Expo and Packet Pick-up: The expo is only one day, but there is race day packet pick-up available. If you're used to 15,000+ participant races, this expo will seem small. But it has the bare necessities (ie shopping!). Dave's Running will have tons of gear and energy sources on sale. Packet Pick-up is always fast and smooth. Free parking makes it a very quick and painless experience. But you really should show up and hang out for the kids races. They're the best part of the Expo!

Start Area: Plenty of Porta Potties, Bag Drop right next to the start, and easy identifiable corrals. Really simple! The pacers are also easy to find as well. Free parking around campus on race day as well.

Course: Flat! It is crowded in the first 2 miles and then thins out a bit. Proposed course changes for 2016 look to eliminate this issue, while still keeping the course super flat. There are plenty of spectators, even when it's cold and rainy. The cities along the course show up well, but if you're used to racing in large metropolitan areas, you might want to limit your expectations. There's plenty of scenery (especially along the full marathon course). There are plenty of fluid stations and restroom stops, although I don't frequent them often during this race.

Finish: You finish in the Glass Bowl at the University of Toledo. The crowds really turn out here! After you exit the stadium, you'll receive your finishers mug. A great tradition! Then it's on to a really decent post-race meal. I don't hang around long for the after party because I'm normally cold and tired, but from what I hear the live bands are awesome and so is the atmosphere.

Overall: It's a fast flat course. You can't control the weather, but despite the weather, it's still a great race. Besides it's a spring race, the weather isn't supposed to be perfect! Every year the RD and Team make small tweaks to the race that help make it better and better.

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