SWAG: You receive a cotton shirt at the expo with your race bib. The expo also had magnets for both distances, drawstring bags for the half, and free gloves to wear / toss. After the race you pick up your finisher shirt. Sketchers is the sponsor, they had some really nice stuff. I picked up a jacket.

Expo: Nothing super unique, typical vendors, mainly running store trying to move old product. if you needed stuff, it was a great time to shop.

Aid Stations: There were definitely enough aid stations, they were long too. There were also various people on the course passing out kleenex, oranges, vaseline and probably more things. I didn't see any gels on course. Gatorade first and water second (not sure on the flavor) However, sometimes the water was a few blocks after the gatorade. Some of the stations were slightly understaffed or too spread out. However, when I needed my water, it was easy to grab.

Course: Flat and fast, Runs through Houston, long straight aways. Miles 7-13 were extremely windy. I was cold. Also, bring a hat or sunglasses. The sun is rising in the back half of the race. I feel like the majority course was fenced off from what I remember.

Access: I stayed in downtown Houston, walked to and from the race and expo. No more than 15 total minutes. Public transportation let you ride for free race day if you had your bib on. (Post race, pre race wouldn't have been necessary.

Race Morning: Gear check is in the expo hall, there are plenty of port o potties inside the expo hall. There are also port o potties in the start corrals, the lines are a little jumbled and out of control. I missed the start of my corral because I was going to the bathroom. Get to your corral no later than 6:25am if you plan on peeing in the corral.

Post Race: I've never seen so much food in my entire life at a race. There were at least 5 different kinds of granola bars, oreos, peanut butter cracker packs, ice cream sandwiches, yogurt, bananas and water outside of the hot food area. Inside the hot food area was a breakfast of eggs, sausage, biscuit, and gravy. Non hot food was yogurt, hot cocoa, coffee, soda, water, chocolate milk, bananas, and I think something else. I can't remember because I didn't eat it. Food wasn't very vegan friendly, but I can't imagine there is a giant vegan crowd at this race.

I would definitely recommend this race. I have one other con besides the aid station. They did not have post run stretching for people who did the half. Just the full. There was a massage table, but that was just for the marathoners. I would have been nice to maybe add an extra bed or two, or cut off the line for the half. As someone who is injury prone, it is nice to have someone stretching me out post race.

Other notes:
Half and Full receive different medals / shirts
Full also receives a finisher mug

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