I've run this race twice, and had a good experience both times. My biggest anxiety with driving into JC was parking - and this race directs you right to a well-located parking deck! Not sure if this changes if you get there much later, but both times I had no problem getting a spot. Then, you walk a couple blocks over to get your shirt/bib. This race is very flat (one tiny on-ramp, thats it) but has lots of turns. The scenery only gets good toward the end - miles 4-6ish. At the beginning it feels very industrial. Good sized crowds for the race, but not overcrowded. You finish right at the waterfront and there are lots of snacks, and if you hang around long enough, really great raffles. However, the tshirts are boring in design/color and there is no medal! I'd take a medal over a t-shirt any day.