Expo/Bib pick up- There was no expo for this race, just a little both in a running store in Tempe. They do a couple of packet pickups (one in Tempe and one in Oro Valley where the race is). It’s nice that they spread the pickups all over the valley so you don’t have to go extra early on race day to figure things out!

Race morning- I was running late, so my boyfriend had to drop me off before the race (we were coming in from 2.5 hours away!). Everyone was super nice and let me go ahead of them in the porta potty line so I was could make it to the start before the gun went off!

The course- There wasn’t as big of a cluster of people trying to find their pace when we started because you immediately dive into some hills which spreads the crowd out a bit (super nice, you can find your spot and settle in pretty quickly). The out-and-back nature of this course did make the race pretty hilly and difficult, but it was nice to cheer for, and cheer on, fellow runners as they passed! The only grudge I have with this race is that myself and quite a few other runners ended up going an extra quarter mile. I usually would love the extra mileage, but I was on track for a PR so it was disappointing that there was about 12 of us after the race (that I know of) chatting about how we were all a quarter mile off.

Aid stations- There were plenty of great aid stations along the course! Normally I’d suggest carrying a handheld or something for a hilly course, but I went with just a flip belt with some chews and I was set!

Finish- Great finish! Towards the end the half marathoners get mixed in to finish with the racers of the other distances. It’s nice to finish as a whole group! Once you cross the finish and gather your medal, you can move to the side into a little pocket of tents and booths for some local chocolate milk, water, bananas and other snacks!

Bling- The medal is simple, small and “classic” which I loved!! The mountains make the perfect background to take pictures with your family and your new medal!!