I missed the expo this time around because of a snafu with getting to the airport.
BUT
This gives me the unique opportunity to review communication with the race staff and how they respond to people needing assistance!

The skinny on my communication:
I was bummed that I couldn't get my swag bag day of the race, but I understand why they do that. Once I found the information booth it was super easy for them to print a bib for me. They scanned my QR code and printed it out!
Finding the booth.... that was a bit tricky
I started backward at the finisher festival; then finish line; then gear check then start line. That's when I found them lol (figures)
They were super helpful and were easy to get along with.
The communication leading up to the race was good too.
The team was pretty responsive when I reached out for help! Same day response which doesn't always happen; especially at races this size.

Other pre race communication:
They dont spam you with stuff which is nice. Maybe 1 email. I was please with it.

Expo:
See above

Race organization:
Fantastic.
The course was laid out really well! I also have to admit the layout of the start/finish village was really ingenious...run it next year to find out why 😉
I think the family reunion signs near the gear check were a fantastic idea (I don't remember seeing these previously)

The course
Uhh read the intro.
The hills weren't awful but I was certainly not anticipating them. I almost feel like there wasn't a flat part on the course.
After the half way point, that up hill was okay, but the giant one around mile 7 was killer!
For the most part it was a closed course. There was one AH who drove onto the course and the cops legitimately chased him down.
I also really liked how the incoming and outgoing runner traffic was separated. They did a great job of making sure there was ample space even if the roads were a bit narrow.

I would have liked a bit more scenery. Going over the bridge was cool (yes I have a thing for bridges) but again that was also the big hill where you needed to dig a little to keep pace.

Course support:
There is nuun; water; marshmallows and something else on course.
The volunteers are great. They cheer and are friendly.

Finish line
In true HC fashion the music and chocolate flowed. I don't remember honey stinger products being in the mug last year but heck yeah!
All state had a great booth with some recovery tools and some photo booths which was nice (and it made the finish area a bit more friendly for kids)

Bottom line:
You need to run a HC race. They are walker friendly and a load of run. The jacket they give is really nice and the finisher medal is pretty dope too!

Link to this review