The expo is next to Century Link Field in downtown. However, that means parking is very difficult. I showed up on Friday and got my bibs for the 5k and the Marathon. Once I found parking, it was super easy to get everything I needed. I wanted to make a purchase, and as a tour pass holder, one is supposed to get faster access to the checkout, but i stood there waiting to be called on for almost 10 minutes with no one else in the tour pass line. Not a big deal, but its one of the perks promised by the loyalty program and it didn't deliver on this day.

The marathon course began at UW stadium, and parking was not too difficult. It was a speedy and flat course, cloudy and green, but no rain. After the split for the half, the course along the park is just beautiful. After a loop around the park, one meets up again with the half course at about marathon mile 13, and half mile 7. The course heads downtown and actually passes the finish before making an out and back along the freeway for about six miles.

There's not much support along those miles, but there is some neat scenery of downtown structures, ocean views, and greenery.

At the finish, one can gather their swag and finisher's jacket fairly quickly, and then decide how to get back to the start line. Many took the train, however I chose Uber because it is a short ride and I didn't have the legs to wait on the train and walk.

Bottom line, it's a 21-hour drive there, but I love the city and I love the race. I will be back.