Expo: super small. Don't expect anything beyond the absolute basics. There is bib collection for international runners - literally just your bib - shirts are at the finish line (fair enough) and a shop with some race swag and last minute running needs. The event staff at the expo were really not very knowledgable about the race, which is disappointing considering how many international runners come to participate. My mom had asked the 'help staff' about her spectator bus ticket and they weren't able to give her any info about pick-up location or frequency of shuttles.

Start line: Good to know in advance - there are TWO start lines for this race, your bib tells you which one you go to - though no one really monitored what bibs were in what corrals and start lines... Because the race is point to point, you load your bag onto a clearly labeled truck, which was super easy and quick. But my biggest issue was the absolute lack of porta potties. There were probably, not joking, 50 porta potties for over 4,000 runners at this start line. Yes, there were urinals, but like Abigail Adams said, context aside, 'Remember the ladies!' I stood in line to use the porta pottie, which thankfully still had TP in it by the time I got there, until 5 minutes before the start of the race. I got out, ran to my corral, retied my shoes, and hardly had time to start my watch. Insane. Why don't race organizers realize that runners NEED TOILETS!? We go hand in hand! Especially on race morning!

The course: Really enjoyed the course. Was a mix between a local neighborhood 5k feel and an actual half marathon. It is a bit windy and it rolls. I'm from Chicago. If you tell me a course is flat, I expect pancakes. So if you're USA midwestern, note that this has its minor ups and downs. The view of Arthur's seat is pretty cool, and running along the North Sea in Leith is a nice break from the neighborhoods. The course can get narrow at times, so just be aware if you're dodging in and out between runners.

Side note about the course: the last four miles are an out and back, which seem to go on forever.

Aid stations: ONLY WATER. NO ELECTROLYTES. BE WARNED. There are gels somewhere on the course, I only spotted them once. The day of this race was exceptionally warm and I don't think there were enough aid stations out for the amount of people and the weather conditions, but maybe I'm spoiled having done most of my races in Chicago or at other large international venue things. There definitely needed to be some sort of electrolyte beverage on course that day. Thankfully, there were some spectators out with orange slices (savior!) and Jelly Babies.

Finish line: Well organized, you get your medal, a little box with your shirt, foil blanket, and some Zero tabs in it, as well as a bottle of water and a granola bar. But that's it. No bananas. No lucozade or gatorade. No bagels. So bring your own food. Unless you want to stand in a super long line at one of the tantalizingly yummy smelling food trucks (cash only). Also minimal porta potties...at least that I saw. But there was a school where I believe you could go in and change out of running kit if you needed.

Side note: The event staff were basically useless. My dad passed out after he met up with me and my mom and NO ONE on staff knew where first aid was or how to get a paramedic. Ridiculous and extremely disappointing. Thankfully my husband ran off while we stayed with my dad, and two runner doctors (whoever you are, thank you) helped us in the meantime. He's fine now, just had a bit of dehydration.

Getting back to the city: Gear was in the trucks, which was again, very organized and accessible. The shuttle buses not so much. It was a 20ish minute walk to the park and ride station, where there was a line of 300 people waiting for their buses. It moved relatively quickly, but make sure you pack enough recovery things to sustain you (especially if you are prone to hanger).

Overall, displeased with management's attention to detail and aid stations, and the event staff's absolute lack of knowledge and help when we really needed it. BUT, the course was pretty and I would like to do the full in future. Just wish I would have known about the no electrolytes on course and could have planned nutrition better leading up to the race. Oh well. You live, you learn, you run.

Link to this review