I'll start by saying this is my third time running the Cox Providence Rhode Race Half Marathon. In 2013, this was my very first Half Marathon ever. Since then, I have run 9 other Half Mary's, today making my 11th Half. Obviously it's a good race - it got me hooked on the distance!

I picked up my packet at the expo on Saturday around 1 pm. Pick-up was in the Omni Hotel downtown in Providence (about a block or two from the race start/finish). Easy peasy. There is plenty of parking between metered street parking, Convention Center garage, mall garage, etc. My only complaint is that the signage once inside the hotel could have been expanded. It is a large hotel, also hosting a cheerleading competition the same weekend, in a different ballroom. We ended up asking an employee to direct us to the right spot, so no big deal. Some additional signs could have make it a little easier to find. Bib and t-shirt pick-up were super quick and no fuss. The expo isn't much to speak of; a few vendors and some local companies. Within a few minutes we were in and out.

Race morning we parked in the Convention Center garage (ended up costing $12) and walked the short two or so blocks to the start. The Full Marathon starts first, then the Half, 5k, and finally Kids Race. There are plenty of port-o-potties at the start. Even 10 or so minutes before the start, there was only a couple minute wait. For whatever reason, there was a delay in both the Full & Half starts, but communication was excellent during the wait. I appreciate that each race kicks off after a separate singing of the National Anthem.

Even with a decent-size crowd (just over 1550 Half runners), it thins out very quick and never really felt crowded. There were pacers available for the Half (as well as the Full), although that's not usually my thing. After a very harsh winter, the roads in Providence are in quite bad shape. There were quite a few "obstacles" along the way, but that's to be expected in a street race though a city. The course is a mix of a little city, a little residential, a little park (India Point), and quiet roadway by the water. With only 330-ish feet of gain, it's pretty tame, but with constant little ups & downs. Enough to keep it interesting.

There was a fair amount of police officers, as well as volunteers out along the course. However, I did not notice much by way of Emergency Medical personnel. I typically carry my water with me, but there were 5 or so water/Gatorade stops. They all appeared to be amply staffed and able to keep up with the demand. The latter were handing out gels. Finish line/start line is at the same point, with an adequate supply of water, bananas, pizza, and mini Cliff Bars. Once again, the finisher medals are spot-in, also serve as a beer opener! One complimentary Narragansett beer available to those of age.

This year, the weather could not have been better. It was absolutely beautiful to run, and not too warm. There is an okay amount of spectators along the course, as there were the last two years. I have no real complaints about this race at all. It is a very solid, well-organized event. Results were posted online within a few hours of the finish, and photos are supposed to be complimentary. If interested, keep an eye out for a coupon code offered later on in April - I think I only paid $35 entry for this great event.