I had to skip BDR Orlando last year due to injury, so I was chomping at the bit to be back in 2017. My friend and I got crazy and decided that we would register for the 10K + 5K challenge (where runners would run both distances back to back). We had plenty of time to get through one race, take a break (get a drink, go to the restroom and drop off our medals) before starting the next. It was a great way to get some distance without committing to 13.1.

T-SHIRTS/SWAG
This t-shirt is my favorite of all the BDR shirts to date. It is soft, fits well, and is nicely designed. The medals were gorgeous. I earned three - a 5K, 10K and Challenge medal. Bib was really beautiful, too, with the skyline of Orlando on it.

AID STATIONS
Volunteers were handing out water and Nuun along the course. I counted four aid stations, one of which was offering Honey Stinger gels. During the 10K, I didn't need any hydration, but it seemed like everything was moving smoothly and was well stocked.

COURSE SCENERY
For me, it was a nice change of scenery. I loved the little Orlando neighborhoods, and the last mile spent in downtown Orlando. There are some pretty parks and little hills. It's probably one of the more scenic races.
The 5K was a little less so, just because we had already run through the course while on the 10K. But it was still pretty.

EXPO QUALITY
We opted to pick up our packets on race morning, but the expo vendors were all present on race day. The expo is set up in Lake Eola Park, which is so pretty and lends itself to a ring of tents, set up in the shade. Everything was clearly marked and well placed (gear check, beer garden, packet pickup, etc).

ELEVATION DIFFICULTY
There were small hills and and lots of bricks along the course. It wasn't unmanageable, but it did add an extra layer of challenge to the run.

PARKING/ACCESS
There are pay lots and street parking around the race site. Obviously, the earlier the better, and we have been parking at a nearby middle school that charges $5 per car and is maybe 1/2 mile from the start line.

RACE MANAGEMENT
Amazing. From the courses, to the medals, to the food tent, to the free photos, every detail is totally on point. Plenty of food (pizza, brownies, chips, oranges, bananas) and drinks (beer, cider, coke & diet coke, sprite and water). Great music and a beautiful waterfront setting. Morning of packet pickup was smooth, even with some lines. Runners had to get a wristband to enter the beer garden, and that process was also quite seamless. We didn't check any bags this year, but the station seemed organized and well run. Lots of portapotties and plenty of amenities for everyone. A must-do in Orlando.