I write this not to criticize the race director (he seems like a really nice guy), but to give my thoughts on where this race can improve so the race director can grow his business.

First, I will start with the pros because there were a bunch of pros. 1. It is great to be able to run a race on a weekday where I am off from work. I keep a very busy race schedule and the timing really helped 2. The course is pleasant, not exceedingly difficult and the mix of surfaces was nice and I enjoyed the scenery 3. There are lots of friendly runners and people cheer each other on as they pass by 4. The race was well organized. 5. Parking and access to the race was super easy. Overall, with some improvement, this would be a great race.

My issue was that it felt like a low budget race even though I didn't pay a low budget price. The race bib had no mention of the race (I like to frame them after each year and this one may as well have been hand written on an index card). The t-shirt was not technical and it was drab - it's way too heavy and about the only use is to wear it around the house. The medal looked great from the e-mail, it had a cool design, but when I got it, it was very flimsy and I was disappointed. I really like the swag - it's the best part about running and if the organizer spent a few dollars more, there would be more of a buzz around this race. I ran Annapolis this weekend and for roughly the same price I got a zipped jacket, a great medal and post race beer and food. I am not asking this much from a smaller scale race, but just a little more attention to the giveaways would make me come away happier. I would consider running this race again, but would hope there would be better attention to the swag so i don't feel like I paid $65 for a race that could have been run for $30.