So I conned my buddy and another friend into running this event. I was really excited to run it once I learned about it last year, and I even became an ambassador for the event. The elevation profile made me soooo happy- it's a downhill event!

I registered to volunteer, and so I headed out Friday evening to the far east side (I'm waaaaay west) to volunteer and get my packet. The expo was lively, and some pretty popular vendors were there (several giveaways like socks, muscle milk, etc). Pick up was easy and the volunteers were working extra hard.
I live on the far west side, so I picked up my nephew at 4am, and off we went. Parking was easy, we essentially parked in a Walmart center, where there were plenty of volunteers telling us where to go. I was running the full, so I had to board one set of buses, and after making sure he was safe and ready, sent him to the half marathon buses.

We didn't have to wait, we boarded our respective buses immediately, and were off. I had a much longer ride... and after we reached the summit of the course, I got off the bus (we were invited to stay on and stay warm). I was so surprised by what I found when I got off... port-a-johns like crazy, and HEATERS... the propane kinds... and scored of them. Plus, there were fire pits... it wasn't hard to stay warm even though it was 33 degrees out.

After a bit of hype, they played the national anthem (maybe the only thing I would change about the start... I love a live singer). Then, there were fire works! And, instead of having scheduled corral releases, they just kind of get you going... which makes sense since there are so many of us, and we are all staggered by the heaters... you can go from heater to runner and not have to get cold.

Minutes after we start, we are treated to a stunning sun rise to our left as we head south out of mountains. There is a nice view of the east valley in front of us, and before long, the first mile is done. After the course gets out of the mountains, it hits some residences around mile 6 (this is also the only hill to mention). We continue on, and I want to give a shout out to mile 9... where a local Stu Co (Red Mountain) made signs that went for an entire mile... and their students were all dressed up and energized for us!

The rest of the course is not exceptionally stunning, but it is flat or downhill, and many people PR here. When you reach the finish, holy wow... the best finish line I have seen. Kneaders was grilling up sandwiches for us, Muscle Milk was handing out goodies, as was Dole, and several others.

It took my about 5.5 hours to finish and then get my goodies. I made it to my car, and then experienced most people's complaint... getting out of a busy parking lot mid day on a Saturday was rough. Earlier finishers mentioned about an hour, but being a slower runner, it took my about 25 minutes. I'm not really sure how the logistics could be different, so just be ready to be patient... enjoy your food and drink in your car as you exit the lot and be okay with the experience.

I am looking to earn all the connecting medals, which culminate in 2020, so I really can't wait for next year. I recommend this for anyone running their first marathon, as the elevation is very friendly!