This was my first half marathon race and first race longer than a 5k ever so I was not quite sure what to expect. In hindsight it was a pretty good overall first race experience. I purposefully chose a smaller race to not feel overwhelmed and to get out of the city. The course is a loop that goes through Batavia including a brief run through the downtown area, primarily in the neighborhoods adjacent to the Fox River and along the river path. Because of the location along the river, there are some hills, particularly one right at the start. During the last mile, you can tell you’re getting closer to the finish because of the loud music and the announcer call off finishers names. Post race there were plenty of snacks and beverages to consume if you decided to stay after. Race management communicated plenty by email prior to and after the event. The participants seemed very relaxed like they were just going to get their long run in for the week.

What I liked:
Feels like all the neighbors are coming out the cheer for you on your daily run and are even okay with you running through their sprinkler.
Well organized, high energy, relaxed race.
Shady course for hot summer morning

What I disliked:
I was not too familiar with the area and did not always understand where I was going as the course meandered through Batavia.
Not a closed course on the road, so Grandma heading to Church on Sunday morning is very confused as to why there are hundreds of people running down her street and won’t get out of the way. At the start, car drivers seemed confused too, with someone driving through the crowd and grazing runners as they went.

Price:
I paid $80 after online fees. I now know there is plenty of early bird pricing prior to the event (I want to say it was $65 to register right after the race for the following year).