Recap + Things I liked:
I signed up online the Wednesday before with a discount code. I paid $75 for the marathon. Not too bad. The price started at $18.00 for the first certain amount of registrants in December. People could register at packet pick up Friday and Saturday as well as race day morning.

Packet pickup was at a hotel, it was easy. Received my bib, shirt and sticker. There was a vendor selling medal holders. Runners could also pick up packets race morning. I'm weird and I don't like to do that.
Inside the packet were flyers, window cling, allergy medicine (interesting & it is expired) and a first aid kit with wet wipes and bandaids, Which is actually handy. T-shirt is LIME GREEN so it's nice to have a fun bright color.

I stayed at the SleepInn in Rockford, it was cheap and convenient. I wouldn't stay there again, but it's not terrible.

Race access was so easy from my hotel. I don't think there were any closer hotels. All of them were about 15 minutes away. Parking was easy, a few lots right next to the start / finish.

Gear check was easy pre and post race. A guy working it gave me a plastic bag to use for warmth. You could bring your own bag which is always nice.

Roads were blocked off to traffic / there were police officers directing traffic. For the most part they were good. Cops were cheering on runners which was awesome!

**note** I'm not sure if it was the cop or the driver being a jerk but I almost got hit, I was not happy.

Aid stations were actually pretty well staffed. The volunteers looked like they were having a blast. Everyone was cheering and encouraging. Gatorade and water were usually on opposite sides. Volunteers let everyone know where to get what. For the same sides cups were different and volunteers spaced out.

Course for the marathon was a double loop, which wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Half and full runners were given directions to the split. There was a 10k that started at 7am. Half and full started at 6am.10K shared the last 3.2 miles with half and full runners. Race started close to on time. They delayed start by 2 minutes because someone burned half of the port-o-potties, I assume the night before. Which isn't the race's fault.

Elevation was challenging for me in parts. I'm not comfortable on downhills yet and there are at least 3 big climbs. Up hill to mile 26 and the last .2 was a downhill sprint. Me being picky, it would be nice to have some sort of carpeting on the train tracks. That made me nervous.

Wind came from all directions today, especially on the hills. Thankfully we got a break (for the most part) from 21-26.2 and 8-13 (obviously not the race's fault) Started to get hot near the end, if the weather is hot, there is little to no shade. Something to be aware of.

Gels around mile 6/18 Clif & Gu

Top 3 age group winners received a pint glass, how fun!! I was so excited to earn one. Runners could look up results and print on a receipt printer right away.

Medals for all distances was different, same with the colors of the bibs.

What Could Be Improved:
-The cups for water/ gatorade were weird. They were tiny and hard to pinch. There were a few stations with normal cups. I didn't take gatorade but it was orange, I wish races would put what flavor they will use for the race on their website. I've never had orange so I didn't want to chance it.
-No one was taking pictures, I don't usually buy them, but I like looking at them and looking at my form.
-No heat sheets post race
-Food was banana, water bottle, apple, bagel cut in slices, cups of orange gatorade. No food on course.
-No post race stretching. I needed medical stretching / possible attention because I wasn't sure what was going on. There was one guy stretching.

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