I have a serious love/hate relationship with this race. On the one hand, the 10 mile distance is perfect for my training cycle, the course is lined with pumpkins (that finishers can take home), the medal is always glow-in-the-dark and you get to run through the oldest, most historic cemetery in Jacksonville. On the other, the 8AM start is kind of late for the weather, and it is always more humid and hot than I care to deal with.

This race inevitably sells out before race morning, which leaves a lot of people disappointed, but the course isn't huge and needs to be capped. It's definitely can't accommodate more, so it's something where people just need to sign up in advance and not wait til the last minute.

T-SHIRTS/SWAG - Gender specific tech shirt and custom medal. Both are very nice quality.

AID STATIONS - There are several along the course, providing water. Because of the humidity at this race, I would really love it if there was some Gatorade, but I know to bring my own.

COURSE SCENERY - While running through a cemetery may seem a little strange, this is one of those cemeteries that is absolutely stunning. Old iron gates, beautiful tombstones, ivy covered brick walls, and gorgeous memorials. It's so peaceful, and runners stay on the designated paths to remain respectful. The first 5K of the race goes through the cemetery, and then the runners spend the next 4 miles running two out and backs, one along a train route, and the other along the perimeter of the cemetery. The final 5K is a repeat of the first.

EXPO QUALITY - No expo. Packet pickup at any 1st Place Sports store or on race morning.

ELEVATION DIFFICULTY - Other than parts of the course where it is a little more crowded, this is a fairly flat and easy course.

PARKING/ACCESS - There is limited parking within the cemetery gates, and then street parking along the side. If you arrive early, you have your choice of spots, but later in the mornings, it can be a far walk to the start line. Parking inside the gates also means you are stuck until the race is over, so for people who are in the front of pack and need to be on their way, street parking its the way to go.

RACE MANAGEMENT - Despite my issues with the time and the weather, this race is handled very well. The pumpkins along the route give a really nice Halloween feel. There is beer and water, bagels and bananas at the finish line, and people seem to hang out for a while afterwards. I do wish there were more portapotties - the last two years, we got stuck in the long lines, ended up having to start the race, but stop at the 5Kish mark to do our business (we pass the bathrooms while running) before getting back to business. Partially our fault, but considering how many people are in those lines, a few more wouldn't hurt.

I do recommend this race, at least once. And I will most likely be out there again for it. Just because I can't say no :)