Usually I go to packet pickup a day or two early, but this year I went plenty early on race day and there were no lines! For the premium this year we got a tech weight tank top in a dark charcoal gray with the race logo. I love this tank top. It's so simple, but wicks away sweat so well! (And I love that it's something different. It seems like every race gives away t-shirts, but a tank top is just different enough to get excited about.) You also receive a glow stick necklace, just be sure to grab a connector piece before you leave the table!

The course itself is pretty flat, and if it weren't for the heat even after the sun goes down, it would make for an easy PR. That being said, water is available before the race and cold washcloths are waiting for you at the finish line. There's not much to look at since the race mostly takes place in Crystal City so there are lots of tall buildings around.

There's a small vendor village that you can visit before and after the race. (I recommend visiting before the race, mostly so you can get your beer bracelet that shows your ID has been checked so you can get right into line for your free beer!)

Also, because of the timing of the race all the parking in Crystal City is free! I got there super early this year because of packet pickup, and I got a great space in one of the garages close to the race. The added bonus of being downtown is also that there are lots of great restaurants to visit post-race! (And the opportunity for post-race ice cream which is always awesome.)

I'd totally recommend this race. Getting there is easy because there's a Metro stop close by, but this is a rare instance where I'd encourage driving there over Metro. There's so much free parking, it's not even worth thinking about taking public transit. The course is as easy as it gets in the DC area (it's just the heat and humidity that gets you!) Packet pickup is a breeze, and the swag is also awesome!

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