This was my first half marathon back in 2013, and every year has been better and better. My plan is to complete the five year Big Bang Series, so I have one more year to go.

T-SHIRTS/SWAG - This race offers gorgeous, long-sleeve, gender specific tech shirts. The sizing can be a little wonky, but I've been able to make it work. Runners get a virtual goody bag with some great discounts and offers and a moon pie at the expo. Finishers will receive a lovely beach towel and one of the nicest medals ever. Heavy, beautiful ribbon, and paying homage to some of the great shuttles of our time.

AID STATIONS - The half marathon course is privy to a ton of official and unofficial aid stations. The officials have cheering volunteers from the race or different organizations, water, Gatorade, Gu, and a candy station for the marathoners. The unofficial? They have bacon, eggs, beer, bourbon, oranges, mimosas. It's really quite lovely.

COURSE SCENERY - The half marathon course is pretty much an out and back along the river. On one side, runners are treated to the the sun rising over the water (and yes, sometimes there are dolphins). On the other are some ridiculously gorgeous homes. There's always something to see.

EXPO QUALITY - We got to the expo on the later side this year, so I think things were breaking down a little. It seemed a bit smaller, and the only thing I really needed to get was some extra Gu. All the usual suspects were on hand for a race this size. I'm not much of a shopper, so nothing for me, really.

ELEVATION DIFFICULTY - The course is pretty flat. There are some minor rolling inclines that I usually don't feel, but because of my injured hip, I was more sensitive to them.

PARKING/ACCESS - Most years, we have taken the shuttle bus from the hotel to the start line because of the tenuous parking situation. Cocoa is not a huge town, and therefore doesn't have space to accommodate droves of cars. The race caps the number of runners to help manage this (as well as course crowding). The year we did park, we arrived at an even more ridiculously early hour than we would have with the bus, and it was tough just waiting around for something to happen.

RACE MANAGEMENT - Fabulous. This is an event that has lots of great amenities and perks. The course is well measured and marked and the half sells out quickly because there is a strict capacity. Gear check is easy and efficient. The race starts with a NASA style countdown on the big screen. Plenty of post race photos opps and entertainment. Runners can get coke/diet coke, beer, water, bananas, pizza, pancakes and eggs. And there is a ton for everyone. It's really nice to spread out in the little park at the finish line, enjoy the breeze off the water, and watch the marathoners come in.

It will be hard letting this one go after 2017, but it does fall on Thanksgiving weekend during a very busy time of year, and it might be time to try something else. We'll see :)