OK, so I was one of those people who got stuck in the security line for over an hour. The race started before I could reach the corrals. That killed my chance at the time I was hoping for, because I was weaving through packs of slower runners for the first six miles or so. However, everything after that fiasco was impecably well-organized, as you'd expect from the Marines (the security snafu was apparently caused by metal detectors malfunctioning in the rain). Packet pickup was a breeze. Aparently people were waiting in line for up to 2 hours to purchase items at the expo, but that's what happens when you get 25,000 people running a race. The bag drop was pefect and every water stop was well organized.

I live in town and this was my second time running this race. The course is wonderful, especially running past the monuments. The crowds are incredible, especially along the National Mall. The Blue Mile and the finish, lined with Marines leading up to the Marine Corps War Memorial, give me chills.

A couple of notes, also included in my 2012 review: This is a tough race to PR; not because of the course, which is fast and fairly flat after you cross Key Bridge into DC at around mile 5, but because there are 25,000 runners and the race allows self-seeding at the start. That means people who vastly over-estimate their abilities and those who want a few extra minutes to beat the bridge will place themselves too far forward in the start corrals. You'll be dodging them for the first few miles. Also, while the crowds are amazing, if you're a runner who needs the constant motivation of cheering crowds, be prepared for some crowd-free stretches: Hains Point (roughly miles 11-15) is four miles of very thin crowds (although the Blue Mile is here - the most moving, emotional, and inspirational stretch of any race I've ever seen), and the 14th Street Bridge (roughly miles 20-22) is spectator-free. Also, when you leave Crystal City and run around the back of the Pentagon, the spectators are sparse until you reach the roaring crowd at the finish line.

I love this race.

MM#8012