First I'll just start off with the Pros and Cons.

Pros

Amazing expo, probably one of the best I've been too. If you forgot to pack something, they had it there.

The course, I enjoy running through DC. There's lots to see, and even though it poured rain for half the marathon, the crowds were out cheering every step of the way. The Blue Mile is humbling, and seeing friends and family stopping when they came to a photo of a loved one was quite the experience.

The Finish Line area, was organized well and everything was easy to get to, this was also a con I will get to.

Aid Stations were well spread gout and the orange slices were a welcome refreshment.
The people. Every turn there was a group of people cheering, even when it was pouring out, the town came out to cheer everyone on.

The Cons

The finish line area. There are several blocks closed off for runners and family to meet up. They even have giant signs that say family meet up, but everyone had to crowd where the fence ended so it was impossible to find anyone and even harder to get through. I get you want to find your friend or family, but give us some space to move.

The rain then the sun. I know the Marines and DC cannot control the weather, but this was a miserable weather experience. From gusting winds and pouring rain and flooded streets, to the heat and humidity when the sun came out. It was an experience.

Overall I enjoyed my trip to DC to run the Marine Corp Marathon. The Marines did a fantastic job organizing and being on course cheering and directing everyone on the route. The course is challenging, but not difficult and you can see a lot of DC, even parts of town I've never been to, and this was my second marathon there in the last 2 years. I'm disappointed that I didn't get to go see the Smithsonian this time, but there is plenty to do around the National Harbor.

If you're thinking about signing up for the Marine Corp Marathon, I highly recommend it.

This was my first time running at VA Beach and it was a lot of fun. The course is mostly flat except for the bridges at Rudee Inlet and you get get to run through Camp Pendleton. The finish is along the Boardwalk right at the beach and is one of the better finishes I've crossed.

I arrived Saturday and went straight to the expo. It was at the Convention Center which is located at the exit from the main road into the Beach area. The expo was standard for a Rock n Roll event. You walk in get your number and shirt then go into the Brooks/Rock n Roll merch area. Here you can get decked out head to toe in new gear or pick up and extra souvenir if you want. The rest of the expo was okay, a bunch of vendors carrying everything from CBD to beef jerky and everything in between, there were several empty spaces, so people didn't make it to set up or were just there Friday for the expo.

After the expo I went and set up my tent at the North Bay Shore Campground and did some kayaking in the Back Bay. Then off to dinner. The great thing about VA Beach is you can find just about anything you want to eat. I went with pizza, always a good choice and did some t shirt shopping at a local surfshop.

Race day came quick with the start being moved up to 6:30 due to the expected heat, even then it was pretty hot. The race started on time and we were off. The first 4 miles are along the main beach roads then you cross the bridge and head South past the aquarium. After running through Camp you come back across the bridge and head to the Boardwalk to finish along the beach. The finish area was well spaced out with food and drink and photo spots every so often and a beer garden a blocked off section within walking distance to the ocean. It's great to stand in the cold salt water, it made my legs feel so good.

So next year is the 20th anniversary of the Rock n Roll VA Beach, I would recommend doing it, but book your room early, they fill up fast during Labor Day weekend.

When a race says it's flat and fast I get kind of skeptical. I've done races that claimed that but Tobacco Road delivered. There are some hills but you really don't notice them since this is an old railroad bed and railroads like to be as flat as possible. The course started in Thomas Brooks Park and proceeded for about 2 miles on the road before turning on the trail. Both the half and full started at the same time, but once on the trails we were split up until the back half of the full.
The aid stations were amazing and everyone was super friendly and cheering. The few road crossing we had on the trail were well managed also.

The start/finish area was large and 'T' shaped with the top of the 'T' being the finish corral and port o pots, and the long section the party area. Bag check was super smooth and easy too.

Post race food was fruits and water or Gatorade, along with Pizza and chocolate milk and beer of course. At every other maraton I've done the pizza was cold from sitting out, but not this time. It was warm and fresh. Local brewery Appalachain Brewing Company was on hand with different beers and a cider for everyone.

I was looking for the PR bell. With a 40 minute PR here I was really looking forward to ringing it, but didn't see one or I just didn't look in the right spot. I never heard one so they may not do that at this event.

The expo was nice with a mix of local vendors and area races. And everything was spread out and roomy.

If you asked me right now would I come back, my answer would be yes! This was a fun event, well managed and ran, and Cary, NC is a beautiful town. I cannot recommend this race enough.