From the the moment I walked out of the airline terminal and into the baggage area I was here for the event. The airport had a welcome area complete with photographers and goodie bags. My shuttle was ready for me (discounted for the race) and whisked my off to my hotel up in the city. My hotel had my room ready early in the morning and I didn't have to wait until 3:00 pm to check in.

I was able to head over to the expo. The expo was well set up and the packet pickup areas for the various races were well marked. Once I picked up my packet I was able to saunter through the various booths to get my t-shirt, poster, blanket and magnet at the end. There were a LOT of places giving items away and lots of food samples to try. If I forgot anything for running (yes, we needed socks), I was able to purchase them at the expo and didn't have to go find a store.

I didn't run until Sunday, but I had fun watching the other races anc cheering on the runners. We were even lucky enough to see a rainbow Friday evening during the One-miler.

Sunday began cloudy and in the fifties. Perfect for running. The music was playing and the pigpens were filling up quickly. 6:30 PM and the Star Spangled Banner was sung by two young men. It was beautiful. Shortly thereafter our first racer was off -- our first wheelchair racer. After he had a small lead going, the first wave took off. Flames burst in the air along with the first piggies as they crossed the starting line. Barbecue!!

This race was well organized and well supported by the crowd. There were Gatorade/water stations at every mile. Residents along the way set up their own water/cookie/candy stations. I had a local kind enough to hand me a whole bottle of water around Mile 5. I drank that along with water at every stop. It got hot out there. Crowd support remained on the course the entire way.

The split between the the half and the full marathons was well marked. Returning to cross the finish line was also well marked. The finish line offered our medals along with refreshments, water and pizza. They even gave us a plastic bag to carry the items.

The race provided us with a virtual goodie bag. Inside were tickets for a Reds game and some other fun things. We decided to go see Fiona and visit the rest of the animals at the zoo, including the piggies. It was one of the best weekends and races I've been to. I will definitely go again.

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