This is such a fun race! While it is "downhill to downtown", don't be fooled. There are a few baby hills in there every now and again. I do like them since it wake my legs up. Overall it is a smooth, fast course with people cheering all along the way since you run through public areas and neighborhoods. There are the random Austinites in costumes, playing music or handing out champagne outside of the UT campus (note to self- it makes things worse). It is definitely one that you can take in the views on, while having enough room to stretch out and find your pace.

The expo is alright- mainly a bunch of booths trying to get you to sign up for a time share, and the parking/traffic is always super annoying since it is in downtown. I always love the tech shirts since they look good and the material is very nice- not that cheap tech material.

I love the gels they offer along the course, as well as the huge finish line. I feel like the crowd is awesome and the finish is in the best spot- right in front of the capital. They have free shuttles to take you back up to the starting line so you don't have to figure that out, which is nice. I am not super thrilled about the lack of hotel availability in the area near the start line, which is why I am lucky we have friends that live close by.

Overall a very relaxing course, but one I recommend for either a first-timer or PR. I plan on being back, once my foot injury heals.