I have done the Hartford Half Marathon three times and will gladly do it again. The race organizers really listen to the feedback of participants and works to make this race better every year. The race shirts and medals are great, and the course really shows some of the great architecture and beauty of New England. The course support is incredible, with excellent water stations, numerous bathrooms and countless volunteers. The course has some minor rolling hills and just one steep long uphill. What also makes this course great is the local residents really come out and support the event. You'll often find locals set up cheering sections in their driveways or front yards, and may even set up a food table for runners.

The expo is decent. Packet pick is actually very quick. Race shirts are located at the other end of the expo (so you walk by the booths). There's a decent number of vendors and charity booths there.

Tips:
1) there is no race-day pick up. The expo offers very convenient hours and there is parking available nearby. If you can't make the expo, there is an option to have your bib and shirt mailed to you (for a fee). Check the website for info and the mail cutoff date.

2) The half and full marathon start together, then separate quickly. Follow the signs and course marshals carefully. The half and full don't join back together until the end and share the beautiful finish line.

3) I have not done the full, but friends who I know who have done both say they like the half better.

4) Do not do the full marathon if you cannot make their posted time limits. The course needs to shut down on pace to reopen the streets of Hartford. While in the past they have kept the finish lines open until the last person comes in, know that the course signs, directions and aide stations will shut down on you if you fall behind pace.

5) If you are staying in the area, definitely make dinner reservations as restaurants fill up fast.