I hadn't heard of this race before registering, and had registered because it was part of the Heartland 30k series. This course is in Corporate Woods, which is a boring course, but easy for race directors because it causes minimal traffic issues and road closures. You are running through an office park, so don't expect great scenery. It is especially boring for the 10k participants, as they run the same 5k loop twice. But the advantage of the race location is that there is plenty of parking and its easy to get to the startling line. I also though the aid stations could be better placed for the 10k runners, as there were two aid stations in the first 3 miles but nothing for the remainder of the course. Despite the course being less-than-exciting, the funds go toward pediatric brain tumor research, which is a more than worthy cause. The medals were large and well designed, and the post race food was better than most races. There was free pizza and sandwiches, in addition to the typical bananas and chocolate milk.

Because of the great cause, its part in a race series, and the good post race food, I would do this race again.

This race is in July, in Kansas City - it's going to be hot. On this particular evening, it was 90+ degrees. This is an evening race, which I enjoy, as most races are in the morning and I prefer to run in the evenings. As is typical for a race in downtown KC, there were also hills. Some of the hills, however, do provide a decent view of the city skyline. I was surprised to find only one aid station, because although it was a 5k race, I thought there might be an additional aid station due to the heat advisory/higher temperatures. The medal for this race is a fun one. Parking was a little tricky as it is almost entirely street parking in that area, but we were able to find a spot fairly close to the starting line. They had a free concert as well, which is fun, although I did not stay so I can't speak to whether the concert was any good!

Hospital Hill is, well, hilly. I completed the 5k/10k re-run. I thought I was getting off easy, completing the 10k instead of the half - however, the 10k runners actually go up one extra hill that the half runners do not tackle, so that's something to keep in mind. While the course is difficult, it is very well organized and offers the best race swag in the city (in my opinion). The 5k shirt was a tech shirt, not cotton. The 10k and Half runners got a long sleeved tech hoodie - which I did NOT wear in June, but comes in handy in the Fall season. The medals were very nice and because I participated in the re-run, I got an extra medal for doing the 5k (Friday night) and the 10k (Saturday morning).

The aid stations were well stocked, and the post race food is awesome (bbq on Friday, pancakes on Saturday). And that was just the meal! There was also coffee, chocolate milk, and even ice cream sandwiches at the finish line. They also give away sponges for you to wipe the sweat off your body, which I feel is genius.

The expo has a lot of vendors. My only complaint is the parking, which is an issue only because its located downtown, and the race directors do the best they can to make it easy to get in/out. There is also plenty of communication in the weeks leading up to the race so that everyone knows what to expect.

This race has a long history in KC. It is very well organized and I will come back year after year!

This was my first half marathon, and I'm really glad that I selected this course. It was a relatively easy course, and while it wasn't flat, the hills were mostly rolling hills and easier to handle than the hills on other KC area courses. Since the race was out of the city, there was lots of green space and large, beautiful homes to see. The aid stations were numerous, and well provisioned, including some solid foods at one of the stations in the later miles of the course. The race shirt was a tech shirt, which I am always grateful for, and the medal was large. It was very easy to park and to leave the parking lot after the race.

And the food! This race gives you plenty of food. Volunteers cook up all kinds of food for runners to enjoy after the race. There's also a photo booth, petting zoo, and a few vendors for runners and spectators to enjoy.

My only real complaint is that finish line photos were never posted. Given that this was my first half marathon and a milestone moment for me, that was pretty disappointing. Despite that one gripe, it was a great race experience and I plan to run this race again in 2017.