Coming for CA to race the April Fool's Half Marathon was not my original plan. This was a backup race when the Delaware Marathon was postponed. It turned out to be an amazing experience! Born and raised in NJ, I was excited to finally venture back to the Garden State for a real, live race! There were multiple times for packet pickup the week of the race, however traveling 3,000 the day before, I couldn't make it until the final hour. Knowing I was cutting it super close, I had contacted race management and they were happy to help me by making an exception and holding my bib until race morning if need be. We ended up arriving in time and were greeted by friendly race volunteers who gave us our swag bag. When race week came the weather was the only thing not falling into place. The forecast was light rain, wind gusts up to 30mph, and temps around 45 degrees. This was exactly what we woke up to on race morning. We stayed at one of the host hotels, The Atlantic City Marriott which was about a block from the start/finish line. I'd recommend doing the same. Another option is the Resorts Hotel and Casino which was where the runners congregated in the morning to stay dry and use the restrooms. The race was staggered with starting times due to Covid and I started in the first corral. We started on time at 7:40am and we headed down the Atlantic City boardwalk. I had concerns about running on the boardwalk especially in the rain, but it was a non issue. The wind however was whipping us all over, but mainly from the back for the first 6.5 miles. It was quite a scenic course with the ocean on one side and the hotels, mansions, and shops on the other. Lots to keep your mind off your pace or the wind. There were about 6 aid stations with your choice of water or Gatorade and lots of cheers from the volunteers. Free photos were taken at mile 3, 10, and the finish. Runners leave the boardwalk at mile 4 to run on pavement, straight and fast. At mile 6 was Lucy the Elephant, a small tourist spot in the town of Margate, which also signified that we were just about at the halfway point!! Wind, WIND, wind as we hit mile 6.55 and turned north. I told myself to keep going until you reach the boardwalk again on the out and back course, then until you reach the hotels again... The hotels seemed to block the wind a bit. Then easy running to the finish line! I ran my fastest ever half marathon coming in 14th (out of 134) (F 40-49) and 139 overall (out of 698) I believe the straight, flat, course contributed to my success as well as the cool weather and wind at our backs for the first half of the race. Many runners got PRs!! The medal was super cute and heavy! What a fabulous, memorable race!!! I would definitely sign up for this one again!!