I showed up to the expo on Friday, not long after it opened. I picked up my 5k and Marathon bibs and shirts. I wandered around the vendors, and definitely missed seeing Glukos, who was not there (however, their product was still on course). I bought a couple of items and snacks and then was off to enjoy the city. It is very expensive to park near the convention center ($20 on this day), so that is a bit of a turn off.

The marathon parking situation is always a bit tough. It is hard to find a spot at the finish line as it is a popular spot for tourists in addition to racers. That aside, the start line is energetic and spaced out well. It is a combination of half and full runners, but it is well-organized. The course meanders through some classic San Diego neighborhoods and provides glimpses of the city's culture. Then, around mile 20, it does get to the incline as one climbs the freeway before exiting towards downtown and ultimately the finish line.

Getting your finisher's jacket, heavy medals, and snacks does not take long and it is well organized. There is so much energy along the course and a ton of spectators (including coming out of their homes and providing some party stations).

This was my first marathon in 2016, and I was so glad to be back to enjoy the course and the city once again.

The expo is next to Century Link Field in downtown. However, that means parking is very difficult. I showed up on Friday and got my bibs for the 5k and the Marathon. Once I found parking, it was super easy to get everything I needed. I wanted to make a purchase, and as a tour pass holder, one is supposed to get faster access to the checkout, but i stood there waiting to be called on for almost 10 minutes with no one else in the tour pass line. Not a big deal, but its one of the perks promised by the loyalty program and it didn't deliver on this day.

The marathon course began at UW stadium, and parking was not too difficult. It was a speedy and flat course, cloudy and green, but no rain. After the split for the half, the course along the park is just beautiful. After a loop around the park, one meets up again with the half course at about marathon mile 13, and half mile 7. The course heads downtown and actually passes the finish before making an out and back along the freeway for about six miles.

There's not much support along those miles, but there is some neat scenery of downtown structures, ocean views, and greenery.

At the finish, one can gather their swag and finisher's jacket fairly quickly, and then decide how to get back to the start line. Many took the train, however I chose Uber because it is a short ride and I didn't have the legs to wait on the train and walk.

Bottom line, it's a 21-hour drive there, but I love the city and I love the race. I will be back.

So I conned my buddy and another friend into running this event. I was really excited to run it once I learned about it last year, and I even became an ambassador for the event. The elevation profile made me soooo happy- it's a downhill event!

I registered to volunteer, and so I headed out Friday evening to the far east side (I'm waaaaay west) to volunteer and get my packet. The expo was lively, and some pretty popular vendors were there (several giveaways like socks, muscle milk, etc). Pick up was easy and the volunteers were working extra hard.
I live on the far west side, so I picked up my nephew at 4am, and off we went. Parking was easy, we essentially parked in a Walmart center, where there were plenty of volunteers telling us where to go. I was running the full, so I had to board one set of buses, and after making sure he was safe and ready, sent him to the half marathon buses.

We didn't have to wait, we boarded our respective buses immediately, and were off. I had a much longer ride... and after we reached the summit of the course, I got off the bus (we were invited to stay on and stay warm). I was so surprised by what I found when I got off... port-a-johns like crazy, and HEATERS... the propane kinds... and scored of them. Plus, there were fire pits... it wasn't hard to stay warm even though it was 33 degrees out.

After a bit of hype, they played the national anthem (maybe the only thing I would change about the start... I love a live singer). Then, there were fire works! And, instead of having scheduled corral releases, they just kind of get you going... which makes sense since there are so many of us, and we are all staggered by the heaters... you can go from heater to runner and not have to get cold.

Minutes after we start, we are treated to a stunning sun rise to our left as we head south out of mountains. There is a nice view of the east valley in front of us, and before long, the first mile is done. After the course gets out of the mountains, it hits some residences around mile 6 (this is also the only hill to mention). We continue on, and I want to give a shout out to mile 9... where a local Stu Co (Red Mountain) made signs that went for an entire mile... and their students were all dressed up and energized for us!

The rest of the course is not exceptionally stunning, but it is flat or downhill, and many people PR here. When you reach the finish, holy wow... the best finish line I have seen. Kneaders was grilling up sandwiches for us, Muscle Milk was handing out goodies, as was Dole, and several others.

It took my about 5.5 hours to finish and then get my goodies. I made it to my car, and then experienced most people's complaint... getting out of a busy parking lot mid day on a Saturday was rough. Earlier finishers mentioned about an hour, but being a slower runner, it took my about 25 minutes. I'm not really sure how the logistics could be different, so just be ready to be patient... enjoy your food and drink in your car as you exit the lot and be okay with the experience.

I am looking to earn all the connecting medals, which culminate in 2020, so I really can't wait for next year. I recommend this for anyone running their first marathon, as the elevation is very friendly!