This was my 5th year running the Goodyear Half Marathon. Things were different this year because of COVID, but that being said, I don't know how the race organizers and volunteers could have done anything better.

The expo is extremely well organized, albeit it small. This year you had to fill out a COVID survey first but it only took a minute to do.

Getting to the race and parking were extremely easy because it's so well organized.

The race started at the Goodyear HQ this year, as it did the first year the race took place (has started at the proving grounds in the years between).

The organizers clearly wanted to make sure people very concerned about COVID felt safe, and so has us start in 5 waves, based on anticipated finish times. This was a little strange but honestly didn't take away from the enjoyment in my opinion.

As an aside, the woman who sang the National Anthem did a phenomenal job!

Anyways, along the course, there weren't as many spectators as in past years, but that's not the race organizers' fault. The hydration stations were abundant and perfectly run! The volunteers couldn't have been friendlier and we're trying like crazy, and succeeding, to ensure the reduced station sizes were full of water and energy drinks.

Also, there is no safer place in the USA than this Half Marathon route! The Akron Police were at seemingly every point where other roads would normally intersect the course, ensuring safety for the runners. They were friendly and encouraging as well.

The course itself is nice; you start off kind of out of town in Goodyear-ville, then go into some residential neighborhoods, then go back to Goodyear-ville. There are a fair number of hills, but they are all forgiving because what goes up must come down. Honestly the toughest part for me was the Proving Ground, which is a massive 1.75 mile (I think) circle, coming right before the final descent to the finish. It's mentally taxing looking to your left and seeing how far is left to go. But this IS a Half Marathon, so that's part of the game!

Medal was cool as always and the finish line brought with it lots of drinks and snacks and of course includes more helpful, congratulatory volunteers.

Another year well-done! I'll see you all in 2022.