This was my first year running the Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon. Before signing up for the race I reviewed the course map and noticed this does not run through the main battlefields where most of the tourists flock, but rather takes you on a 13-mile journey through, what I feel, is a neglected part of this historical area. This doesn't mean the course is boring by any means, rather this course is free of tourist traffic and allows you to really spread out and enjoy the beautiful countryside. The course has some rolling hills, but nothing difficult for your average runner.

The finishers medals are top quality, the shirts are your standard tech shirt, no frills there. I was a little bummed out that they had nice jackets for sale at the expo... these weren't well advertised as I didn't see them anywhere. The expo is held in a forgotten part of the back of the Gateway Movie theater, so things were a little jumbled, hence the 3-star review.

There was plenty of parking on race day which is a plus. Race management could use some social media improvements in handling questions and responses to runners.

Bonus: Aid Stations were always around every corner, no complaints! Thanks to the volunteers who pulled that off!

Catch my complete review on my blog http://kenstandsonthings.wordpress.com