This was my second time running this race and although I experienced a few hiccups along my training, I had an absolute blast on the course.

This 5k race is deemed the world's fastest 5k because so many people have broken world records on this course. I didn't break any world records, but I did beat my personal record from 3 years ago! *Does a happy dance*

Anyway, I stupidly didn't realize that I didn't register for the race until the day before. Luckily, this particular race allows you to register day of. So morning of, I got my butt to the expo and registered. The registration process was extremely easy. I just went to a computer, swiped my license, swiped my credit card, and got my bib. I still can't believe how easy it was. If you register day of, you can also pick up your swag after the race, which is a sweet deal since you can use the bag you get to carry all of your freebies.

Parking can be a little tricky, but because there are multiple start times due to different age groups/elite, you only really have to show up about an hour before your race to find parking. Both times, I found parking without much of a fuss. Just had to walk a little bit, which was basically my warm up for the race.

It can get a little warm if you're in a later heat, but it's nothing unmanageable. I started around 9:30 am and it was fine. The breeze from the beach cools you down quite a bit and the course is scenic enough that you'll probably forget about the heat. I know I did.

The course is relatively flat with a few minor hills. Since this was my second time running it, I knew where the hills were and I just pumped my arms and a minute later, I was over them and pushing my way to the finish line. At the finish line, they will hand you a medal and depending on when you finished, you may get a different ribbon. I was one of the first 250 finishers in my division so I got a ribbon that said first 250! The medal this year was gorgeous. Actually, all their medals were really pretty this year and I really wanted to run all the races.

They do have a 20k all day race, which is unique in that it's four 5ks throughout the day. If you want a challenge, this is it. Since I had such a blast this time around, I may try and get a friend to do the 20k all day race with me next year.