Well, let me start this out by what I don't like: the price. At over $100, this is one of the most expensive races you can sign up for that's not an RnR or Disney type race. And though I'm a veteran, a Half Fanatic and a former Team Challenge member, I was not able to pick up any discounts at all. Oh well. Was it worth it? Maybe. I'll let you decide based on the rest of this review.

Let me start with the expo. It took place at Wings Over the Rockies which is pretty much an Air Force museum. It was not a "huge" expo with hundreds of vendors. However, it's the only expo I've seen where there were airplanes hung over your head. That said, this may have been the most fun venue for an expo I've seen. Normally it's just a huge room (or a booth at a Sports Authority for small races). Also, right across the street was a 24 hr fitness in which I'm a member. So, I was able to get a pump while I waited for my friends to meet me.

Next, I'll talk about the check in station at the race itself. It was actually BY the start line! I hate it when I go to a race and have to chose between checking my stuff in or risk being late. Who does that? Also, it was nice that the start and finish lines were close by, so it wasn't that complicated to pick up your stuff after the race. Plenty of port-a-potties around the start as well.

The course itself was nice. It went through the zoo. It was billed as such, but I thought we'd go around the zoo or something. We actually ran into the main entrance and ran through the zoo's main path as anyone would get if they paid entrance fee. I saw some elephants, monkeys and peacocks. Other, slower, runners took pictures of many more animals that I didn't even notice.....but I had a time to obtain! The rest of the race was pretty typical for a big city race. We ran throughout the town. We hit some beautiful, old statues in a park as well as some questionable neighborhoods. But, it was in Denver, so the elevation was over 5K ft! As a resident, that didn't bother me, but I know some people who had a lot of problems breathing because of it. For the record, Denver is NOT a mountain town, but you can see them from the city. I've done races at higher elevations, but all my PR's have been obtained at sea level. So, if you're looking to find a PR race, this one may not be what you are looking for, even though it is mostly flat.

Once done with the event, there was a huge park that the finishers got to play in. There were a ton of vendors and other organizations with tents set up. Everyone was able to obtain a free BBQ meal and a beer. The beer may be "typical," but I've never got a full BBQ meal before. So, that was nice. There was plenty of area in which to discuss things, hang out and stretch afterwards. And the park was in an area of town that had a museum right next to it, for fun afterwards.

The medal was great. It had a spinner on it. Attached to the medal was a small dog detachable chain that connected to a charm. That is to be used to add to a charm bracelet use as a necklace. So, that was a unique portion. The race shirt was very fun as well. It was a tech shirt by Leslie Jordan. That's not a company I'm familiar with, but may have to research.

All in all, it was a fun experience. I wish I prepared myself better. But, the race director was definitely on top of things. Was it worth the money I paid? Maybe, maybe not. But, I've paid more and got less from other races in the past. It was an event that was able to draw many people from out-of-state, so that allowed me to meet other runners that I've met online, but have not met in person. So, all in all, I'm glad I did it!