I first ran Plano Balloon HM in 2014. I enjoyed it so much that it will likely be one of my staple races every year!
I always like the racer back tech race shirt although I'm not always a fan of the color or design. It is a great shirt to workout in, though, and I'm always happy to add to my collection! The medal, on the other hand, is ALWAYS home run!! This year, the finisher's medal featured balloons that could actually spin within the medal.
The course is set in Plano, Texas and is sprinkled with some nice, but tough hills. The course winds through Bob Woodruff Park as well some stables. A good amount of the course is set next to empty fields, which allows for a great view of the rising balloons. Runners were stopping to take pictures of the balloons throughout the race.
The race is well organized and the decision by race personnel to split the 5K from the half marathon this year was a good decision. The result of this was a less crowded course and much easier parking prior to the race.
Aid station workers are good about communicating whether they are handing out water or sports drink (which isn't always the case, in my experience). Course monitors are encouraging and double as course cheerleaders.
There is a post-race breakfast offered for all participants, which I have heard is wonderful. (I wouldn't know, since I can't eat things like that immediately after a run!)
A drawback that is completely out of the hands of race organizers is the Texas heat, although 2015 was less hot than 2014.
My one suggestion for race organizers would be to have the bananas available near the finish line with the water station. I wandered around for a bit, but gave up looking for one. In this case, it didn't really matter as I was so nauseated from my pre-race activities that I doubt I would have eaten it anyway!
All in all, this is a fantastic and fun race!