This was my first year running the Harbor Lights Half Marathon, although I have run many J&A racing events before, and I must say it is far from my favorite- read on for my reasons why.

The Expo was hugely disappointing. Not only did I think it closed too early on Friday evening (I only live an hour away but with traffic got there just in time to pick up my bib), but it did not have the quantity or quality of vendors that I have come to expect from J&A. There was a large race-gear store to buy Harbor-Lights themed merchandise, and two small gear vendors, but other than that it was mostly empty booths with signs that a bank or doctor should be there. Parking for the Expo was also not very convenient, but this does come with the territory for a "downtown" race.

The weather on race day was cold and rainy, but there were multiple tall buildings near the start to offer cover to keep us dry until we were called into our corral. But once we got into the corrals, we stood in the cold rain for at least 10-15 minutes. There were a few announcements about road conditions holding us up, and it's highly possible that whatever it was about was beyond J&A's control, but it made for a cold, stiff, slow start.

I'm trying not to let how miserable I felt because of the conditions cloud my judgement of this race, but the course was nothing special in terms of scenery. We did run through some nice neighborhoods where locals were out in droves despite the weather. There were lots of DJs along the way who were so wonderfully upbeat and encouraging despite how cold I'm sure they were, too! Aid stations were frequent and well-stocked, and there were even mini-pies! I can't eat that type of thing during a race but I liked the idea of it. (Maybe save some for the after-party? Just a suggestion.)

I am a mid-to-back-of-the-packer (probably more back-of-the-pack for this particular race because I think a lot of people DNS this race due to the forecast), and despite the fact that they had been out there a looong time, all the course officials, police officers, and volunteers were wonderfully upbeat! Great energy along the course.

There were some reverse hills as we ran under overpasses, and one good-sized bridge towards the end of the course, which was otherwise flat.

There was no main tent at the the finish line, so although there was delicious stew and free beer, I did not stick around that long since there was nowhere to get warmed up (and nowhere I could see to change into dry gear). For swag we got a nice finisher medal, a short-sleeve technical shirt (which has become one of my favorites), and a hat. I have more J&A running hats than I know what to do with! Wish they would switch this one up. But they do offer free finisher photos, which were plentiful and well-taken (the fact that I look like a drowned rat in each one of them is hardly their fault ha ha).

I'm excited to see this event grow in the coming years, I was probably wrong to assume that since it is a newer race that it would automatically be as awesome as J&A's more established events. But as always with J&A it was extremely well-organized!