This smaller, early spring season race started in 2011 and funds go to support local homes and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. There are half marathon, 5 mile (8KM), and 1KM fun run options available and the event is family friendly.

I was a little hesitant to sign up because you never really know what you're going to get with Calgary weather, especially in March. But, I had started training for my first marathon and this distance fit well with the training plan (for the Calgary races at the end of May). Sign up was easy online and package pick-up was a breeze out of an office downtown. Although there is no expo, the swag is actually pretty good - 2016 came with an awesome long sleeve shirt, a "buff", and extra goodies.

The race doesn't start too early (10:00 am) and is easily accessible through downtown Calgary. Parking shouldn't be too bad, but I took transit and that was easy taking the C-Train. The start line is next to Calgary's Eau Claire Market shops, so there's access to food/coffee before as well as the indoor washrooms. Because this race isn't too large, the lines aren't long, but the atmosphere all around is still fun.

The course mostly travels along Calgary's Bow River Pathway, which brings nice river scenery but also a cool breeze off the water. I'm sort of a middle of the pack runner, so there was about 4K of the race that I was running alone and I kind of thought I got lost. No crowds around and for some reason, no other runners near my pace either. That's my only minor complaint, but I was also adjusting to smaller races after living in Toronto so I know that affected me a little bit. Course is relatively flat as well, so that's nice - especially if you're going for a PB. There is a small crowd/aid station at the turnaround point and then you cruise back to the finish line along the opposite side of the river pathways.

The finish line is fun, lots of support and cheering there! You also get a cute medal for the Half, so that's a plus. Overall, I enjoyed this race and it helped as a long training run on my way to the Calgary Full.

Pros
- Easy sign up, you can raise funds if you choose
- Great atmosphere for a smaller race
- Cool swag
- Mostly flat route
- Great training run if you're in the middle of your plan
- Indoor washroom options
- Post race food options & coffee, there may have been pancakes but I'm gluten free so I didn't have any

Cons
- Route a little quiet for me, but others may like this
- Plan for the Calgary weather (2016 happened to be quite nice, so this was a bonus)