This was my second year running Iron Horse Half. It was no less great this year than it was last year. Packet pick-up is held on Saturday at Fleet Feet West Hartford, for only a few hours, and then on race-day morning on-site. Same as last year, there was a bit of a line by the time doors opened for pick-up. In total (standing in line, getting bibs and going next door for t-shirts) it was only about 20 minutes. No big deal - especially compared to some bib pick-up lines I've waited in. I'm looking at you, MCM! The parking lot behind the store is limited, but there is street parking on the surrounding streets.

Race morning many of the businesses adjacent to the start on Iron Horse Blvd allow parking in their lots. There were ample port-o-potties. With there being four separate races (Half, 5k, 10k, and Kids' Run), the start lines can be a wee bit confusing. Last year, being the first time I ran this race, I was totally confused. The starts are staggered along Iron Horse Blvd (away from the field with the tents where everyone gathers). This year they were marked with different color balloon arches - made it a little less confusing. The start times are also staggered. Just be certain you know WHERE and at WHAT TIME your respective races starts.

The races are capped, and typically all sell out. I heard the announcer say 2300 runners for the Half. There's no signs to arrange yourself by pace, it's just kind of a crowd. I just threw myself in about halfway back and didn't have any issue feeling crowded or anything once we started. The course is an odd arrangement in that some of it doubles back on itself. It's all country-type roads and about a mile on a paved path. There's hardly any elevation at all - about 350 feet total. My only complaint about the course is that there are a few stretches that are totally out in the sun with no shade to be had. Early June in CT and get warm, especially when you're nearing 2 hours out there. Along the course there are a few water/gatorade stops and maybe 3 or 4 port-o-potties, at which I never saw more than 2 people waiting.

The race passes by the start at mile 8.2. If you're lucky to be slow enough like myself, you run alongside the lead runner as he's coming in to finish (as was the case this year). The spectator cheering & encouragement after mile 8 is welcomed, as there aren't too many out along the course. Right after this is where you hit paved path. It's great in that it's totally shaded, but can get a little lonesome as the runners thin out, and a full mile there gets a bit lonely.

At the finish, you're given a bottle of water from a bucket of ice (oh, so heavenly), and your well-deserved medal. (Medals for 5k & 10k also.) A little walk back down Iron Horse Blvd to the field, the food ticket on the bib gets you a banana, granola bar, and choice of hot dog or grilled cheese (cooked by local boy scouts). There are a number of tents for local businesses and some food samples. We managed to snag some delicious locally made ice cream on our way back to the car. There was also a tent with chocolate milk made from local CT cows.

Overall a very solid, well-organized race along some scene CT residential roads. Nothing too flashy or glamorous, and not too crowded. A very good vibe as everyone tends to hang out on the grass for the awards presentation after the race and watch the Kids' Race nearby. Thanks Hartford Marathon Foundation!