are professional and the bling is some of the best around. I ran the Wolf Double, so in addition to running the Teton Half, I ran the Yellowstone 5k, in West Yellowstone. Participants received a finisher medal for both races in addition to a medal representing the Wolf Double, ironically in the shape of a wolf. All the medals have lots of colors and beautiful neck straps. Now if only I had a good way to display them at home...

Vacation Races offered the Wolf Double (Grand Teton Half + Yellowstone 5k) Grizzly Double (Grand Teton Half + Yellowstone Half) and the Bison Double (Yellowstone 5k + Yellowstone Half). All great options for anyone planning a runcation near two National Parks in June. The fees are reasonable for the two race combo.

In addition to being friendly, professional and offering some awesome bling, Vacation Races offers some post-race snacks that beat out other races. Each finisher gets a box full of goodies like Honey Stinger, bars and other healthy eats, plus fresh bananas, water and chocolate milk. The staff and what they provide really wows!

The race expo was okay, all the normal bells and whistles. The rain was really coming down when I stopped by the pick up my bib so everyone was taking shelter under the tent. The staff and volunteers were efficient and friendly. Vacation Races offers a ton of tees and swag and the race shirts for this race were the best I've seen from VR.

Hated: The shuttle lines. Something must have went awry because we were waiting for a bus back to the starting line (where we parked) for more than an hour, with a long line of others, too. There was construction in the area so this may have led to the bus backups. But it was all good, the staff and volunteers brought bananas and snacks to everyone waiting in the lines. It was a minor hiccup that didn't damper my post-race endorphins. After all, we were in good company and got to hear about another runner's Zion Half experience.

What to know before you go: This is a cup free race, meaning, no cups will be at the aid stations. So, bring your own hydration system, or, opt for the VR provided hydration pouch. And, the elevation of this race is 6,000 feet. So, train for the altitude and hydrate appropriately.