I was in town for a conference and The Scottsdale Half Marathon happened to be the same weekend, I signed up for it a few weeks ago along with the 12Ks of Christmas. As long as you indicated on one (or both?) registrations that you were doing the Half Marathon on Sunday and the 12K of the 12Ks of Christmas the Saturday before (read the previous day), you got extra bling. Who doesn’t like extra medals??

Packet Pick up: Most of Friday and Saturday at The Runner’s Den running store, as well as race morning.

Distances: Half Marathon and 5K

Start Time: early start to the half marathon (630 AM) if you were going to finish over 3 hrs. Otherwise, 7 AM start for the half marathon and I think 7:45 AM or 8 AM for the 5K

Parking: I parked in the Convention Center Plaza which was close to the finish line. This worked out well for me since I had to bolt as soon as I crossed the finish to get back to my hotel that was close, showered and to the airport

The course: Started in one of the side streets just above Indian Trail Road. There were at least people who knew where they were going that I followed, since it was hard to put it on a map since it was more of a residential street. You went to Camelback Rd and Then to Scottsdale Rd through mile 5 before turning onto Double Tree Ranch Road for a mile. You went back the way you came only on Hayden road for a good 2.5 miles before being directed onto a bike path parallel to Hayden Road through mile 12. We were directed to Osborne Rd and then to some side streets to the Finish at the Civic Plaza. Overall a flat course, be aware though that a lot of this is on roads with traffic, though we were divided up from cars if that makes sense and plenty of police support

Aid Stations: at miles 2.5, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Kind of wish there were a few more earlier on the course

Swag: cool medal and a 1/4 zip long sleeved top. Do the 12ks of Christmas 12K yesterday? Don’t forget to pick up your extra medal in the post race area

Post race: Lots of vendors, mimosas and fun, which I couldn’t enjoy due to me needing to get to the airport

Overall, a good race. Flat for Phoenix/Scottsdale (Did the Craft Classic last year...HOLY HILLS for that race). If you’re in the area, a fun one to do!