We went to the Expo the day before the race and it was great! I loved the fact that we could tell shuttle buses to the expo. This was my first expo and I couldn't believe all the different vendors -amazing! My only complaint about the expo was the t-shirt pickup. If i indicate a shirt size when i sign up, it should be there when i go to get my bib and shirt. I asked for a small and got a large, which basically means its useless to me.

The hotel (Hyatt) was only a few blocks from the starting line for the race so we had no problem walking to the race. Unfortunately the weather was kind of crappy - cold, a little windy, and raining. Of course I wished that the weather could have been better, but I was too excited to focus on that.

The race started near the United Nations and ended in Central Park. Our finish line was actually the same finish line for the Marathon!!

There were over 7,000 participants. The first mile or so was very, very crowded so I spent a lot of time weaving in and out of the crowd. A lot of people walked the race or stopped to take photos - it was kind of annoying at first but I understand why they did it. When you're running down 6th avenue, you can't help but to want to take photos! After the first mile I got into my groove and mile 2 was very fast for me. I slowed down in mile 3 due to this but I was also taking in all the sights and the energy. Coming into the finish and knowing that was the same finish line that the marathoners would be crossing the next day - I just can't describe that feeling! I honestly cannot wait to do this race again next year!

The race is relatively flat with a small incline once you hit Central Park. If you're looking for a fun 5K, I would really, really recommend this one.

Post race food was great as well - fruit, bagels and water.

As always, this race was run by NYRR and they are so organized.