I love the Hartford Half and have completed it twice. It runs alongside a full marathon as well as a 5k option. The race is in early October and weather is typically ideal (50s-60s or so at the start).

PRERACE: The race organizers have excellent prerace communication and the website is comprehensive.

EXPO: I take advantage of the "Mail my packet" option, through which you can pay a fee to have your bib and tee shirt mailed to you. I LOVE this and wish more races did it! It saves a trip to the expo which is awesome if you aren't staying nearby.

RACE MORNING: Parking is honestly a little stressful for me at this race. The race does send out clear maps about where to find free parking, but Hartford gets congested race morning and lots fill quickly. There were ample portapotties. As for the corrals, I was able to get into a seeded corral in 2016 which was awesome! Other than that, it is kind of a crush of runners that self-sort by time.

COURSE: I love this course! It is flat/rolling through the streets of downtown Hartford, neighborhoods, and a local park. The city really comes out to support this race with great spectators and supportive volunteers. I really enjoy the energy of this race. Well stocked and plentiful aid stations and on course entertainment (bands/music).

POST RACE/SWAG: Swag includes long sleeve tech tees (not my favorite, but nice), medals (again not my favorite, but nice), awesome tote bag with snacks and reusable water bottles with the marathon logo. Dunkin donuts coffee and beer tent at the end.

OVERALL: Definitely recommend!