This was my first Rock 'n' Roll Seattle, and my second R'n'R race overall (Chicago was the other). As with Chicago, R'n'R just doesn't disappoint - great course, SWAG, and overall race management.

Seattle is a beautiful city and the race course takes full advantage. You start at the Space Needle, wind up and down some pretty big hills, along lots of waterfront, and across several bridges that provide awesome views of the city. Weather was sunny and 60s - just perfect (though would be warm if I was running the full or trying to PR).

Expo
The expo was at Century Link field, which was really nice. Very spacious, logical layout, and lots of exhibitors, easy to get to (parking was $20). Packet pick up was a breeze.

Race Day
I was lucky enough to be given a VIP tent pass, so I got to drop off my bag and warm up at the lounge overlooking the finisher area. Obviously this was a very nice treat before the race, with private porto potties, food, coffee/juice etc. More on the VIP tent and post race amenities below.

Race
The starting area was well organized and the race started right on time, with the Space Needle serving as "The Worlds Largest Starter Pistol" (meaning they shot fireworks off the SN to start the race, which was pretty cool. Aid stations were all well organized, with paper cups and Gatorade before water at each station (as it should be!). Great volunteers.

One of the coolest parts of the race was a full mile takeover by a group called Wear Blue: Run to Remember. They had pictures of fallen US military personnel, and people holding large American flags lining the course for a mile. The visual was very moving and extremely cool. Loved it.

The course is hilly, but it's not crazy. There is a large hill at the end of the course that's pretty tough - otherwise the hills are manageable.

Finish line was great - always solid finisher treats (including a new chocolate milk product called RE-fuel, by Darigold). Only thing is that I wish they gave you a bag so you don't have to struggle to carry a lot of the stuff they are handing out.

Post Race - VIP tent
The VIP area for post race was just awesome. Being able to pick up my bag at the VIP area was really nice - no wait, no hassle. They had tons of food (incl two types of breakfast burritos), massages (!), pastas, deserts, and free Michelob Ultra and mimosas. Plus lots of seating and tables which made it easy to relax and eat after the race.

Jess and I sat with three delightful ladies [Nikki Scott (@ndscottnygren) http://slownewfast.com/, Jackie (@Jacki_66) http://1happypace.com/, and Sarah Arsenault (@Wyers31)] and had so much fun chatting with them about the race and running scene in Vancouver (where they are from).

Normally the VIP tent is $80, which might sound like a lot, but Nikki made a great point that with parking (included w/ VIP), massages, pre race food, post race food, post race drinks, and private gear check/porto potties - you really do get a lot.

Overall, I had a fantastic race experience and would totally run this race again. It'd be a tough race to PR, but I'd stilly highly recommend.

*Full disclosure: I received a free race entry and VIP tent access, though all opinions are my own.