This was my first half marathon in Arizona, and I was able to have some family come out to the event. The event is mostly flat along a main stretch of road, although there did seem to be a gradual incline at some spots, so be prepared to be a bit sore at the end.

Pros:
- Great pre-race communication and updates. Instructions on parking were easy, and the race organizers made sure we knew exactly where to go and when.

- AMAZING swag. The fleece lined zipper hoodie is really high quality and nothing like I've seen at races before.

- Cool medal

- While the water stations did not start until mile 2.5-2.9, after this they were constant for every 1.5-2 miles, which was refreshing.

- Post-race mimosas! Awesome!

Cons
- Not enough porta johns. We waited for over a half hour in line before the race to use the facilities, which resulted in us getting to the starting line a few minutes late.

- Post-race food: all we saw offered at the finish line was halves of bananas and halves of bagels. This race was a more expensive one, and after running a half marathon, I hoped for more than a 1/2 of a banana and a bagel. We had to leave the post-race event early to go grab food.

- The course scenery was nothing to write home about. You go straight for most of the race along a busy road, and you pass strip malls and houses. I had hoped for a little more variety, as the race seemed to drag on. Toward the end, you go through a park which was cool, but other than that, it was a pretty "meh" course.

Overall, I had a decent race experience and will continue to wear this sweatshirt!