What a great race! Everything about this race was handled very well. If you have never been to Kansas City, don't be fooled, there are HILLS in Kansas City..hence the name Hospital Hill. Starting with expo, it wasn't the largest one I have been to but the booths there were of high quality. My favorite booth was the beef one, they cooked you a slider and gave you a sample of wine. 2 thumbs up! If you looking for the traditional race swag, you won't get it at Hospital Hill. The organizers got creative and instead of receiving a race t-shirt, you get a pair of pajama bottoms and a towel.
On race day, there was free parking garage that was literally about 20 yards from the starting line. This was a big change for me, I accustomed to either having to catch a shuttle or paying to park close. The race begin exactly at 7am, no delaying here. The race itself was a great experience despite the high 70s temp, high humidity, and lovely HILLS. You encounter the race namesake, Hospital Hill, in the first 3 miles of the race and it certainly challenges you. You will find many spectators lined up the HILL cheering you on as you progress up the monster. Don't be fooled that Hospital Hill is the only hill you encounter, there are many many more. Your entire race is a up and down roller coaster, mixed with beautiful scenery of Kansas City. The aid stations were placed about every 1.5 miles, so whenever you felt the need for water, a water stop was in sight. The final mile is a gradual downhill, which is a welcomed sight after 12 miles of battling hills. Upon finishing, you receive a nice size medal and treated to free beer and pancakes(yes pancakes). I never had pancakes as a race perk before, but they definitely hit the spot. Great race, great experience. If you have the means to get to Kansas City, I would definitely recommend putting Hospital Hill on your race calendar for the future.