Registration: Easy to do online. Never got to be more than $55-60, and if you forgot, you could still register at the expo for $60 (not bad for a half marathon!)

Expo: Coming from Cleveland, I didn't make it in time for the expo. Taking with other pros, it's on the small side. Takes place at the Double Tree downtown from 4-8 pm. If you come in late, there's also race day pick up in the Double Tree, which is a huge plus!

Race Day: Race is a 730 AM start time in front of the Old State Capitol. There's Lincoln impersonators who take pictures with runners before the race (and termed us Bibravers the Orange Brigade). Announcements started at 730 and then runners were sent off with a bang (literally, pretty sure a cannon sent us off). Plenty of parking around for people coming in from out of town

The course: Plenty of surfaces in general that you run on; pavement, cobblestone, gravel, through parks, so be prepared for that. You start off running through town, past Lincoln's house. You continue through town, to Washington Park, ultimately through the Cemetery and past Lincoln's Tomb. You also head through Lincoln Park and then make your way towards the finish. Split times are at the 10K and the finish. 6 water stops total. Plenty of volunteer and police support on course and car control. Fairly flat first half of the course, but some definite hills the second half of the course, especially through the cemetery. Bike medics on course as well.

The Finish: at the Old State House. No huge start/finish sign, so be on the look out for it. You're greeted with a Penny finish medal, water and gatorade. There's also a timing tent where you could get preliminary results printed out. Also finisher pictures with the Lincolns! Plenty of activities for people at the finish, a band and refreshments (bonus points for the chocolate milk!) and beer.

Definitely a race that I would go back for. It's a small race, but definitely a good one.

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