Expo: The venue was quite nice and easy to access (Ottawa Convention Centre) in downtown Ottawa. The bib and T-shirt pick up was quite organized, with big signs everywhere to direct you to the right line and section. The kiosks were plentiful and varied, but the highlight of the pre-race day was the free guided bus tour of the marathon route. That being said, it was also a sobering ride and it hit me as to HOW FAR I was planning on running!

Race Day: Race day was glorious – perfect weather for a run. The coral method was quite organized, and before I knew it, I was off! The course itself was scenic – the canal and Parliament Buildings were only a couple of highlights along the route. The water stations were plentiful, and the crowds and volunteering were such an inspiration. It's clear Ottawa is a city of runners (and their supporters).

Post Run: I admit I was hurting by the end of the race, so it is still hard to remember the exact details. I remember being disappointed with the post race food – bland bagels, yogurt and bananas. But it’s the medal that is the highlight.

Overall: A great experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for the big marathon experience.

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