This was my third year pacing for this wonderfully scenic race! Though I did not attend the expo, I heard they had a few locations for bib/packet pickup for a few days before race-day.
Parking is usually not a problem for pacers because we get there very early and find free street parking (and many meters do not charge on Sundays, or start charging after 10am).
With logistics aside, this year's half had wonderful weather again. Some clouds, cool 50's to start and somewhat into the 60's toward the end of the race.
The race has some hills, but it is mostly flat at the end and has a big downhill finish (on the sand). The most scenic part of the race is when we run alongside the cliffs at Wilder Ranch. Though it is scenic, it is also on a dirt path with some rocks and cracks in it, and it could get crowded. As a pacer, I just always remind people to announce that they are passing, and to (otherwise) stay toward the right side. The aid station at Wilder Ranch is the only one that got congested enough where we each had to stop cold to grab fluids. Otherwise, each of the aid stations were far apart enough to not have any issues. This course seems to be consistently short every year (around 13.0 or just above it), so I heard from a few friends who have PR'd on this course.
The shirt design and medal design were super cute this year!
Through the timing company, we were able to sign up for race alerts and get our official results texted and emailed to us right away. I really liked knowing my official time by the time I got back to the car.
Overall, I love the weather and the scenery of this race!