Bittersweet it is! This review will only serve as a "wish you had done it" race because sadly, Rock and Roll Marathon series decided they would not be returning to Raleigh in the future. I have been fortunate enough to run this race every year since it started 4 years ago, and this year felt like a swan song. The expo was small, but did have some quality vendors participating.

The course itself is very challenging, but it's that challenge that kept me coming back each year. This year they decided to change the course up a bit and advertised it would be less hills. Well let's just say, they lied. I personally thing it was the complete opposite and there were actually more hills this year. The whole race it felt like you were either going up a hill or down a hill. If you like to eat hills for breakfast, you definitely will get a healthy portion. While you are fighting through the hills you are treated to some great water stops. From people being dressed up like dinosaurs, to the senior citizen cheerleading squad, you were guaranteed to get a boost of energy to continue on. The race takes you through beautiful downtown Raleigh passed several museums and government buildings. The last 3 miles takes you through Dorethea Dix park and finishes with 1 last uphill climb. R n R will be missed in Raleigh, if you didn't get a chance to run it, you missed out.