A group of us traveled down to Mexico for the half marathon as part of Chicago Endurance Sports Winter Warriors, so we got a little bit of VIP treatment. We had our own private tent and access to the VIP tent at the finish line, and we got showered with some extra swag, so just keep that in mind.

Start line: No corrals. It was a small field (2,000 total, ~800 for the half and the rest 5K and a 3K kids race) but everyone started together, no wave starts. The course opened up almost immediately though, so it was never crowded and there was little or no zigzagging around runners.

Course: Read your elevation maps, especially if you've been training in the flatlands (like Chicago). There were a lot of hills (largest elevation gain was only 150ft though). The front half of the course has the longest sustained climb, but the back half had the steepest climbs. The course takes you through all the major sights: down the major thoroughfare, along the hotel zone, back up over a highway overpass with great ocean views, up the hills of Mount Solmar (the mountain with the cross on top), down through the Sculpture Garden and the San José Estuary to the Puerto Los Cabos marina, finishing back across the highway and into the Plaza Mijares and “Palacio Municipal” downtown. There are 4 hairpin turnarounds. The aid stations were about every 5K I think, and some had water and Gatorade, but some just had one or the other (and yes the water was safe to drink).

The terrain: Varied. Mostly pavement. The Estuary is packed dirt and sand. There are some cobblestones and grates on the bridge and on the back half of the course. The final 2K there were some painful rocks I remember thinking felt like lava, but that was also the final mile of the race.

The finish: Finish line photos as you cross. Bananas, water and gatorade. Baja Brewing Company was on site handing out beers, which were delicious. Gear check was very easy in and out. The VIP tent was where it was at though. It was right on the finish line, across from the grandstand and stage, so perfect viewing/cheering opportunities.

Swag: The medal features the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas. The t-shirt is neon yellow technical shirt with a vertical race logo. Our group got hooked up with race packsacks in day-glo green or neon pink. There was also a cinch bag for everyone, and a handful of freebies at the expo like a lanyard or a pen. Not much at the expo. Some gear and additional race shirts or hats/visors for purchase.

Great experience with the VIP treatment, but with a small race I think you'd probably get something similar. You just won't get to hang with the Kenyans and Bart Yasso, sipping Veuve Cliquot. By the way, due to the smaller field, if you're speedy you're a likely candidate to hit the podium and get a magnum bottle of Veuve for yourself, in addition to some sponsor swag.