Expo:
The expo was fantastic... there were the usual vendors for Rock N Roll events, but there were also new ones I hadn't seen before. Several samples of products were being distributed, and there was a definite vibe and buzz in the atmosphere. It was really difficult to find parking on Friday, but COPA was happening and it caused unexpected traffic near the stadium. After about 30 minutes of driving around, we got a spot and made our way with relative ease.

Pre-Race parking
The event gave the option of parking at the finish and a shuttle ride to the start for $20. This is a pretty good deal compared to parking prices in the Seattle area. However, I had planned to do some walking around after the race at Pike Place and other nearby sites, so I chose to park at Pike Place public parking. The price was $30 for the day... pretty high, but it was surge pricing due to the events. It sits equidistant from start and finish lines at about a mile each way. There was next to no one there when we arrived at 6:15am

Race
The start took place below the Space Needle, and rain was projected in the forecast. However, while it was cloudy, no rain was happening and it was a nice 50 degrees. For whatever reason, the race was delayed about 15 minutes, but they did inform us it would be delayed upon arrival. There were no port a potties anywhere along the corrals, so those of us near the back would need to make a pretty good trek if needing to use one.

Once the race started, the first 5k was terrific. From the urban landscape, one goes to the coastline and gets great views of the pier (and also the construction of the new tunnel). Those 5k don't require much energy, and there are great places to stop and take a picture if you are into enjoy the course rather than pushing for a PR.

The next 5k takes you back across the city with a couple of short, but steep hills. There were plenty of cheerleaders from the local HS out to celebrate everyone running the event. It's not long, and the 8k team is turning towards the finish, while the rest of us head out towards Lake Washington.

There are so many terrific things to see along the lake shore, including birds swooping in to grab a fish for their morning meal. I had to stop and take a few pictures of one I saw. It's not something we get in Az, so it was a must for me.

Eventually, the marathoners and half marathoners separate (they rejoin later). Marathoners go out and back across the floating bridge for a couple of miles... there is a tunnel in there with a huge angle... probable around 35 degrees. For me, I wasn't ready for this, and it did cause a pull on my hamstring. However, this was also about mile 20, so fatigue also played a part. Many people conquered it with no problem, so I think my slight injury had more to do with conditioning and fatigue.

After coming back from the bridge, one enters the freeway (and sees some questionable objects discarded along the freeway, but made for good pictures). It's a struggle here getting up the hills (this is mile 23), but, the view from the top is just awesome! As you reach the peak, there is greenery and water to the left, the port working hard to bring in cargo, and the downtown area, complete with stadiums and the space needle to the right. Again, I had to stop for pictures because this isn't something one normally gets to see from this perspective.

Finally, you come down from the freeway, a steep downhill will test what is left of your quads if you open your stride here. After coming down the hill, it's just a couple of turns until you reach the finish, with plenty of people waiting to give you high fives (and I say this as one of the last to finish).

Overall
I drove 1,500 miles from Phoenix for this event (and saw some national parks along the way), and I can't wait to do this again next year. I loved the weather (even the drizzle along the lake), the people, they markets with amazing produce. It would be even better if this could be a remix opportunity, as I wouldn't mind racing two days in the city.