I had a carpool going since we were driving about 90 minutes to get to the race so race day packet pickup is always something that I appreciate. Small town feel at the University where you start. The course was probably the most difficult half that I have ever run. Luckily the weather cooperated so I can't imagine doing that course with some early October heat and humidity. The course goes through some trails before heading UP into Antietam National Park. My friend had her fitbit and it the elevation gain over the entire course was about 93 flights of stairs so be prepared to be rolling on these hills from mile 3 until the finish. Yes there are some inclines on the last mile right before you run through the football stadium on your finish. Overall, I would do this race again and I really liked it. Challenging is fun and the volunteers were really nice.