Claimed to be the "Prettiest Half Marathon", Run the Bluegrass does not disappoint! Great location, support, scenery, and post race festival, one would be hard-pressed to find something they do not enjoy about this race!

SWAG - I thought the swag could be better but was still nice even if it was different. I am simple, I really enjoy a new tech short or long sleeve shirt to sport while I'm running local or participating in another race to show where I've been and what I have accomplished. Run the Bluegrass gave us a cotton lightweight hoodie which is really nice but most would probably agree with me, cotton and running rarely mix well.

Aid Stations - Aid stations were every 2-2.5 miles which is further between then most races I have been a part of but worked out well! Each station had water and Sword, a sports drink that sponsored the race and was pretty good! I only recall 2-3 medical tents. Biggest thing I do not recall seeing was a Gu or nutrition station but that could of been supplemented by Sword (Similar to Tailwind maybe? Need to research more.).

Course Scenery - The Prettiest Half Marathon did not disappoint! The entire race was in rural horse country. You start and finish at Keeneland which is best known for holding the largest thoroughbred auction and also held the 2015 Breeder's Cup. From Keeneland you run country roads passing maybe 15-20 horse farms before circling back to the start/finish.

Expo - Great expo with all race sponsors, future race information tables, and local run shops. If you need last minute items for the race or a unique run item you have had your eye on for sometime, you should not have a problem finding it at the Expo. Post race festival is great too! Papa John's offers free Pizza, a local brewery offers free beer, and Thornton's gas station has free bourbon glazed donuts and that is with the typical fruits, chocolate milk, and carbs offered at post race events.

Elevation Difficulty - Very hilly! The course is up and down from start to finish with little to no flat areas. Over the entire length of the course, I gained almost 900 ft according to my Garmin.

Parking/Access - Extremely easy to find as Keeneland is well known in Lexington and across the street from the airport. Because of Keeneland's size, parking is extremely easy and you are directed by area police. Most importantly, parking is free!

Race Management - Very helpful by communicating via Facebook and email with all information one would need to know before race day. Also, they want to ensure your race weekend is more then just a run. They understand that many runners are from out of town and they offer guided tours for many attractions in the Lexington area such as horse farms, distillery and brewery tours, and course tours. Just FYI, these tours are extra and no part of the race package but only available to runners and support crews.

I would definitely recommend this race to others. This was my first race in the state of Kentucky and not my last but has definitely set the bar high for future Kentucky events.