Packet Pickup: Super quick, no line. Easy to navigate the expo hall - registration/pick up on the first floor, expo on the 3rd.

Location/Scenery: Having the start, finish, and expo right around the Steel Stacks in Bethlehem is really cool and makes for great pictures. I didn't explore too much into downtown Bethlehem, but there are a ton of coffee shops and restaurants to choose from, along with a lot of host hotels in the area.

Expo: For some reason I always have expected this to be a large expo but it's pretty small. There are approximately 15 vendors and they range from Lululemon to The Vitamin Shoppe to the local running store Aardvark to Blue Diamond Dog Food. I was happy to see a local vendor selling screen printed t-shirts, but wish there was more of that. I was also disappointed that Runner's World didn't have a booth set up - last year they offered swag and books for purchase, which was a nice touch after seeing their products represented in the magazine.

Course: This course has hills. So many hills. They say that there aren't any hills after mile 7 but I remembered there were several steep inclines after that which I would still classify as a steep incline :) There are a lot of nice cheering spots with a ton of people, but some stretches through residential areas where not too many people come out.

T-Shirt/Swag: As a half marathon participant I only received a shirt, so I can't speak to the other swag items for the 5k, 10k, and Trail Run. This year the t-shirt was cotton instead of a tech shirt. At first I was surprised, but after feeling the material I no longer cared... that shirt is so, so soft and cozy - not a gross cotton t-shirt that I'd never wear again. I wore it all day post-race!

Overall: This is a fun race with a lot of friendly, celebratory runners who are having a good time. It's not overly competitive, there aren't assigned corrals, and the hills don't attract a ton of PR-chasers. I really enjoy the camaraderie of it all, but did wish that the expo and seminars had different offerings. Love the shirt this year, great medal, and well-organized. Easy parking in town and in the lots near the race start/finish. My only 'complaint' was that I definitely missed having Bart Yasso MC the weekend - I did feel like there was a stronger Altra (presenting sponsor) presence at times as opposed to Runner's World. Overall, I highly recommend it for beginner's and seasoned runners alike. See you next year, Bethlehem!