I ran this race in 2016, the first year it was offered in Atlanta. While it was a fun race, it needed some major improvements (you can read about that in my previous review from 2016). I didn't run it last year, but this year I actually live down the block from the start/finish at Grant Park so I couldn't pass up the chance to run a half marathon at my front door. I'm happy to report that much of the issues I experienced in the first year seem vastly improved. Even with major construction at the park there was plenty of parking in and around the park. I didn't have to drive, of course, but many friends who ran reported easy race morning parking and access. The race start was pretty low-key, which makes me wonder if the race is much smaller than it was 2 years ago, but this also meant plenty of port-o-johns for everyone and no long bathroom lines. It was a single wave start, but with the seemingly low numbers this was not a problem and it did not feel too crowded on the park paths for the first mile. The course winds through some nice Atlanta neighborhoods including: Grant Park, Inman Park, Little 5 Points, Virginia Highlands, Old 4th Ward, and several miles on the Eastside Beltline. The course is your typical hilly Atlanta course but still manageable. Water stops are every 2 miles and include water and gatorade, and very nice volunteers. Starting around mile 7 the stops also include some pickles, fruit, gels, etc. At the finish you get your medal (a nice one that also acts as a bottle opener of course!) and can use two tickets on your race bib for beer from Monday Night Brewing. Usually at races, the beer selection is limited but I was really surprised they offered a nice range including some sours (my fave!). For once I was able to drink a post-race beer because they had something I liked! The finish/post-race party area included the beer, a great snack table, some local vendor booths, and a fun photo booth. King of Pops also showed up, which made my freaking morning (although it wasn't free). A nice improvement this year from 2016 was that they now check IDs at packet pickup and give you a wristband ahead of time so you don't need to carry ID on race day. Overall it was a solid, albeit very hot and humid, race experience and I very much recommend if you're looking for a small feel race with some nice race perks.
Pros:
- Nice race course
- Consistent water stops with water, gatorade, and fuel (starting mile 7ish)
- Pace teams
- Option for t-shirt of tank top (I've actually been wearing the tank because it's cute - I almost never wear race shirts)
- Cool medal
- Lots of pre-race info/emails/communication
- Easy morning access/parking
- Good beer selection at finish

Cons:
- Packet pickup is still at Road Runner Sports (the sponsor) on Thursday and Friday before the race. Going there during the week is a major traffic nightmare. I really wish they would offer packet pickup at the store the weekend before the race since it would be so much more accessible