Beautiful Beautiful Alexandria! This was my first year participating in the George Washington Parkway Classic, and I throughly enjoyed it. I typically enjoy attending expos for races, but unfortunately this race didn't have a real expo experience. Packet pick-up took place at the running store; however, they did have a few sales going on that runners could take advantage of. Race day saw shuttles waiting to take the runners to the starting spot. The race is a point to point, so the shuttles drove us 10 miles out and dropped us off. The starting area was well decked out with stations to refill your water bottles, muffins, bananas, coffee and even had a area that you could get heat sheets. The start of the race began at George Washington's house on MT Vernon. The start of the race was well organized, runners weren't allowed into the corrals until about 10 minutes from the start. Once you get started, the race takes you on a trip straight down along side the Potomac River. It's hard to get lost in this race, as it is pretty much a straight shot with no turns. What it lacks in turns, it more than made up for in HILLS. You endure the up and down of the hills for 8 miles before finishing up your last 2 miles in downtown Alexandria. A cool medal awaits your finish, along with countless goodies and a beer garden. Give the Parkway Classic a try.