I was lucky enough to experience this race in 2019 as a BibRave Pro! First, I have to say the proceeds from this race go to the local Honor Flight chapter. That was enough to hook me! I decided to run this race in honor of my father-in-law, who is a USMC veteran (served in Vietnam).

Packet-pick up was not crowded and super easy to access! There is not an expo, per se, but the tech shirt you get at packet pick-up is very nice. You can stay warm pre-race because they open up the Florence Mall to house runners. The bathrooms are clean and well-stocked and the parking is plentiful-you cannot beat that!

I loved the pre-race announcements and stories about Veterans. It was especially humbling to find out that the flag hanging over the start line was touched by hundreds of veterans on Honor Flights; we were allowed to touch the flag as we ran through the start line!

The course is hilly. I had read this, but until I experienced it, I couldn't quite appreciate it! The last two miles will definitely test you. I loved the local crowd support on the course and there is water and Gatorade at aid stations generously spaced out every two miles.

After getting my amazing medal, I walked behind the finish area and into the post-race area. There was chocolate milk, granola bars, bananas, Gatorade, pretzels and also subs and the coveted Skyline chili dog. I enjoyed some food while I watched runners finish. I talked to a volunteer and told her thank you for a great race experience.  I easily walked to my car, grabbed a dry change of clothes and walked into the very warm mall to change.  The bathrooms were large and very clean--always a sight for sore eyes after a race.

Overall, I highly recommend this race if you want a hilly challenge, but also if you were ready to be motivated and inspired. Next year's race info can be found at their website at https://www.honorrunhalf.com/