Central Coast Cancer Challenge offers a 5k and 10K course that loops through downtown SLO. 1 loop for the 5K and 2 for the 10K. The course starts with a 1/2 mile downhill then a steady 1.5 climb, just past mile 2 you turn around for a downhill finish. Negative splits are almost guaranteed on this course. :)
Water stops are spaced evenly throughout the course which is good as September in CA is usually very warm.
For a small race- couple hundred people- the expo area is pretty impressive. Plenty of food and water along with physical therapists and stretching stations. Music is pumped pretty loudly as well and livens up the atmosphere.
The race benefits local cancer funds and survivors can run for free and get a different shirt showing them as a survivor. It's can be a pretty emotional race but it's great to see everyone out there running.