Calling it an "expo" might be a little generous, but that adds to the intimate feel of the race. There are really just a few tables to stop at, getting your bib, shirt, free socks (!!), bag, and a sign making station. Their sponsor, Foot Levelers, is there as well, offering free foot scans and helping runners find the right insert for them. The local Fleet Feet also has a stand, and the past few years have featured a few more tents just outside, making it feel more like a farmer's market than the sometimes overwhelming expos we've become used to.

The shirts and SWAG are top notch. And I love coming back to Ohio and showing off the "You run hills, I run mountains" slogan!

Now, the race itself. MAN! It is NO JOKE! The half marathon features over 3700 feet of elevation change. From the beginning, you are climbing mountains. Right around mile 1, you've already started heading up the biggest mountain you'll face. It's a winding road, getting to the top of Mill Mountain around miles 3-4. Then switchbacks take you back down and into Roanoke. A few more rolling miles, and you're headed up into the Peakwood neighborhood, the second highest mountain on the course. Back down you go, and into Downtown Roanoke for a finish at the park. The race director welcomes every runner back with a handshake or a high-five.

Like I said, these mountains are no joke. DO NOT FEEL BAD WALKING! Every person I saw walked at some point. Many of us spent most of Peakwood walking up the mountain. Not to sound like peer-pressure, but everyone does it! You should too!

The course scenery is truly amazing. You're in the Blue Ridge Mountains and it's hard to not be awestruck by what you are seeing. Feel free to stop and take it all in, especially at the top of Mill Mountain.

The residents of the neighborhoods you pass through really get behind the race. There are very few "dead" spots, with no one cheering. The conductor of the Roanoke Symphony sits outside, playing for the runners. And the Peakwood neighborhood is a cul-de-sac at the top. Those people know how to make you feel welcome, with hoses to cool off with, champagne (actually the second spot with champagne on the course), grapes, strawberries, pretzels, and other snacks.

We stay at a race-sponsor hotel, so we've never had parking problems. They do close down main roads around 6:30, so be sure to get there early (race started at 7:30 this year).

For my wife and I to repeatedly travel for the same race, it has to be something special. And judging by the fact that we're already planning for next year, this race is CLEARLY something special.

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