In 2014, I ran the inaugural Marina Bay Half Marathon, affectionately called "the Riveter," a la Rosie the Riveter. (Sadly, I did not get a run costume together in time.) It was a half I signed up for on a whim since I live very close by the half marathon course. It looks like there's actually a 5K and a 10K option too. Here's what my fuzzy memory recalls.

Perks:
- It's a pretty flat road race. Flat is always welcome when you're not sure you're really trained enough for 13.1 miles.
- It's a smaller race (it may have grown since I ran it) so great for Bay Area locals who want to explore their 'hood on foot.
- It starts and ends right around the Marina (right by Craneway Pavillion for you Bay Area Derby fans) so the course does take you around the water. If you like water, boats and the like, this is a good one for you.
- Decent course support. When I ran it in 2014, it was quite warm, so I do remember stopping and giving a guy some of my personal hydration because he was cramping up. I don't blame the race directors, since there were a decent number of stops on the course, but due to warmth their probably could have been one or two more added on.
- Good bling. I love me a good medal with a printed ribbon.
- I ran as part of a fundraising team for Coach Art. Why not run for an awesome local cause?

Bummers:
- The shirt is one of few race shirts I never wear, and I think that's mostly a personal issue. It has side panels that are black with the rest of the shirt being white. There's a full front graphic and sponsors all over the back. The shirt itself is of good quality, but a little busy for me, and I wear all the neon colors at once! Again, I think it's a personal issue.
- We had to go upstairs (inside one of the buildings) after the race to pick up our swag. I don't recall if you could pick it up before, but I definitely remember hobbling up the stairs with a number of other grumbling runners post-race to get my tee.
- Not much in terms of an expo. If there was one, it wasn't memorable.
- Parking was hard to come by if you didn't arrive early. There's a small lot, which I was lucky to park in, but otherwise it's street parking.

Overall, since it's basically in my backyard, this is an event I'd do again - flat, fast, a great training run and the bay breeze is always nice!