First let's start with the expo itself. Nothing too huge if you are expecting a lot of vendors or different brands to purchase from. When it comes to organization, well ran and incredible branding and marketing, this is the expo for that. It is spread out with easy to find and streamlined packet and swag pick up. You receive a QR code in your email that you have scanned and they are able to locate your bib. On your bib this year it had whether you qualified for a legacy gift, your swag size, a $3 giftable token to St. Jude, a gear check tag and then your post race treat tag.

I actually did not know it was my 5th consecutive year doing the race and qualified for a legacy gift. I have done this race for many years, however I had a break in there of a year or two where I missed the race due to conflicts. So that was a fun surprise and she shared that with me and pointed to where I would pick up my gift. Smooth transition as there was a legacy table set up with the gifts. I received a travel mug and hot cocoa bomb. Super cute gift and I've already used the mug twice and it's only been 3 days since I raced.

Swag: I then went to the gear pick up table and this year they brought back the size exchange, so if your swag did not fit you could exchange for a different size. I love that about this race. Not only do you receive quality swag but the ability to switch it out is so convenient!

Fun: They had some games set up, tons of photo opportunities, then of course the treats and other gear your could purchase. I loved that they had signs with QR codes on them that offered free shipping from their online shop. In case they did not have your size, or something else that wasn't present, you could order online and get it shipped to you for free. What a nice offer. The designs of the swag also have upgraded. I thought the shirts you could purchase were so cute. This year the race swag was a hoodie which was definitely cozy.

Parking for expo and race: So a little fun fact and maybe I shouldn't be giving away our secrets, but this year and last year, we didn't park for the expo, just parked in the circle drive in front of the Convention Center. I am normally pretty quick, in and out and capture the content and get the experience. This year it was easy to find right at the front doors of where I am dropped off.

Race parking! I am not sure what was different about this year, whether we arrived earlier, or if they had closures later, I'm not for sure, but we got the best parking spot with no troubles at all. We were able to park in the twin lots right by the Visitor's Center and then the porta potties and race start were right beside us. If you are someone that does not like porta potties, the Visitor's Center was indeed open for use.

The race: This year they added a 10k distance to their already 5k/15k offerings. I signed up for it and had so much fun. Everyone runs together until the 5k breaks off and then the 10k has a turnaround as the 15k continues on. The coolest part for me was when we just were running straight and could see the arch in the distance on the skyline. Just such a pretty view. As always, the aid stations were perfect. They were spaced out and offered a sweet treat, an electrolyte option and then a water option. Photographers were placed among the course and one of the best benefits of the race is the FREE race photos. So I always try to pose when I see them along the way!

I did not race this year but I ran with my friend/former roommate and co-worker, Kat from Columbia and her friend Stacey. We had such a blast just chatting and having fun. I honestly was surprised when I saw our finish time and pace. I would not have thought we ran sub 10 min with the fun we were having!

Afterwards was of course the post race party and I think this year we received even more treats in our post race snack than we normally do. I typically drink all the hot chocolate and eat the banana, then save the rest. I guess that's tradition. The same photo opportunities are brought back for the post race party in case you missed them at the expo or, like me, had a friend join you and you wanted photos with them!

I will continue to run this race year after year because it is just so much fun. I just kept saying over and over how this was the best year yet. The last few years the race was covered by Bibrave as I am a Bibrave Pro, or ambassador, but even prior to me joining, I paid for the race myself and would continue to do so if the opportunity was no longer there. Just wanted to shed light onto that fact that even though it's a comped entry, I have and would pay for this race. The price always seems a bit high, but when you factor in the experience you receive, it is definitely worth it. Quality swag, quality time and quality post race snacks with of course free photos! Add that up and it's a lot more than the entry costs.