I might be biased because I live in Charleston but this is one of the best races ever. Registering for this race, you have to be aware that there are usually around 30,000 people that do this race. As long as you keep that in mind, you'll absolutely love this race.

The expo: The expo is held at the convention center every year on Thursday and Friday. I highly recommend going on Thursday when it is not crowded at all. There are lots of booths with free booze and lots of giveaways. Last year I was able to get a 10 dollar gift certificate for Dicks sporting goods and I walked out with an entire bag full of goodies that vendors were handing out.

Race morning: there are a few locations where you can be picked up by a bus and brought to the starting line. I never mess with this and I always drive myself, find a grocery store close by, park there and walk/run as a warm up to the starting line very early in the morning. Last year I was told that one of the buses got lost. You will want to be there early anyways and use the port-a-potty and soak in all of this awesome race. This is divided into corrals so it can be easier if you happen to be up higher with the faster runners. The waves start in 3 minute increments.

The course: this course starts in the mount pleasant side and you run almost 2 miles before you hit the bridge. The crowds outside cheering and the atmosphere is absolutely wonderful. There are bands set up along the course to jam out and pump you up, you can see the helicopters flying overhead. You run by shem creek which is just absolutely beautiful. Once you hit the bridge you have a 3/4 of a mile incline to the top. If you have never seen the ravenel bridge you should google it, stunning views. After that it is downhill into downtown charleston. Here you will find large crowds, people offering you bacon on the street or donuts. You'll run down king street and smell brunch the entire way to the finish line at marion square.

The post race: There are so many vendors set up with free stuff. I got Krispy kreme donuts, jim and nicks bbq, protein shakes, apples/oranges, muffins, etc tons of swag like hats, frisbees, koozies, sunglasses etc. Music is playing and its a really nice place to hang out.

This upcoming year for the 40th anniversary they are doing finishers medals! BONUS!