The year I ran the half marathon, Texas weather decided to do a 180. Race morning came and it was extremely chilly and windy. Obviously, this doesn't affect the way the race is managed at all but it did have an impact on my personal experience.

This was the first time I ran the half marathon course and they updated the course this year. The course ran through some popular parts of Galveston. There weren't any major elevation changes that I remebered. The starting area of the race was a bit packed because people were trying to find shelter from the crazy wind. Although, it wasn't too bad. The corrals were spread out enough so you were able to find your stride pretty quickly.

The course went along the seawall with plenty of aid stops along the way. Then the course turns off into some of the neighborhoods on the island. The race finishes along the back of the island as you return to the Moody Convention center. Since they changed the course this year, part of the last mile or so was run in the parking lot of the convention center. It wasn't picturesque but not awful either. This year, the medals were HUGE so it was neat to put up with the elements to receive it. They also offered a pink technical shirt for all participants.