This year's RnRVB was held in the wake of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Hermine. The storm cause Saturday's race, the Mile in the Sand, to be canceled and altered many of the accompanying American Music Festival acts. Both the city and Competitor Group did the best they could in the face of torrential rains and gale force winds to put on a solid event. The half marathon was affected much more than the 5k as we were missing little more than some mile markers. Here are the details!

Expo/Packet Pick Up - There is no race day pick-up (except when there's a hurricane) so hitting the expo is a must. You must get your own packet and the lines move quickly. Next up is a swag bag and tech shirt. After that it's into the main expo with Official Gear, Brooks Run Happy Island and vendors galore giving everyone plenty to do. They do tend to get crowded at RnR events so going early is always a good idea if you can.

Overnight - The start is 3 blocks from my house so no overnight accommodations needed but there are lots available. On the holiday weekend hotels get pricey very quickly and often sell out even though they require multi-night stays. The bulk are within easy walking or warm up distance from the race's start and finish. The resort area features tons of restaurants, bars and fast food options with even more choices if you venture out to other areas.

Weather - This race is hot and humid. Like 85, sunny and 85% humidity. Except this year since Hermine was still kicking around it was 70, cloudy, 80% humid and 15-20mph winds.

Race Day Parking - This year passes were sold but it wasn't much of an issue with refunds offered to anyone who didn't want to travel in Hermine. With the convention center lots bearing the load right at the start line, other nearby lots including schools are open for business, too. Parking is not a big concern for this one if you have a plan and arrive at a reasonable time (not 6:50 for the 7am start).

Start - Things were toned down this year with Hermine throwing a wrench out there. Competitor Group did an awesome job making sure there was still music, a big start arch with plenty of Port-a-Potties and easy to find gear check.

Course - Fast and flat. Normally I'd say this is a PR course but watch out for wind. With 20+mph gusts lingering after the storm the headwind makes things tough especially when you hit the final straightaway on the unprotected boardwalk.

Finish - I was first female in the 5k and got to break the tape for the first time ever at this one. It was pretty cool and much appreciated since I've won others but never had tape pulled back out for me. Like the start, the finish festival and signage were pared way down after the storm. The big arch was there and bands were playing as you received your medal, water and snacks.

Party Time - Bands play all morning long while you enjoy complimentary beer on the beach (usually, we were inland this time. Thanks, Hermine). Sunday evening your race bib gets you into the headliner concert at the American Music Festival which typically features some good bands and is a nice reward.

Having run the half multiple times, I must say I liked the 5k just as much. Competitor Group did a fabulous job handling the nasty weather situation and I definitely recommend making a visit to Virginia Beach.