First time running the Seattle Half Marathon and I don't know where to go with this. I signed up a few months ago and still ended up paying $115 with processing fees for the half, which seemed like a steep price to pay (then again, it's Seattle, everything's more expensive on the West Side).

Expo: medium sized, which I was ok with. You had to get your bib first, which was in a separate room prior to going into the main expo site. Bib Pick up is separated by last name instead of assigning bib numbers (which can be really frustrating when you have to spell your last name for everything because people never spell it correctly unless they know you). Afterwards, you head to the main expo room for your shirt and goody bag. Decent amount of vendors there to choose from, which was good

Shirts: I was expecting more from Seattle. Essentially all the shirt says on it is Seattle marathon. No artwork, nothing celebrating the city and the material wasn't my favorite.

Start Times: Marathon Walk at 7:15, Half Marathon at 7:30, Half Marathon Walk at 7:45 and Full Marathon run at 815

Course: Starts at 5th and Harrison, outside Memorial Stadium and takes you through part of downtown before you you start along I 90 and into Sam Smith Park. You hit some of the running trails, which make things congested and difficult to get through. You run along Lake Washington for a few miles before looping around and heading through the Japanese Garden, Boren and Intersaxen Parks. From there, you turn and head back through South Lake Union and over to Lower Queen Anne and finish inside Memorial Stadium. The full and the half are together for parts, but there's at least two areas where you have to watch for splits. Also be ready for hills, it is Seattle after all. I was expecting hills, but I really struggled getting into a groove. Every time I thought I was hitting a stride, another decent size hill came around and slowed me down. Weather was rainy at least the first 8 miles in some capacity, but never a down pour. Definitely a scenic course for something that's in a major city. Mile markers were hard to find the first 2-3 miles, but generally were on port a potties. Good thinking, but there has to be a better way to make them visible. Also another downside was no timers on course that I could see at least.

Aid Stations: every few miles (I'd put it 1.5 to 2). Some really needed more volunteers as people were just going after whatever water or gatorade they could get their hands on. If they could be on both sides of the road, that'd be ideal and help things out.

Finish: in Memorial Stadium. You finish and get your medal and heat sheet if you want it. They direct you inside where all the food and referents are. That was a good idea so people aren't clogging up the finish and you can dry off before heading home or to hotels.

Overall, a decent race. Still trying to decide if I'd come back for it (I really hate hills personally so I struggled with this one). IT was more of a last training running for my upcoming full marathon in 2 weeks. Some people love it and do it every year. I wish they'd have some fun with the shirt and bib designs though. It's Seattle and I eellike there's some creativity that's not being tapped into