Registration- Registration was available online up until the Thursday before the race. Late registration could be done at packet pickup if it wasn’t sold out.

Swag- Registration included a technical race shirt, race themed wine glass and a finisher’s medal. The goody bag also came with a few samples and a calendar with scenes from the Salinas Valley. A free beer at the finish was also included with registration.

Bib pickup- Could be done at Farmer’s Market the Friday before the race or you could pick up your bib on race morning and the rest of the swag/goodie bag after the race.

Race morning- The race started at 8:00 and there was plenty of parking at the race site as well as plenty of port-a-potties. There was also a bag drop. Bib pickup went smoothly. An announcer was keeping everything upbeat as we were counting down the minutes to race start. It started on time.

Course- The race started at the Soledad Mission and ran north towards the town of Gonzalez finishing at Pessagno Winery. The course took you on back roads with various crops and vines for scenery. The crops were all identified with Salinas Valley Half signs as well as a variety of Steinbeck quotes posted throughout the course. There was even a hill called the "Beast of Eden". There were also 6 music stations at various points- ranging from DJ’s to live bands to Taiko Drummers. There was a bonus strawberry station around mile 10.2.

Elevation- Overall, I would call the course flattish- a few little rollers with one good climb right in the middle. FYI, the biggest climb is not the Beast of Eden. The finish line was also uphill. Normally it wouldn’t feel like a hill but 13 miles in, it felt rather large.

Finish- The finish line was well staffed with plenty of snack choices, bottled water and chocolate milk. There were recovery stations to stretch out and a medical tent if it was needed. Various wineries were there for tastings and BBQ was available for purchase. Picking up your goodie bag was quick and easy. Transportation back to the start for your car was offered and was also super simple.

One gripe- The race only had 5 water stations and the first one wasn’t until mile 3.3. I made sure to bring my own but this still didn’t see like enough for race in CA in August. I think it could have used at least one more aid station.

Overall, this was a great race and one I really enjoyed. I like running scenic roads and I loved all the extra touches that the race included. I wasn't feeling my best so I enjoyed taking my time and taking in all the race had to offer for runners. I took so many pictures and appreciated all the music stations. This is definitely a race that I will do again.