The expo was organized and efficient but did not wow me in any way. Race day traffic was nuts. Get there early or stay in Columbus the night before. We were stuck in traffic for what seemed like forever.
The oening ceremony was great, complete with fireworks and lots of great energy. Course support and entertainment was top notch. If you're a Buckeye fan, you'll love this course. This race is sponsored by Nationwide Children's Hospital. A child in treatment is featured within each mile. You can read about their journeys in the race booklet given at packet pick up. They are on the course, wearing a large, foam hand so that runners can high five them as we run by. There's also an Angel Mile that honors those whose journeys have ended. I love this part of the race as we given the opportunity to encourage those who are working hard in their efforts to better themselves and also to offer a moment of silence/prayer for those who have lost their loved ones. I read all of the biographies and high fived every foam hand I saw that day. They were very inspiring.
The finish line was spectacular and I got to hit the PR gong afterwards. It was a magical day in a city that is near and dear to this Ohio girl's heart.