Reader's Digest Version: hometown race through my alma mater. One serious hill in the last five miles, but what a finish!

Expo: parking is tricky at the McKimmon Center (esp on a Friday afternoon). But otherwise, lots of vendors, very organized pick-up process regardless of which race you're doing.

Course: It's not bad, really. Raleigh is a hilly area, so I'm used to it. But since House Creek Hill is mile 20-22, then I give it 4/5 on difficulty. The finish chute is one mile downhill, and Hillsborough Street never felt sweeter!

T-shirts/Swag: THIS MEDAL, THOUGH. The marathon medal is glitter. It spins. It's like, five pounds. I adore it.

Aid stations: the placement of aid stations is excellent, with lots of options. Only thing is, I hate Gu and Gatorade, but there was plenty of that and water.

Parking/access: park at the Coliseum deck @ NC State. It's convenient, never full, and no cost. It's an easy quarter-mile walk to the start.