This was my first time running at VA Beach and it was a lot of fun. The course is mostly flat except for the bridges at Rudee Inlet and you get get to run through Camp Pendleton. The finish is along the Boardwalk right at the beach and is one of the better finishes I've crossed.

I arrived Saturday and went straight to the expo. It was at the Convention Center which is located at the exit from the main road into the Beach area. The expo was standard for a Rock n Roll event. You walk in get your number and shirt then go into the Brooks/Rock n Roll merch area. Here you can get decked out head to toe in new gear or pick up and extra souvenir if you want. The rest of the expo was okay, a bunch of vendors carrying everything from CBD to beef jerky and everything in between, there were several empty spaces, so people didn't make it to set up or were just there Friday for the expo.

After the expo I went and set up my tent at the North Bay Shore Campground and did some kayaking in the Back Bay. Then off to dinner. The great thing about VA Beach is you can find just about anything you want to eat. I went with pizza, always a good choice and did some t shirt shopping at a local surfshop.

Race day came quick with the start being moved up to 6:30 due to the expected heat, even then it was pretty hot. The race started on time and we were off. The first 4 miles are along the main beach roads then you cross the bridge and head South past the aquarium. After running through Camp you come back across the bridge and head to the Boardwalk to finish along the beach. The finish area was well spaced out with food and drink and photo spots every so often and a beer garden a blocked off section within walking distance to the ocean. It's great to stand in the cold salt water, it made my legs feel so good.

So next year is the 20th anniversary of the Rock n Roll VA Beach, I would recommend doing it, but book your room early, they fill up fast during Labor Day weekend.