I loved everything about this race. This was the forth Rock n Roll brand race I have participated in and by far my favorite. Everything from the race communication to the expo (per my husband-I couldn't go to packet pickup due to work) to the actual race went smoothly.
I signed up for this race as a "confidence booster" before I started training for a half ironman, just to make sure I can run the 13.1 distance, so I went in without any expectations besides finishing. Check!
About the race:
1. I am the type of runner who reads every single race report I can find so I can learn about what race day may have in store for me. The one thing I was a bit nervous about was the hills. Well, I can tell you, it's not as hilly as I had read about. Yes, there is one giant hill around mile 5-6, but otherwise it's relatively flat. Maybe a couple of small hills here and there, but nothing significant or to be intimidated by.
2. Because it's a big race, I expected it to be crowded for a few miles into the start. The number of corrals and people (for the most part) lining up in the correct corral aided helping with that overcrowding. I think I was running around people for the first mile or so then it thinned out and I was able to stick with the 2:00 pacer for the duration of the race.
3. Weather. Oh DC weather, you can be so unpredictable. After a winter of spring-like weather (training runs in February in the 70s!!), the cold came back in time for race weekend. The RnR team sent out tips on running in the cold (like how to layer), which was great.
4. Back to the course. This half marathon course has fan support like no other I've been on. Streets were lined with spectators cheering, there were even some spectators through the quieter parts of the race like Rock Creek Parkway-which was gorgeous to run through.
5. Swag? Yes, a nice gender-specific tech t-shirt and a sweet medal (pictured).
So would I do this race again? 100% yes, when I decide to do a half marathon again.