This was my first time running the Bridge Street Town Center Half Marathon; I REALLY enjoyed it! I had to miss it last year due to an unforeseen family illness; I was grateful for the opportunity to run this year.

Packet pickup was fairly simple, but there was really not much of an expo on Friday at the local Fleet Feet store. I did appreciate the digital bib number check, especially for an event only in its third year. I drove about 15 minutes from my hotel to get to packet pickup. Huntsville is pretty easy to navigate around in so this was not really an issue. I could have waited and picked it up on site the morning of the race, but I prefer to sleep longer on race day.

The staging area is great; the start and finish lines are located in an area with great shopping, good hotel options and several restaurants. I stayed at a hotel within walking distance, but decided to drive to the starting area to save time. There is ample parking in the Center and plenty of police for security.

Huntsville is known for its Rocket attractions and the Space Camp; however, you see none of that on the race route. I did not mind this; the course is well-designed within the Research Park area, with moderate elevation (some rolling hills; primarily flat). We ran through lovely neighborhoods and office parks; there was very little traffic on this Sunday morning so traffic control was flawless. I expected to PR on this course and would have, had I not slipped and fell at mile nine; I blame my loss of concentration as well as a damp sidewalk :-). I still enjoyed my run and was thankful for my fellow runners who made sure I was okay!

The aid stations were exceptional; a special shout out to the Panera Pounders! They were outstanding with their 70's attire, exuberant attitudes and awesome music. I wanted to stop to dance, but I needed to keep it moving.

The medal for this race could be for a full marathon; it is great! It also doubles as a wine bottle opener. The tech shirt is in one of my favorite colors (green) with a nice design of the Bridge Street Town Centre logo.

The post-race expo was nice, with good music and a nice breakfast muffin, served at a local brewery. I don't drink beer, but I heard others say that it did not disappoint.

Overall, this is a great half marathon, one that I will likely run again. They usually limit participants to 1,000; however, I believe 1,100 may have run this year. Sign up when the event opens up for 2017 and come run Hunstville!