Registration: Registration was super easy as it is for all Rock n' Roll events. Registration prices can vary greatly between $50-$99 online based on when you register. As it gets closer to the race online registration prices increase. It is possible to register onsite at the expo, but I believe it was almost $175+ to register for the half marathon.

Expo: The expo was a bit cozy. There were not a ton of vendors or merchandise to purchase. What was for sale was quality products and fun to look at, but I definitely missed the big Rock n' Roll expo feel. It was also held at the Javits Center in Manhattan, which can be a bit of a hike to get to, especially if you're staying in Brooklyn.

Swag: All runners received a short sleeved technical shirt that was navy this year. As with all Rock n' Roll races, the quality of the product is great. I was a bit sad to see that the shirt was the exact same design as other races from this year instead of something Brooklyn specific. But I guess it makes it a little easier? The medals, however did not disappoint! They are always superb!

Start Line: There was a wave start that I expected to take much longer than it actually did. I was in one of the last corrals and crossed the starting line 30 mins after the official start. This may seem like a bit of a wait, but I thought it went smoothly. There were also clearly marked pacers within the corrals which was nice to see. Sometimes I feel like I have to hunt to find the pacer I want to try and follow.

Course: My opinion on the course is a bit mixed. Running through Prospect Park was awesome and I felt there was good crowd energy. The first 3 miles were generally downhill, which played with my mind a bit because I kept thinking "I'm going so fast! Yippee!" and then had to remind myself that no, you're not. Slow down. Around mile 4.5 the course turned into an out and back stretch through a residential neighborhood that just seemed to drag on. I generally prefer looped courses to out and backs because I like to look at different things, but I was hoping that there would at least be interesting things to look at for this out and back. Unfortunately, there wasn't. The good news was that it was all flat until the very end (mile 9.5) which was much appreciated. And there were some fun marching bands along that stretch as well. Once you end the out and back and turn back into the Park there was a pretty nasty hill at mile 11 which I thought would never end. Once I finally crested the hill it was smooth sailing to the finish. There was awesome crowd support at the finish, which gave me an extra boost!

Aid Stations: There was an aid station every 1.5 miles (or so). They were well stocked with water at every station and Gatorade at every other station. There was 1 station at about mile 5.5 with blocks and gels. The volunteers at the stations were so wonderful and encouraging.

Other: I was super lucky and was able to stay with my friend who lives a mile from the park. However, parking and the MTA were a bit challenging for people. Some of the subway lines were closed around the park which increased the walk to the start line for people. I also heard it was almost impossible to find a parking spot near the start line unless you used "spot hero" to reserve it ahead of time. This obviously isn't the races fault, but something worth noting.