My race experience started with the Expo the night before the race. I waited in a short line for just a few minutes, and it was a breeze. I liked that there were multiple options to pick up your packet, varying from running stores in the Annapolis/DC area, the night before the race, and on race day.

Race morning started smoothly. Parking was free at the Navy Academy Stadium and getting there at 5:45 allowed me entry without any traffic. There were porta johns in the parking lot which were nasty, however there were plentiful clean ones near the finishers area. There were plenty and they were clean. The start was self-seeded, however there were pacers for the half marathon which allowed you to gauge where you were standing.

The first 2-3 miles of the race were pretty crowded, with the 10k and half starting together, but it opened up after that. While the back half of the half marathon is hilly, the 10k has a few rolling hills, but nothing too challenging. The course provided great views of the Maryland state Capitol, downtown Annapolis, and the Naval Academy.

The finish celebration was great, despite waiting upwards of 10 minutes to get in. There were bananas and bagels, and you picked up your premium as you went in (a great t-shirt for the 10k runners). Each runner got 12 oysters and unlimited beer! The band was great as well, I could have listened to them all day.

My one complaint about this race is the aid stations. They were very small, just one table on each side of the road. There weren't many volunteers, and I frankly ran past the first two (I was running on the outside) without even realizing it. Once I did find an aid station, I was bummed to find out that the advertised Nuun was not available. I'm glad I brought my own water bottle!

All in all, I would recommend this race. Despite the size of the field, which is moderate for this area, it felt like a small-town race. I also loved the free race photos! If I run again, I will be very conscious about the aid stations and course support as I find those essential factors in a race.