This is my first race in the City of San Diego & I loved it! Starting with the expo, it was a little crazy and kind of a small room for everyone to stand in line and get their bibs. They had some good vendors, but again the area was a bit small. I am not someone who really looks forward to expos so I didn't mind the smallness of it all.
Onto the important stuff: race day! I raced the 5k which starts at 7am pretty close to where I live, so it was an easy short drive for me. They did have busses transport people to the start line which I thought was pretty cool. There weren't a lot of people that raced the 5k, maybe 1,000? It was very well organized. They had waves, which was nice. I don't know I have ever been to a 5k that had that. There was water right before mile 1 and a little after mile 2.
The first part of the race is up a slight hill, then flat, then ALL DOWNHILL! I didn't PR this race, but lots of people do. I actually placed in my AG, and I pretty much credit that to the downhill. Due to injury I wasn't able to train as I usually do, but still placed. Thank you downhill courses! ;) My favorite part of the race is when you get to Balboa Park. That is the top of the hill and you can see all the way into Downtown San Diego, and you could probably see the ocean, but I didn't notice that. I was too busy thinking I was going to die. Once at the bottom of the hill you round a corner and get to see the finish, at that point I think it was about 1/2 mile away.
Running down the streets of any city is super fun! There were finally some spectators cheering once we got downtown, other than that there weren't too many people out for the 5k, they were probably waiting for the half marathoners! As you run down the chute there is a huge screen across the finish line so you and everyone else can watch you finish. I was handed a medal and water and then met up with my bf to head home. I think there was some kind of post race celebration, which I didn't take part in because I had to go due to other obligations. Too bad though, because I wasn't there for the announcement of my AG win!!

Finally, I have to say this race is very well organized, the volunteers were awesome and it was a very scenic & fast course. I am looking forward to the half marathon next year!