Packet pickup: In the couple of days before, you can get your packet at a local running store. For others, race-day pickup is available. I arrived around 6 and the pickup was easy and seamless.

Race day, pre-race: Arrive early to park closest to packet pickup and the start, at the Rockville Metro. I arrived around 6 and the parking lot was almost full. It was about a .5 mile walk to the start from the Metro lot. There were plenty of porta-johns, and it was nice to warm up in the neighborhoods. Self-seeded corrals appeared to work well.

Course: The first part of the course runs along a highway in Rockville, Maryland. I personally love running on highways in races, so I loved it. Around mile 2.5 runners enter Rock Creek Park. The terrain is generally flat, with some slight rolling hills. Nothing too treacherous, it is just enough to keep your run interesting. The last two miles are uphill, which I only know due to my Garmin. It's so subtle, but it does get to you and slow you down a bit. Once you hit mile 13, you come out from under a bridge to a great, spectator-friendly finish. The energy was electric and carried me the rest of the way.

Finish area: Along with a medal, finishers are often gifted an extra "present". In 2016, it was a fleece blanket. The food spread was incredible and included eggs, pizza, pasta, and cookies. It was about a half a mile walk back to the subway, which provided a quick ride to Rockville and your car.

For $65, I would most definitely recommend this race. It's on the smaller side for this area, and is a great race put on by a local running club. The Brooks premium is high-quality and there are free race photos. It's definitely a PR friendly course, if you accept that there are some rolling hills and there are some more narrow places in the course where you may have to be strategic with passing others.