There are some days where it is an absolute joy to be a runner. This was one of them. I haven't reviewed my last two races because they just sucked (not the races, me, including one race where I took Sudafed before running and ended up in the ER), but this race was awesome.

The race is called the Battlefield Half, but it is a bit of a misnomer because it just starts and ends in a small battlefield, but the course was very nice. Access was very very easy and parking was right at the starting line and very smooth to get to. The swag was wonderful - the long sleeve t-shirt was on point and they threw in a nice running hat too which was a nice surprise. The weather was the best running weather ever - low 40s and it only warmed up a few degrees - it does not get any better than that. The race was a smallish race (maybe 350 runners?) and people were all friendly.

The race started on time, just as the sun was coming up. The first 11/2 miles goes is an out and back through a residential neighborhood - I guess they need to fill some mileage in. I got to see the leaders and the Kenyan All-star team showed up - those dudes were flying! Then the race goes back through the battlefield and then off road through a farm and meadow. The course is a lollipop after the out and back with the last mile going back through the meadow and the battlefield.

The first handful of miles were moderate hills - nothing too bad. The hills were pretty constant, but barely noticeable. There is a more substantial hill that last most of mile 5, but it is a steady gradual climb. The course scenery was nice. It was a nice run through farmland and down country roads on a beautiful day. My one issue on the course was that there were not many aid stations (maybe three or four, and no GUs) - it didn't kill me because I run with my own water, but make sure you aren't relying on course hydration.

My race was as great as I have ever run - not bad for someone who has had two leg procedures and a heart scare in the last three months. I ran steady 10:10-10:15 miles for the first six miles and was feeling great. Then after I finished the uphill at mile 5, my body just wanted to go. I normally start getting slower after mile six, but my splits started going down and I was running 9:30 miles - this kept going for almost the entire the rest of the race. I finished in 2:11:02 which is my second fastest time ever, but this race checked in on my GPS at 13.25 miles so I will count it as a PR.

The post-race wasn't great. I read a prior review which said they had great food, but either it wasn't there or I didn't see it. Instead, I had a slice of the worst pizza possible. It's ok because I would rather them spend the money on the swag and they came through there.

All in all, a great race on a great day. If it wasn't two hours away, I would run it regularly. One tip - they did not email for the first time until the week of the race - they should start contacting earlier with instructions and pre-race matters