I freaking loved this race! This was my 6th half marathon, and I have to say, it was by FAR my favorite! I had just moved to the Missoula area from California 2 weeks before the race, so I knew I just HAD to run this. The expo was pretty well organized and easy to find. Registered at the expo, checked out a few booths, and then headed home. Living about an hour south of Missoula, I had to wake up around 3:30 thanks to the 6AM start time. The website said that all runners had to take the shuttles to the start, which were located at the University of Montana. Figuring out how to get to the shuttles was a little bit difficult and chaotic, but once I found them it was easy to get on, and a quick ride to the start line. Once I got to the start, I noticed a ton of people getting dropped off by their friends/family. Next time, I will definitely opt for that now that I know that is an option. The full and the half both started at the same time, at different locations. This was definitely the biggest race I've ever run, which made the start line festivities a blast! Gear drop off was quick, and there were a TON of porta potties. The race began running through the woods near a river, with two nice downhills, before flattening out for the rest of the race. This was by far the most beautiful course I've ever run! After several miles in the woods, the course moved into neighborhoods before finally finishing across a bridge downtown. BEST. RACE. FINISH. EVER. I literally felt like I was finishing the Boston Marathon. There were hundreds of people lining both sides of the bridge cheering SO loud. Throughout the entire course (particularly the last half through the neighborhoods), there were so many people sitting out on their porch cheering, spectating, and handing out water, oranges, gummy bears, pretzels, and even shots of booze and beer at one! So cool to see the community involvement! I could see my boyfriend waiting along the bridge at the finish, and meeting up with him after the race was super easy even though there were so many people. Picking up my gear after the race was also a breeze! I get nauseous if I eat right after running, so I got my post-race beer, walked around the party for a bit, and then went home with my huge, gorgeous medal hanging proudly around my neck. So glad I got to run this race, and can't wait to run it again next year!