This was my first time running a marathon in Nevada and Nevada certainly did not disappoint! Overall, I'd give this race 5 stars. There were a few minor issues I had with the race, but these minor issues were just that... minor. The expo was small, but well organized. It was easy to pick up my bib and other swag. Speaking of swag... the full marathoners were all given hydration packs! That's pretty sweet!

The race starting line was easy to find, but the start came quite suddenly. I was pacing this race and as a pacer I am suppose to be lined up in the corral 15 minutes before the race started. No one (out of all 78 racers) were lined up in the corral until 4 minutes to start time. There was no National Anthem and no announcement that we were about to start. Before we knew it they said, "Ok, go!" Perhaps for such a small start and since it was at 7am in downtown Reno they didn't want to cause too much noise? There were several other distances offered... 5k, 10k, and half marathon. Theses races were all much bigger.

The four stars I gave for T-shirts and swag was because the shirt sizing was really off. Normally I wear a women's medium, but even a women's x-large seemed to be a little tight. The four stars I gave for aid stations was due to the fact that I never once saw a medical station. During a marathon, I'd like to see medical personnel available giving out Vaseline, tissues, band-aids, etc.

One of the things that I liked the most about this race was the scenery! Is there anything more beautiful than being surrounded by snow peaked mountains? Also, the course takes runners along the Truckee River and crosses several small bridges. Bridges are my favorite! Overall, I'd highly recommend the Downtown River Run and I hope to return someday to run this race again.