I got to the expo super late around 30 min before it closed. It looked like it was a nice expo, large with a lot of vendors and a photo booth. Parking and access was easy. I didn't browse much since I wanted to go to my hotel to eat and sleep. They had a pasta dinner runners could buy a ticket for. Participants received a nice drawstring bag and a long sleeve shirt.

Saturday Morning:

I stayed at the Fairfield Marriott about 15 min away. Checkout was at noon which was nice. I was able to go back and shower. Driving access to and from the race was easy. I parked at the State Farm arena and it was free and easy to get in and out.

Gear check, this was confusing for me in the morning. You dropped everything in a truck (it wasn't obvious) and then they sorted it inside the stadium.

The race started without a hitch. There were a few corrals and I was in A. These pacers were probably the most accurate I have experienced in a race.

Course roads were well maintained and I did not notice any section that was really bad. The course was flat and produces some good times.

My only complaint is the aid stations. Each one was set up different. Some had gatorade second. Some had water on one side and gatorade on the other, some had water first. You get the picture, there wasn't any consistency which can be frustrating. That being said the volunteers were great, cheering on runners and handing off cups like pros.
There was an orange aid station and I think they had other food too, unsure. Also a gel aid station.

Running into the stadium was fun! The finish area was one of the best I've been apart of. Runners can hang out on the field and take photos, stretch, and wait for their friends. Or they can sit in the stands. Which is cool. A lot of races kick you out as soon as you finish. As you walk into the stairs volunteers gave you an electrolyte drink that was really good, so if you remember what that was let me know. Inside the stadium was a ton of food, cookies, chips, granola bars, pizza, milk, pasta, beef jerky, and probably something else. After runners leave the stadium there is the post race party with beer. I didn't stay around for that, since I wanted to get to my hotel.

Full marathoners received finishing blankets which is amazing. All finishers received a medal and a heatsheet.

Another bonus: FREE PHOTOS were available within hours of the race finish.