Overall the half is a good race to run if you want to see a lot of Montreal in a short period of time (while being cheered on by thousands of strangers).

The race starts on the island of Parc Jean Drapeau which is easily accessible by metro. You also get a free metro pass at the expo so use it!

The temperatures are usually perfect (except this year the full was cancelled due to extreme heat) but the management executed perfectly as a lot of people would have needed medical attention should the full have continued. They also opened up many fire hydrants along the course to run through which was a brilliant idea (but not so good for chaffing).

Aid stations are well stocked and usually efficient plus the Rock n Roll music stages are great fun! Lots of people smiling and dancing. Rock n Roll races spoiled me a bit for other runs ;)

Scenery for the half is excellent but the full becomes a bit boring as it just extends out into the plateau of Montreal and comes back the same way.

Expo is usually great and quite organized. Long lines to get in but they allow people to enter in waves so its not overly crowded while shopping.

In terms of elevation, it's mostly flat with some downhills, one small uphill in the old port and at about 19km into the race you have to go up the Berri hill (which is torture at that point). Many people walk it or yack at the top if they push but there are also massive cheer squads on this hill so keep going!

Post-race celebrations are great with lots of free stuff (thank you, McCafes, for keeping me alive) and of course a nice cold beer!