This was my first year running the Platte River Half Marathon, and I was impressed! The week leading up to the race, there was an email sent out letting the runners know to check the website for final race instructions, which was a good reminder. They offered three different packet pick-up days (Friday or Saturday at Runner's Roost, Sunday at the race) and had representatives from Honey Stinger giving out samples. The process was simple and easy! The long-sleeved race t-shirt is nice, but for the spring, I'd prefer a t-shirt.

The day of the race, it was really easy to find parking. There were two bigger lots, but we chose a street spot that was only a block away so my boyfriend could drive over to the finish. He didn't have any trouble finding a spot within a couple blocks of the finish line, either. There were a ton of Port-a-Potties near the start line, so the bathroom line moved quickly.

The race started in five waves, which helped us get a bit spread out and it wasn't as packed as it usually is when you have 1500+ runners starting at once. The beginning of the course ran around town and then headed out to the Platte River Trail. It was a cool, cloudy day, so it was perfect racing temps!

The Platte River Trail has some dirt and gravel, but is mostly paved. There are some small uphill/downhills underneath roads, but overall it's mostly flat and scenic along the river. Around mile 12.5, there is quite a hill going up and over an overpass, but the perk is that you get to come downhill and then cruise around a corner to the finish line.

At the finish line, I got a big medal and *another* swag bag with a glass and a bottle opener. There was plenty of water and signage so I knew where to go to find the expo. It was a couple blocks down the road, but again, easy to find. At the expo were plenty of samples of nuun, Noosa yogurt, Skinny Pop popcorn, and a few others. There was beer and food as promised (hot dogs, burgers, mac & cheese). The expo was right next to the RTD station, which was the way back to the start line where most people parked, but as I mentioned above, my boyfriend picked me up, so I didn't experience that. Runners were supposed to be able to ride the RTD back for free.

Overall, this was a well-organized race, a lovely course at a great time of the year, and I highly recommend it!