What a well-run race! I registered late, but still got into the half. The challenge series sell out pretty quickly, I hear. Race morning, I got there pretty early, about 4:45 am for a 6 am start, but super easy parking. The convention center is open for the runners, so plentiful restrooms and plenty of area for everyone to hang out before the race. Beautiful course, along the water, so there was a nice breeze. Some of the nicest pavement I've run in a while. Post race food was plentiful and really good, with each person getting a big plate of Columbia food along with the usual post-race snacks and fruit. Slight hiccup with the beer as it can't be served until 11 am and I was done running by 8:15 am, so I didn't hang around for that. Long sleeve tech shirt seems to be true to size. I'd call this an easy barefoot run and would be a good distance run for someone getting into the distance barefoot thing. Bonus--Meb was on the course at mile 7 for cheering and selfies!

This is a pretty run around Presque Isle. It starts early in the morning, so it was OK for July and the temps were good. Not enough bathrooms at the start so it led to people starting late. Old shoe chip timing technology. Parking was inadequate. The T-shirt is very plain and runs very big. Water stops are plentiful and very well manned. Post race food was also good and lots of it. However, there is no medal, and finishers get s license plate style piece of plastic, so I was very disappointed with that. You can't beat the scenery on this course and it's incredibly flat. If you're looking to PR, this might be your course. It's also got great pavement, so it's barefoot running friendly and I'd rank it as a great course for less experienced BF runners.

We ran the Steel Challenge (5K the first day, half marathon the second, three medals). The expo wasn't set up the best and it was hard to find all your items (bib, shirt and bag) as they were in three different places. The course was not bad. Long slow hills and decent downhill. Pavement is pretty good and I'd rate this as intermediate for barefoot running. After party is a bit lame. No band, no substantial food, had to buy beer (but that could be a state law thing). I didn't take much in the chute because there was no way to carry stuff, and then there were bags a the end, They could move the bags to the start of the chute, like Columbus does, and it would be a little better. :). The city comes out to support the runners along the way. Overall, not a bad experience, but Pittsburgh could learn a few things from Cincinnati and how they run the Flying Pig if they're going to be in direct competition on the same weekend. We ran on a charity team and that's why we were in Pittsburgh, but it's back to the Pig next year!

This one starts and finishes at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a free entry is part of the swag for the half marathoners. The course is very pretty and goes through the cultural gardens and along the lake. Great after run food and music. Problem points.. the expo or packet pick up is just your shirt, your tag and a ticket to the HOF. The pre-race line for the porta johns was over 20 minutes long and lots of folks missed the start of the race. They needed twice that many. Good points were the scenery, the music afterward and tons of really good food after the race. Barefoot friendly course.

Very nice point to point race. Pretty scenery along the river with good course support. Post race party was a major disappointment --ran out of water at the finish and the food was gone, eaten up by the shorter distance folks and non-runners. Barefoot friendly course. I recommend the run, but bring a sandwich to eat after! I was starving! :D